Niamh McDaid
BSc Health & Performance Science 2021
Niamh McDaid graduated with a BSc Health & Performance Science in 2021. Her passion for sport developed at an early age and played an important role in what she studied at university and her career to date: "I am from Carndonagh, Co. Donegal. I played GAA growing up which gave me a huge passion for sport. This passion led to studying Health & Performance Science (HPS) in UCD. This course gave me a great insight into multiple different avenues of sport and sport science. The experience and knowledge I gained from HPS led me to work with STATSports as a sport scientist and account manager the summer after I graduated".
Read on to find out more about Niamh's very interesting journey so far.
What led you to studying Health & Performance Science?
I’ve always had an interest in sport from a young age, playing Gaelic football since I was 5 gave me a huge love for sport, and particularly team sports. I also played golf, soccer and camogie growing up. With all of this in mind, I knew I wanted to work in sport. I chose Health and Performance Science (HPS) as it offered a fantastic range of different aspects of sport. From an Open Day visit, I also knew UCD was for me. From the minute you enter the gates, sport is everywhere. I knew it would be a great place for me to both study and enjoy the college experience.
What was your favourite part of the Health & Performance Science course?
The variety of modules HPS offered. Every day/semester offered something completely new in a different avenue of sport and sport science. It allowed you to see and try different opportunities and fine tune your thoughts on what you wanted to pursue after college.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying this course?
If you are interested in sport, and keen to learn about multiple different aspects of sport and sport science, then go for it! Be open-minded to every module, as the variety gives you an opportunity to get experience in so many areas.
What was your experience at UCD like? Any highlights?
It was fantastic from start to finish. I loved the community feeling in UCD. An obvious highlight was the course itself, and the friends I made while studying. But for me the main highlight was the personal growth I gained from UCD, both while studying and making new connections outside of college. GAA is a huge part of my life, and I loved playing in the Ladies team during my time in UCD.
What is your current job?
I work for STATSports as an account manager and sport scientist. STATSports is an Irish company and is the world-leading provider of GPS player tracking and analysis equipment.
My role involves looking after a portfolio of clients, and I serve as the lead point of contact for all customer account management matters.
I also worked with the FAI Women’s National Team for nearly two years as their sport scientist. I used our GPS technology to track every training session and match day, both in real time and post session.
In October 2023, I relocated with STATSports to Doha, Qatar. My new portfolio of clients includes Qatar Football Association, Aspire Academy, Qatar Stars League Teams, and many other clients in the Middle East.
How do you feel the Health & Performance Science degree prepared you for this role?
The variety for me was everything while studying HPS. I was always set on pursuing a degree in physiotherapy after graduating. But during my final semester, I got the chance to work with a UCD u17 football team as their performance analyst. This really opened my mind to the idea of working in the sport science industry. Without the opportunity from HPS, I would never have been made aware of that career path.
What is the proudest moment of your career to date?
Although I have had many standout moments in my short career, that answer is easy. Being part of the first Irish Women’s National Team to compete at a major tournament, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will forever be one of my proudest achievements both personally and in my career. To be part of history, be part of the opening World Cup game in Sydney, in front of 75,784 people, to have family in the stadium was just incredible. The entire experience was brilliant, being with the team and staff every day, sharing those experiences and everyone experiencing it for the first time was special. It will never be the first time again, and that is something I’ll always cherish being part of.
Describe your typical workday.
Since moving to Doha, my day to day has changed quite a bit. For one, the working week here is Sunday-Thursday which has taken some getting used to. My workday consists of replying to clients, answering questions, be it sport science related, STATSports software related or anything in between. Other days consist of going onsite with clients at their facilities, to train new staff members on the STATSports software, and just catch up. I really enjoy being onsite with clients as it gives you a great opportunity to get to know them on a personal level and build a strong relationship with them.
You’ve previously described the technology you employ to track players’ performance while on the pitch ('(opens in a new window)Ireland's team behind the team'). How do you feel your course in UCD prepared you for this level of technology usage?
During my time studying HPS, there were many practical elements in each module. With that experience, the crossover was simple to using GPS technology. I very quickly grasped the practical side of the job and understood how all the technology works. Without knowing it, the practical elements of HPS helped a lot with this in the beginning, starting with STATSports.
Have you always been interested in soccer in particular?
I’ve always had a strong interest in sport. I could watch anything to be honest, be it tennis, GAA, soccer, rugby, NFL, NBA. You name it, I’d watch it. If I had to pick a favourite though, it must be GAA. For me it is the best sport in the world, the level of competition and standard in the game is unbelievable, and to think it is an amateur sport is remarkable. Some of my favourite childhood memories were trips to Croke Park back in 2011-2014 when Donegal were flying high. The 2012 final win over Mayo will always be a standout memory - what a day!
What sports teams did you participate in while at UCD?
I played with the Ladies Gaelic Football Team during my time in UCD. Getting to the O’Connor Cup in March 2019 was a standout moment, and playing and socialising with all the girls was a real highlight. The best connections you make in life are through sport, and for me that was the case in UCD.
In your career and/or personal life, who have been the most inspiring or helpful mentors/advisors that you’ve had to date?
For me it must be my parents. They instilled a great work ethic in me from a young age and taught me if you want anything in this world, you need to go out and earn it. Growing up in rural Donegal, we do have to do more than the rest to ‘make it’ in anything we want to do. That robust attitude that all Donegal people have has paid dividends to me in everything I’ve achieved so far in my career. From Carndonagh to UCD, to STATSports, to the World Cup in Australia, and now to Doha, Qatar, all in the space of 5 years is something I am very proud of.
What is life outside work like for you? Tell us a bit about your current life, hobbies, or what you do to relax?
Sport is still a huge part of my personal life. If it is watching it or playing it, it is always part of my day. My Dad and I are big Liverpool fans so watching their games is always a priority. I have just started playing GAA in Doha and it has been great. Golf is another huge passion of mine (however frustrating it is). It’s the most humbling sport - it requires so much patience and practice to see improvements, but when it comes good, wow is it a great sport to play.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I have two – I couldn’t choose just one.
‘Jump and the net will appear’ – I’ve had to make some major life decisions in the last 6 months or so, but I always go with my gut feeling and know that whatever decision I make will work out because I know I’ll make it work.
‘Get comfortable being uncomfortable’ – This is another mantra of mine. Every decision I’ve made in my career so far, has been uncomfortable. But with hard work, over time it becomes comfortable. Once comfortable, it’s time to get uncomfortable again and begin a new chapter/challenge.
Content added: July 2024