Visiting Sci & Math Alumni Lecture — Behind the Data: My Journey from Morris to Professional Sports

Connor Jo Lewis
Mathematics & Statistics, BA, UMM (2015)
Biostatistics, MS, UMN SPH (2017)

Connor Jo Lewis is a Senior Data Scientist whose career combines applied statistics, athletics, and leadership. A graduate of the University of Minnesota Morris, Connor earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Statistics before completing a master’s degree in Biostatistics at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. Her time at Morris built the analytical foundation and problem-solving mindset that continue to shape her work today.

Professionally, Connor has applied data science across multiple industries, including clinical trials, life insurance, and trucking logistics, before transitioning into sports analytics. Her work has included developing machine learning models for predictive sports content, analytically scouting NFL and NCAA football players, and helping build the foundation of a sport-specific AI chatbot. Currently a data scientist at SumerSports, Connor combines her lifelong passion for football with her technical skill set to support teams in player evaluation and roster building, while also creating tracking-data-based content for the general public.

Alongside her data science career, Connor has remained deeply involved in athletics. A former All-American with the MN Vixen, she transitioned into coaching in 2020 and is now in her third year as Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, leading a team consistently ranked third or higher in the nation. In 2022, she was selected for the NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowship, spending training camp with the Baltimore Ravens as a coach, splitting her time between Tight Ends and analytics. She also plays Australian Rules Football as a member of the U.S. National Team and is a two-time national champion with the MN Freeze.

Presentation will be held in the Science Auditorium (Sci 2950) with a reception to follow in the Science Atrium