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At YSSI, our team is a dynamic group of changemakers who believe in the power of sports and science to transform lives. From program managers and data strategists to community connectors, each member brings unique expertise and passion to create opportunities for youth. Together, we design experiences that merge athletic performance, technology, and education—building a future where every student can thrive on and off the field.
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Noma Shields is the Founder and CEO of the Youth Sports Science Institute (YSSI), a Chicago-based nonprofit advancing innovative education at the intersection of youth sports, data, and emerging technology. Through YSSI, Noma leads the design of immersive, gamified learning experiences that use sport as a powerful entry point to STEM education, analytics, and future-ready career pathways.
With a background as a boxing trainer and youth martial arts instructor, Noma witnessed firsthand how many young people are forced to choose between athletic participation and academic success. That lived experience became the foundation for YSSI’s original programming, The Sweet Science of Boxing, which integrates kinesiology, performance analytics, and data literacy to help students understand the science behind sport. As the organization grew, YSSI expanded into multi-sport and technology-enabled programming through partnerships with organizations such as the University of Chicago Data Science Institute, After School Matters, and other civic and educational institutions.
Noma holds a B.A. in Sociology from Grinnell College and is a recipient of the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. Through the fellowship, she conducted international research on housing displacement and social cohesion in Hungary, India, and South Africa—work that continues to inform YSSI’s equity-centered approach to education, workforce development, and community-based innovation.
Henry Evenson is a Program Manager at Youth Sports Science Institute (YSSI), where he leads initiatives that integrate sports, technology, and education to empower youth through data-driven performance and personal development.
Currently pursuing a degree in Neuroscience at the University of Chicago, Henry brings a unique perspective to YSSI’s mission, combining scientific insight with a passion for sports and community impact. His academic background informs his approach to program design, emphasizing cognitive development, mental resilience, and evidence-based strategies for student-athletes.
Henry is committed to creating innovative experiences that connect students with real-world applications of science and sport, fostering both athletic and academic growth.
Nymka Narantsogt leads YSSI’s data and impact strategy, ensuring that every program is backed by evidence and measurable outcomes. With a B.S. in Information and Decision Sciences and a minor in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago, she specializes in business analytics, data visualization, and cloud-based solutions.
Her technical expertise spans SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI, and advanced statistical methods, enabling her to transform raw data into actionable insights. Nymka’s work drives YSSI’s mission to connect sports and science by tracking performance, evaluating impact, and optimizing programs for youth development.
Beyond her role at YSSI, Nymka has developed machine learning tutorials for Mongolian audiences, built responsive websites for small businesses, and contributed to community initiatives through leadership and volunteer work. She is passionate about using data to tell stories that inspire change and create equitable opportunities for young athletes.
In Partnership with the Discovery Partners Institute
Kennedy King College, Game Design Major, YSSI Web Developer
UIC, Computer Science Major, YSSI Web Developer
UIUC, Information Systems and International Business, YSSI Data Analyst
Carlton College, Computer Science Major, YSSI Data Analyst
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UIUC, CS & Stats Major + Business Minor, YSSI Data Analyst
YSSI offers college interns hands-on experience at the intersection of sports, STEM, health, and technology. Interns support real programs and activations—working alongside staff to assist with sports tech workshops, data collection and analysis, curriculum development, research, and community engagement. Internships are designed to build practical skills, professional confidence, and career clarity, exposing students to pathways in sports science, analytics, health, and emerging sports technologies while contributing to meaningful youth impact.
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