Barry University’s Sport and Exercise Sciences students Maya Caon and Jared Ward, along with their professor and mentor, Dr. Zacharias Papadakis, have been selected to participate in the Greater New York American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) President’s Cup competition. Their abstract, “Preseason Training: A Catalyst for Body Composition Changes in NCAA DII Women’s Basketball Players,” was chosen to represent Barry University on November 9th at the esteemed President’s Cup competition in New York.

This impressive accomplishment is a testament to the students’ dedication and the impactful mentorship of Dr. Papadakis in advancing sport and exercise science research. Maya and Jared’s research examines the effects of preseason training on body composition in NCAA Division II women’s basketball athletes. Through a structured four-week training program, the team evaluated significant improvements in lean body mass, bone mass, and reduction in body fat percentage, highlighting the effectiveness of intensive preseason training.

Their study utilized bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess changes across lean body mass, bone mass, and body fat percentage in sixteen athletes. Findings showed significant increases in lean body and bone mass alongside a notable decrease in body fat percentage. These insights underscore the importance of preseason training in preparing athletes both physically and competitively for the rigorous demands of the season.

The President’s Cup is a prestigious event that recognizes high-caliber research presentations from students across the region. Should they win the competition, Maya and Jared will receive a $1200 travel voucher to attend the National ACSM Meeting in Atlanta, GA—a unique opportunity to showcase their work on a national platform and network with experts in the field.

Congratulations to Maya, Jared, and Dr. Papadakis on this remarkable achievement. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and wish them success as they represent Barry University at the President’s Cup!