I3@USD-Fall 2025

I n 2013, electrical engineering alumnus Dr. Ricardo Valerdi ’00 had a radical idea: what if we used the universal language of sports to teach kids math? A professor of systems and industrial engineering at the University of Arizona, Valerdi noticed that many primary- and middle school students found math to be disconnected from their lives. He believed that if young learners could see how math applied to something they loved, like sports, they might become excited to learn it. This led him to found Science of Sport, a nonprofit dedicated to using athletics to promote STEM education. Initially, the program started as a one-day camp in Arizona focused on understanding the statistics on baseball cards. It quickly grew in popularity, captivating students and gaining the attention of parents and teachers. Through a USD connection, Valerdi was introduced to Ballard Smith, former president of the San Diego Padres. Smith recognized the program's potential and helped establish a partnership with the Padres and Major League Baseball (MLB). Smith was so impressed with the program's model that he became Science of Sport's first executive director. “I spent many years of my life around professional sports, but what drew me to Science of Sport was the chance to use that world to make a real difference in kids’ lives. When I saw how the program could turn math anxiety into excitement — how it could shift a child’s entire relationship with learning — I knew I had to be a part of it,” Smith says.

Toreros Who BROKE THE MOLD

By Elisa Lurkis U niversity of San Diego and impact. Our graduates are applying their education to create meaningful alumni are driven by a shared commitment to innovation change across diverse fields. From leveraging the power of sports to making STEM education engaging for young students, to using cutting-edge data to revolutionize patient care, and even blending a career in technology with the creative pursuit of music, meet three inspirational Toreros who demonstrate that a USD education is a launchpad for purpose-driven careers. Their journeys showcase a common thread: the ability to source personal and professional success through authenticity and passion.

The Science of Sport

The organization's success continued to grow, expanding from a single camp into a national movement. Today, 12 of the 30 MLB teams incorporate the Science of Sport curriculum into local schools and player development academies. The program has also extended beyond baseball, with partnerships including NFL teams like the Eagles, NBA teams like the Knicks and NHL teams such as the Kings. The program's goal is not to produce professional athletes, but to fundamentally change how young students understand and experience math. The curriculum demonstrates how concepts like algebra, statistics and geometry are essential for sports performance — from calculating batting averages to understanding shot trajectories. By rooting abstract concepts in the excitement of sports, Science of Sport helps students see themselves as capable learners.

“These aren’t just math problems,” says Valerdi. “These are opportunities to see the world through a different lens. This new perspective is intended for kids to see math come to life.” The results have been significant. To date, more than 600,000 students have participated in Science of Sport programs and the organization continues to expand to new cities across the U.S. In addition to its youth programs, Science of Sport provides free professional development for teachers at MLB ballparks. These sessions equip educators with the tools to connect STEM concepts to sports, helping them to teach more effectively and creatively. More than a decade in, Science of Sport continues its mission to make math both relatable and fun. For Ricardo Valerdi, the initiative is about more than numbers; it's about changing narratives — one student and one game at a time.

USD ENGINEERING 10

11 IMAGINE•INNOVATE•INSPIRE