Windermere Prep Athletic Department Introduces the VALD SmartSpeed Timers Platform to Enhance Athletic Performance and Educational Opportunities in the Strength and Conditioning Program
Windermere, FL – June 26 – Windermere Prep is proud to announce the acquisition of the SmartSpeed Timing System from VALD, a global leader in human performance and musculoskeletal assessment technologies. This investment marks a significant step forward in enhancing the athletic development and performance tracking capabilities of our student-athletes.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, VALD serves over 1,000 elite sports organizations, clinics, hospitals, universities, and defense departments across the globe. With a mission to democratize access to high-performance technology, VALD delivers affordable, reliable, and user-friendly tools designed to elevate training at every level.
"Bringing VALD's SmartSpeed technology to Windermere Prep is a game-changer for our program," said Patrick Hollern, Director of Athletics. "This system allows us to capture real-time performance data with unmatched accuracy and efficiency, giving our coaches and athletes a new level of insight that will elevate training, motivation, and competitive readiness across all sports."
VALD's SmartSpeed system—originally developed by Fusion Sport in 2004 and now enhanced as part of the VALD ecosystem—features two main models:
- SmartSpeed Dash – An entry-level model ideal for linear sprints and basic agility drills.
- SmartSpeed Plus – A premium system with fully wireless operation, 360° LED wraparound displays, rechargeable battery packs, and backward compatibility with legacy Pro systems.
The SmartSpeed Plus model provides coaches with rapid setup, seamless app-based control, and multimodal testing capabilities including sprint speed, agility, jump testing, and reaction drills. All performance data integrates into the VALD Hub, enabling long-term tracking and analysis across training sessions and sports.
Vinny Martins, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Windermere Prep, emphasized the system's impact on athlete development:
"Implementing VALD SmartSpeed Timers in a high school strength and conditioning program offers several key benefits. These advanced timing systems provide precise and reliable data for measuring sprint times, agility drills, and reaction speed, helping coaches track athletic performance with greater accuracy. The immediate feedback allows for real-time adjustments to training, enhancing athlete development and motivation. Additionally, the objective data fosters a competitive environment, encourages goal setting, and supports injury prevention by identifying performance imbalances or fatigue. Overall, SmartSpeed Timers elevate the quality and effectiveness of training programs."
Why SmartSpeed Matters at Windermere Prep:
- Immediate Performance Feedback – LED displays and app syncing boost athlete engagement and accountability.
- Enhanced Training Efficiency – Fast setup and intuitive controls maximize on-field training time.
- Data-Driven Coaching – Objective metrics help refine technique, identify areas of improvement, and reduce injury risk.
- Scalable Tools – VALD's flexible pricing and accessibility make elite-level performance tech available at the high school level.
Windermere Preparatory School remains committed to delivering a world-class athletic experience. The integration of SmartSpeed technology represents another step forward in providing our athletes with the tools and support they need to succeed.