An integral part of modern sports culture is analytics. Whether through fantasy leagues, front offices, or casual fans catching up on a game, data now shapes how sports are discussed and understood. With MLB spring training underway and the NHL season entering its final stretch as playoff races intensify and end-of-season awards loom, this is a perfect moment to examine the evolution of analytics in sports.

If you watched the Olympics, you know who Caroline Harvey and Laila Edwards are. You heard their names chanted countless times as Team USA powered through the tournament. You heard those chants again when gold medals were placed around their necks, and you watched Harvey be named tournament MVP. And if you're active on social media, you may have even caught their pregame TikToks, too. What you may not know is how long the two have been friends.

Don't let the excitement of the Olympics distract you from the start of the indoor track and field season. This past Saturday, I took a break from watching hours upon hours of curling and headed to Boston University to watch the women's events at the David Hemery Valentine Invitational. The meet delivered a full day of excitement, with the highlight coming in the afternoon during the elite window.