Samuel Merritt University and Oakland Roots SC Launch First-of-Its-Kind Integrated Biomechanics Performance Assessment for Professional Athletes

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samuel Merritt University (SMU) today announced a new partnership with Oakland Roots SC to assess players’ movement and performance for the club’s full professional roster at SMU’s Motion Analysis Research Center (MARC).

The initiative brings all Oakland Roots players to SMU’s state-of-the-art MARC facility for a two-hour, multi-station assessment designed to establish individualized performance baselines, identify movement patterns and support long-term athlete health. Assessments are overseen by SMU faculty from the College of Podiatric Medicine and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, with supervised participation from advanced podiatry and physical therapy students.

“This collaboration represents what is possible when higher education, healthcare training and professional sport come together in service of health, performance and community,” said Dr. Brian Clocksin, Provost of SMU whose PhD is in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. “Our students gain invaluable real-world experience, and Oakland Roots gains deeper insight into how their players move and perform.”

The assessments include gait analysis, lower-extremity biomechanics evaluation, cardiovascular and functional testing, and movement efficiency analysis. The program is designed for education and performance insight and does not involve medical treatment or diagnosis.

For Oakland Roots, the initiative supports the club’s commitment to athlete wellness while strengthening ties to the Oakland community.

“The Roots are proud to partner with Samuel Merritt University on this innovative initiative,” said Andrea Lepore Oakland Roots SVP, Brand Partnerships. “Anchored at SMU’s new catalyst downtown Oakland campus and cutting-edge biomechanics lab, this project supports our players' performance, while training podiatry and physical therapy students who will provide health care for years to come.”

The collaboration also reflects SMU’s broader mission to advance health equity, workforce development and community-based education. As Oakland Roots prepare for the upcoming season, this partnership underscores a shared commitment to innovation, prevention-focused care and meaningful local impact.

About SMU

Since 1909, Samuel Merritt University (SMU) has been a leader in healthcare education, preparing students to meet critical workforce needs across California. With campuses in Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco Peninsula and Fresno, SMU has continually expanded its impact, becoming a doctoral-granting institution in 2002. In 2024, SMU opened its Fresno campus to address Central Valley healthcare challenges. The new City Center Campus in downtown Oakland features state-of-the-art facilities, including a Health Sciences Simulation Center and a Motion Analysis Research Center, reinforcing SMU’s commitment to training compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals.