Mark Kovacs, PhD, FACSM Applied Sport Science, Human Performance & Wellness/Longevity Expert | Tennis, Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Nutrition, Hydration & Healthspan
MARK KOVACS Ph.D. FACSM, Applied Sport Science, Human Performance & Longevity Research Expert | Tennis, Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Nutrition, Hydration & Healthspan
Research Expertise
About
Publications
Education
The University of Alabama
Ph.D., Human Performance (Exercise Physiology) / January, 2007
Auburn University
M.Ed, Exercise Physiology / January, 2004
Auburn University
B.S, Exercise Science / January, 2002
Emory University - Goizueta Business School
Finance For Non-Financial Managers - Certification Program, Finance For Non-Financial Managers - Certification Program / January, 2013
Experience
Canyon Ranch
Vice President, Health & Performance / September, 2023 — June, 2025
Led 11 divisions across 5 resorts and clubs focused on helping thousands of individuals live healthier longer. Member of executive leadership team reporting to CEO with full budget and P&L responsibility.
Comcast
Advisor and Mentor / January, 2022 — May, 2025
Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech Accelerator looks to change the way sports are played, both on and off the field. This 12-week accelerator program will pair Comcast NBCUniversal experts along with professional sports organizations, well-known partners and brands with the next generation of entrepreneurs and startups who hope to change the world of competitive and professional sports. The goal - provide players and teams with a competitive edge built on technology and innovation. Are you in? It’s game time. Learn more at www.comcastsportstech.com
DEFY
Science And Nutrition Advisor DEFY / October, 2020 — August, 2024
Chief Science & Nutrition Advisor for a Leading Sport Nutrition and Human Performance Brand
Springbok Analytics
Sport Science, Technology & Medical Advisor / September, 2020 — March, 2022
A leading medical technology company innovating the field of MRI and human diagnostics. Helped develop the first series of reports for this new innovation in monitoring muscle volume.
Aescape
Science, Performance and Technology Advisor / April, 2020 — December, 2025
Aescape is a robotics company building intelligent, highly personalized wellness experiences designed to help people have better relationships with their bodies.
(USTA) United States Tennis Association
Medical Advisory Group for USTA and US Open / April, 2020 — September, 2024
Medical Advisory Group for US Open at (USTA) United States Tennis Association. This expert group was established due to Covid-19 to advise and help oversee aspects of of the 2020 and 2021 US Open Championships and other USTA projects with respect to health and safety protocols. This group included a world renowned infectious disease expert, the Chief Medical Officer for the NCAA, The Chief Medical Officer for the USTA and the Director of Player Medical Services for the US Open as well as a Security expert.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Senior Director, Sports Science & Health (NBA) / September, 2019 — October, 2021
IMG Academy
High Performance and Sport Science Advisor / March, 2017 — July, 2020
Was retained on long term agreement to provide full review of the integration of the various sport science areas at the IMG Academy with a specific focus on building upon the great history and tradition of the tennis program. The process includes a new strategic plan, long term high performance program development and staff training.
Kovacs Institute
CEO and Institute Director / October, 2016 — Present
Kovacs Institute for Human and Sport Performance offers exclusive and bespoke services for elite individuals looking to optimize business, sport and lifestyle success through the latest performance sciences. The Institute has a sport technology advisory division working with dozens of start-up and growth companies in the fitness, sport, hydration, nutrition, sleep and recovery technology areas. Functioning as the Chief Performance Officer for our clients’ lives, Kovacs Institute believes everyone is an athlete. Elite, youth and senior sport athletes, corporate athletes and lifestyle athletes all deserve world-class training and performance services, which are now a reality at Kovacs Institute. The Institute provides a spectrum of services aimed at improving, optimizing and ultimately sustaining human, business and sport performance. www.kovacsinstitute.com
Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA)
Member Board of Directors / July, 2016 — July, 2019
NCAA
NCAA Sport Science Advisor / September, 2014 — October, 2015
Sport Science Consultant and Advisor to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the NCAA Sport Science Institute. Reporting to the Chief Medical Officer for the NCAA. Consulted on projects in soccer, periodization, sport nutrition, strength and conditioning, athletic training and sport science.
Life University
Associate Professor, Sport Health Science and Director, Life Sport Science Institute / August, 2014 — August, 2019
PepsiCo
Consultant / May, 2014 — December, 2014
Director. Long Term Research / January, 2012 — May, 2014
Fortune 50 Executive with major management, leadership and budget responsibilities. Director, Gatorade Sport Science Institute and Director, Long Term Research & Development at Pepsico. Focused on leading a great team of scientists and educators working to improve athlete performance through the latest in sport nutrition research, education and service to athletes. Worked on major projects in the area of wearable technologies, hydration monitoring, consumer good packaging and facility design.
Director, Gatorade Sport Science Institute / January, 2012 — May, 2014
Fortune 50 Executive with major management, leadership and budget responsibilities. Director, Gatorade Sport Science Institute overseeing facilities in Chicago (Ilinois) Bradenton (Florida) and Loughborough (United Kingdom). Projects included two Superbowls, working with Brazil National Team leading into the 2014 World Cup, leading the technology taskforce, facility design projects, product development, athlete service with NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, ATP & WTA athletes and teams. Major liason with the NCAA, NSCA, NATA, PBATS, PFATS etc. Focused on leading a great team of scientists and educators working to improve athlete performance through the latest in sport nutrition research, education and service to athletes.
ATP Tour
Lead Physiological Consultant / July, 2013 — December, 2025
Professional Tennis Player / January, 2002 — January, 2003
Played on the ATP World Tour and earned professional ranking in singles and doubles.
WTA
Sport Science Consultant / June, 2013 — December, 2025
International Tennis Performance Association (ITPA)
Executive Director / February, 2012 — Present
Executive role in the start-up development of the first tennis-specific physical training education and certification association in the world. Educated and certified thousands of healthcare providers in more than 40 countries.
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Assistant Editor-In-Chief, Strength & Conditioning Journal / January, 2010 — January, 2012
United States Tennis Association
Senior Manager Sport Science, Coaching Education and Strength & Conditioning / January, 2008 — December, 2012
Major leadership role in the largest National Sports Governing Body in the United States. Worked in management roles in coaching education, sport science, medical services and strength & conditioning.
Auburn University
Co-Captain, All-American and NCAA Champion / August, 1998 — May, 2002
Varsity Men's Tennis Team 2002 NCAA Doubles Champion 2002 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) National Doubles Team of the Year 2002 All-American 2002 Co-Captain of NCAA Elite 8 team 3 Year Academic Southeastern Conference Academic Award Winner
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (NBA)
Sr. Director Sport Science Health / September, 2019 — October, 2021
Directing the areas of strength conditioning nutrition medical health analytics recovery sleep load management mental health and performance and other areas around improving performance and reducing injuries. Lead the Covid-19 Taskforce. First NBA team to open training facility after restrictions. Developed full load management program with advanced technology. Health Education Officer.
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (NCAA)
Founding Sport Science Consultant / October, 2014 — November, 2015
1. Overuse Injuries In Sport and 2. Periodization and Scheduling for Collegiate Sport reporting to Chief Medical Officer.
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