When Andy Dietel arrived at the University of Miami, he knew he loved math, but he “didn’t really know how that might manifest itself in a career.”
That began to change during his sophomore year, when conversations with classmates introduced him to computer science. Drawn to its emphasis on logic and problem-solving, he added it as a second major, expanding both his academic interests and professional possibilities.
The following year, Dietel attended the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, where he connected with industry professionals, including representatives from the Miami Heat, and began to see a future in sports analytics.
“I like to think that I was introduced to statistics through sports as a kid. When commentators would announce that a person’s free-throw percentage is lower in the playoffs than in the regular season, that always really interested me. I think that’s a big reason why I chose math too—loving that side of it through sports. I’ve always had it in my head as something I wanted to do, but I never thought it was a reality,” he recalled.
Andy Dietel accepting an award for the summer internship competition with the Miami HEAT. Photo Credit: MIAMI HEAT
To Andy’s surprise, that reality didn’t stay hypothetical for long. The following summer, he secured a highly competitive data analytics internship with the Miami Heat, where he worked on the business side of the organization. His role involved analyzing marketing and broadcast data to support operations.
Andy says that what made the experience so special was not only its professional exposure, but also its structure. “There were 28 interns. The whole summer [I] was engaging with different aspects of their business operations,” he said. Through a team-based, gamified format, interns rotated across departments, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how analytics supports the sports industry.
Following the internship, the organization invited Dietel to continue working part-time during his senior year. The opportunity allowed him to deepen his experience while completing his degree.
In addition, Dietel was selected to participate in a five-month NBA training program for early-career professionals interested in sports analytics. The highly selective program connected him with industry leaders and included a trip to visit the Boston Celtics’ facilities, where he networked with professionals across the league.
After graduation, Dietel will join a leadership development program at ION Group, a software company based in New York City. The rotational program will allow him to explore different areas of the business while building leadership skills. While his immediate path will take him outside the sports industry, sports analytics will always remain a passion of his.
While internships and professional programs shaped his career direction, Dietel said his academic experience played an equally important role. He credits his professors—particularly Morgan Brown, associate professor of mathematics—with helping him develop a deeper approach to learning. “He really tried to stimulate our learning and push beyond memorization,” Dietel said.
Another defining experience came during his first year in a writing course, The Civically Engaged Mind, which required students to volunteer in the community. Through the class, Dietel began working with a nonprofit organization called The Home Team, tutoring middle school students in math. What started as a course requirement turned into a multi-year commitment and one of the most meaningful moments during his time at the University.
Andy Dietel and his friends performing on stage during the Lunar New Year Festival at the Lakeside Patio. Credit: University of Miami Asian-American Students Association (AASA)
Outside the classroom, Dietel found community through campus involvement. He briefly participated in the Mathematics Union and became an active member of Kappa Theta Pi, a professional fraternity for students interested in technology.
Joining Kappa Theta Pi, he said, was one of the most impactful decisions of his college career. The organization introduced him to peers pursuing careers in areas ranging from game development to audio engineering, encouraging him to explore his own interests more deeply.
During his freshman and sophomore years, Dietel was also a member of the University of Miami Men’s Club Ultimate Frisbee team, where he served as vice president in his second year. He said the experience was a defining part of his early time at the University, traveling across the country to compete in tournaments.
Amid his academic and professional pursuits, Dietel also rediscovered a longtime passion for music. During his senior year, he formed a band with friends and performed as a drummer at Lakeside Patio during the University’s Lunar New Year celebration—an experience he described as a personal milestone.
Reflecting on his time at the University, Dietel said one of his biggest lessons has been the importance of authenticity.
“You should be doing things that you’re passionate about,” he said.
For him, that meant embracing uncertainty, exploring different paths, and ultimately returning to the interests that matter most.
As he prepares for his next chapter, Dietel leaves with not only technical skills, but also a clearer sense of direction, shaped by curiosity, connection, and a willingness to follow where his interests lead.
