In the realm of sports, understanding the underlying principles of physics can offer fascinating insights into athletic performance. This is precisely the focus of lectures by Amy Pope, Ph.D., where she delves into the intricate physics of sports, encompassing everything from movement mechanics to the aerodynamics of sports apparel. By using athletic games and competitions as practical demonstrations, she brings to light how physics plays a crucial role in sports. In addition, she teaches physics as it relates to the design and material of sports apparel and how it’s engineered to enhance aerodynamics and reduce friction.

As a principal lecturer, Pope vividly illustrates how the principles of physics are deeply intertwined with athletic performance, providing a comprehensive understanding of the science behind sports, offering valuable insights for athletes, enthusiasts and spectators alike. Pope covers topics such as stored energy and energy transfer with sports such as pole vaulting and the Magnus effect in soccer, explaining how it influences the trajectory of the ball, particularly when executed with precision by players like David Beckham who often used the spin and speed of his kicks to bend the ball around defensive walls and into the goal.

Pope’s work includes Ski jump: Flying or falling with style? and an NPR segment about how long ski jumpers stay in the air; Paris 2024 Olympics to debut high-level breakdancing — and physics in action; a WYFF news clip about the physics principles behind Olympic sports; and also The science of the game: Where Tiger fans see tackles and touchdowns, Amy Pope sees physics. She earned the College of Science Outstanding Lecturer Award in 2017, the Association of General and Liberal Studies Jerry G. Gaff Outstanding Teacher award in 2020, and Provost’s Award for Senior Special Rank Outstanding Teaching in 2024. She has given numerous presentations and demonstrations.

Pope has been a Clemson faculty senate delegate, facilitator of several faculty learning communities and is active in community outreach. Before joining the faculty at Clemson in 2008, Pope was a Clemson student, earning three degrees.