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Horizon League commissioner joining Pacers Sports & Entertainment

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 14:27 GMT by WISH-TV
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Director of Player Development. The move was highlighted in a brief yet information‑rich article on WISHTV’s sports section, which also included a couple of links to the Pacers’ official website and a short bio of Lach that appears to have been sourced from her LinkedIn profile.

Who is Julie Lach?

According to the piece, Lach is a seasoned professional with more than a decade of experience in athlete development and performance. Prior to joining the Pacers, she spent several years at the University of Notre Dame, where she served as the head of the athletics performance lab and helped design strength‑and‑conditioning programs for both football and basketball teams. She earned a master’s degree in Sports Science from the University of Illinois, and her career has always been centered around bridging the gap between cutting‑edge research and on‑court execution.

The article quotes Lach saying, “I’m excited to bring my passion for athlete growth to the Pacers. The NBA is the pinnacle of performance, and I look forward to working with the players to elevate every facet of their game.” Her résumé also shows a brief stint with the Los Angeles Lakers as a Sports Performance Analyst where she helped monitor workload data and recovery protocols for key rotation players.

What will she do for the Pacers?

Lach’s mandate, as outlined in the WISHTV article, will cover everything from physical conditioning and nutrition to mental toughness and injury prevention. She will work closely with the head coach, Nate McMillan, and the coaching staff to develop individualized plans for each player, especially the younger talent in the squad. Her team will also coordinate with the Pacers’ Player Development Coordinator to design off‑season training modules and in‑season performance trackers.

The Pacers have a well‑established tradition of investing heavily in player development. Over the past decade, they have hired specialists in analytics, performance, and sports psychology, and the article notes that this hire is a continuation of that trend. With a roster that includes both veterans and up‑and‑coming stars, the Pacers’ front office sees Lach as a catalyst for bridging the experience gap and ensuring the team’s on‑court success remains tied to off‑court diligence.

The official announcement

The WISHTV article references a press release posted on the Pacers’ official site, where General Manager Tony Parker wrote, “We’re thrilled to welcome Julie Lach to our family. Her blend of academic rigor and practical experience will be a tremendous asset as we continue to develop the talent on our roster.” Parker’s comment underscores the organization’s belief that Lach’s approach will complement the Pacers’ strategic direction as they look to build a sustainable competitive edge in the Eastern Conference.

Alongside the GM’s statement, the article includes a direct quote from Coach McMillan: “Julie’s expertise in aligning training protocols with game demands will be invaluable. We’re excited to see how her programs help us fine‑tune our roster.” The piece hints that Lach will also be involved in the Pacers’ community outreach programs, specifically targeting youth camps in Indianapolis, a role the Pacers have traditionally promoted to foster local talent.

Links to additional context

At the end of the article, two hyperlinks were provided:

1. Pacers.com – The official site where the full press release is archived. This page provides a more detailed rundown of the Pacers’ recent coaching changes and future plans, offering context for Lach’s role in the larger scheme of things.

2. LinkedIn profile – A brief summary of Lach’s professional journey, confirming the positions and institutions listed in the article. The profile also mentions her speaking engagements at the International Conference on Sports Performance in 2023, highlighting her recognized expertise in the field.

These links help paint a fuller picture of both the organization’s motives and the individual’s qualifications.

Why this matters

The Pacers’ front office has been actively reshaping its support staff in recent years, bringing in specialists who can push the franchise toward a data‑driven, scientifically informed methodology. By adding a Director of Player Development, the Pacers are sending a clear signal: the organization prioritizes holistic athlete growth. This aligns with a broader trend across the NBA, where teams are increasingly investing in sports science, psychology, and individualized performance plans to stay ahead of the competition.

From a roster standpoint, the Pacers’ mix of seasoned players such as Tyler Herro and Moses Brown with emerging talents like Rudy Gay and Kobe White means there’s a tangible need for someone who can help bridge the experience gap. Lach’s role is thus not only administrative but also highly hands‑on, ensuring that each player receives tailored guidance that complements the coaching staff’s tactical plans.

The future ahead

With the NBA season approaching, the Pacers are looking to harness every advantage that can elevate their performance on the hardwood. Julie Lach’s addition is expected to have an immediate impact on player workouts, recovery schedules, and even in‑game decision making through real‑time data analysis. The organization’s public statements indicate that the move is part of a broader initiative to “future‑proof” the franchise by building a culture that values continuous improvement and data‑backed decision making.

In sum, the WISHTV article provides a concise but informative snapshot of a strategic hiring that underscores the Pacers’ commitment to science‑based athlete development. It offers a glimpse into how a modern NBA franchise integrates academic research, technology, and on‑court coaching to foster a winning culture.