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Long before she ever opened a dataset or wrote a line of code, Vanessa Palisin, a senior economics and business administration major from Myrtle Beach, was learning the rhythms of hockey from the rinkside.

“I was around ice skating and hockey before I could even walk,” she said.

Now a senior at С����Ƶ, Palisin has transformed that lifelong passion into a rigorous honors research project that applies advanced analytics to one of the most debated questions in professional sports: Do players perform differently depending on where they are in their contract cycle?

The answer, she found, is more nuanced than conventional wisdom suggests.

From the rink to the research lab

Palisin’s project examined player performance before, during, and after the signing of NHL contracts, exploring whether athletes elevate their play in pursuit of a new deal—or relax once they’ve secured one. Using a combination of statistical modeling and machine learning techniques, she analyzed performance trends across multiple seasons and player cohorts.

Her findings revealed a complex picture.

While some players do show measurable increases in performance leading up to contract negotiations, the effect is not universal. Similarly, fears that players consistently decline after signing lucrative deals are overstated. In many cases, performance stabilizes rather than drops off dramatically.

“It’s not as simple as ‘players try harder in contract years and then stop,’” Palisin said. “There are a lot of variables at play—team dynamics, injuries, role changes—that influence performance just as much as contracts do.”

Her research ultimately suggests that NHL organizations must take a broader, more contextual approach when evaluating player value, rather than relying on simplified narratives about motivation and effort.

A real-world application of classroom learning

For Palisin, the project represents more than an academic exercise. It is a direct application of the skills she has developed through her studies at С����Ƶ, where she has pursued multiple concentrations within the business program.

She credits the college’s small class sizes and hands-on approach to teaching with giving her the confidence to tackle a project of this scope.

“You’re not just sitting in a lecture hall,” she said. “You’re working closely with professors, asking questions, and actually applying what you’re learning.”

That environment proved especially important as she navigated the technical demands of her research, which included coding, statistical analysis, and the integration of machine learning methods alongside traditional economic modeling.

Dr. Suzie Smith ‘82, the Robert M. Vance Professor of Business Administration, said Palisin’s work stands out for both its rigor and its relevance.

“Vanessa’s project demonstrates an impressive ability to combine sophisticated analytical techniques with a clear, real-world application,” Smith said. “She not only tackled a complex question, but she did so in a way that reflects the kind of work being done at the highest levels of sports analytics.”

Stepping onto a bigger stage

Palisin recently presented her research at the 55^th annual meeting of the in Jacksonville, Fla., where she earned first place in the undergraduate paper competition. The experience pushed her to translate months of work into a concise and compelling presentation.

Condensing a paper that exceeded 60 pages into a 15- to 20-minute talk was no small task.

“It was definitely a challenge,” she said. “You spend so much time digging into the details, and then you have to step back and figure out what really matters for your audience.”

Adding to the pressure was the presence of familiar faces in the crowd, including her father and several of her professors.

“I was nervous at first,” she said. “But once I got a few slides in, I found my rhythm.”

By the fifth slide, she said, the nerves had faded, replaced by a sense of confidence in both her work and her ability to communicate it.

The experience, she added, reinforced her interest in pursuing a career that blends analytics with decision-making in the sports world.

A foundation built on family and passion

Palisin’s path to this moment has been shaped by both personal passion and family influence.

Her father introduced her to hockey at an early age, fostering a love for the game that has remained constant throughout her life. Her mother, meanwhile, inspired her interest in business and analytical thinking.

That combination—sports and data—ultimately guided her academic and professional aspirations.

“I’ve always loved hockey, but I also knew I wanted to do something in business,” she said. “This project let me bring those two interests together in a really meaningful way.”

Even lighter moments from her past, like selling Girl Scout cookies, hint at the blend of interpersonal and analytical skills that now define her work.

Preparing for what comes next

As she prepares to graduate, Palisin sees her research as a stepping stone toward a career in sports operations, finance, or analytics—fields where data increasingly drives decision-making.

Her work on NHL contracts has already given her a clearer understanding of how organizations evaluate talent and allocate resources, as well as the limitations of relying on surface-level metrics.

“It’s about making better decisions,” she said. “Teams have access to so much data now, but the key is knowing how to interpret it.”

That mindset reflects a broader shift in professional sports, where analytics departments play an ever-growing role in shaping roster construction, contract negotiations, and long-term strategy.

More than a senior project

For С����Ƶ, Palisin’s work exemplifies the kind of undergraduate scholarship the institution aims to foster—projects that are both intellectually rigorous and practically relevant.

Smith said Palisin’s ability to bridge theory and application is a testament to her dedication and to the opportunities available to students willing to take on ambitious challenges.

“Vanessa represents what is possible when students fully engage with their education,” Smith said. “She has taken what she’s learned in the classroom and applied it in a way that prepares her for the next stage of her career.”

For Palisin, the experience has been equally transformative.

What began as a question rooted in a lifelong love of hockey has evolved into a sophisticated analysis with real-world implications—and a clear direction for the future.

“I started this because I was curious,” she said. “Now I see how it can actually make an impact.”

As she looks ahead, that combination of curiosity and purpose is likely to carry her far beyond the rink.