KENNESAW, Ga. | Nov 13, 2026
Sabrina Wheeler, a graduate of Kennesaw State University (KSU), is merging her backgrounds in sports and science as she prepares to finish her Ed.D. in Kinesiology from Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, this December. Wheeler’s research focuses on the relationship between physical abilities and in-game performance for high school girls’ basketball, a project directed by KSU Exercise Science Professor Gerald Mangine.
Initially drawn to coaching, Wheeler, a former standout player at Creekview High School in Canton, Georgia, chose to major in exercise science while also obtaining a coaching certificate from KSU. “I always felt like coaches know how to teach, that’s their education, but do they know the science behind how to train athletes? I was immediately interested in that, and it has translated so nicely,” she said.
Her dissertation, titled “Examining the Relationships Between Physical Abilities and In-Game Performance in High School Girls’ Basketball Across a Competitive Season,” examines how various physical tests correlate with player statistics throughout the season. Mangine noted that the study offers insights into athletes that are often overlooked. “We looked at the relationships at the beginning, middle, and the end of the season to see if the same things were important at each stage,” he said.
Wheeler conducted her research by equipping team members with Titan inertial measurement units (IMUs) during games to gather data on their performance metrics. She complemented this with post-game surveys to gauge game intensity. Additionally, Mangine provided testing equipment from KSU for assessments after practices. “We’re just trying to figure out if there’s a better way to train our athletes. Are they getting fatigued throughout the year? Are they adapting to the demands of competition?” Wheeler explained.
The research coincided with the Creekview Grizzlies winning the Georgia Class AAAAA state championship in March. Mangine praised Wheeler’s initiative, noting the challenges of conducting research in a high school setting without a traditional research framework. “She went above and beyond managing the project,” he said.
Wheeler transferred to KSU after two years at Berry College, where she played Division III basketball but struggled after an injury and a coaching change. She eventually realized she needed a fresh start and chose KSU for its proximity to her hometown and its program offerings. “I feel like I almost ended up here accidentally, but once I was here, I knew that this was when I needed to be,” she shared.
Upon completing her doctorate, Wheeler aims to continue her journey as a basketball coach while considering future roles in teaching or research. “I want a foot in both worlds of coaching and science if I can,” she stated.
