Collaboration Brings Cutting-Edge Sports Technology to William Penn University and the Oskaloosa Community
10/03/2025
William Penn University (WPU), Oskaloosa Community Schools, and Mahaska Health have joined forces to bring VALD ForceDecks technology to Oskaloosa — a powerful tool that enhances athletic performance, improves injury prevention, and expands academic opportunities for students.
The initiative began with Associate Athletic Director Abu Ibrahim, who first encountered the technology at a national conference in early 2025. Seeing its potential to revolutionize athletic training and rehabilitation, Ibrahim brought the idea back to campus and began building support to make it a reality. With collaboration from Mahaska Health and the Oskaloosa Community School District (OCSD), the project quickly gained momentum. Funding came through a shared commitment, with each organization contributing to the purchase. “This is the coolest part,” Ibrahim shared. “It was funded in part by each of the constituent groups. Mahaska Health was fundamental in their commitment, and Oskaloosa Schools is also taking on a portion. It’s amazing that we will be able to complete testing on the students at OCSD as well.”
The ForceDecks system consists of dual force plates embedded with sensors that measure ground reaction forces during movements such as jumps, landings, and balance exercises. Data is collected instantly and analyzed to reveal key insights — from jump height and power output to limb symmetry and fatigue levels. Coaches can tailor training programs with precision, athletic trainers can track rehabilitation progress objectively, and athletes can receive immediate feedback to guide their development.
Dr. Jay Blomme, who will help oversee the technology’s integration, emphasized both its value and its accessibility. “It’s a lot of bang for your buck,” he said. “The ability to record data so quickly and easily makes it a valuable resource for both short-term recovery and long-term performance tracking.” Mahaska Health will incorporate the system into its (WPU) clinic operations, with plans to extend access to high school athletes in the area. “Any time you can give back to the community or have it be a community resource, I always think that’s a good idea, especially in small towns,” Dr. Blomme added.
Other key contributors to the project included Marsha Riordan, Vice President for Advancement at William Penn University and a board member at Mahaska Health Partnership; Jamie Jacobs, Athletic Director for Oskaloosa Community Schools; and Brett Doud, Director of Human Performance for Oskaloosa Community Schools. Each played an important role in aligning the resources and vision of their organizations to ensure the project’s success.
The benefits go far beyond athletics. For WPU students in kinesiology, sports science, and health programs, ForceDecks creates hands-on learning opportunities that bring classroom concepts to life. Students can apply biomechanics and physiology lessons directly to real-world testing, while faculty gain a versatile tool for teaching and research. Ibrahim noted, “The ease of use also opens up opportunities for students to look at practicum projects utilizing the technology.”
Already, WPU has rolled out testing with men’s soccer and football, with additional teams such as softball and women’s volleyball scheduled next. Trainers have begun using the data to guide rehabilitation, while faculty explore its potential for student research projects. Looking ahead, leaders see possibilities for even greater collaboration, such as integrating WPU’s kinesiology expertise with community athletics to study throwing mechanics and other performance areas.
By working together, William Penn University, Oskaloosa Community Schools, and Mahaska Health have brought state-of-the-art sports science technology to Oskaloosa. The partnership not only elevates athlete care and performance but also strengthens academic programs and creates a shared resource for the community.