Commitment to Personal Development

Nutrition and Athletic Performance

Nutrition-related habits and food intake have a significant impact on a student-athlete’s sport performance. Attention to energy requirements, macronutrient balance, hydration status, pre-exercise and recovery intake, timing of food/fluid intake, and vitamin and mineral status can influence fatigue levels, gain potential of strength and conditioning training, muscle fuel stores, mental alertness, energy availability, body weight, body fat, susceptibility to illness, and recovery from injury.

Sports Nutrition at Purdue

Rachel A. Clark has been serving as the sports nutritionist at Purdue since 2001. She is a registered dietitian (RD) and a former collegiate student-athlete with a Master of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Nutrition.

Ms. Clark is available to all student-athletes for consultations, team meetings, and dietary supplement evaluation. One-on-one consultations begin with an assessment session, typically lasting from 45 to 60 minutes. An assessment form can be picked up in the Mackey Arena Athletic Training Room prior to the first session. Follow-up sessions are of variable duration and frequency. Team meetings may be requested by coaches or athletic trainers. Contact Ms. Clark to discuss content and length.

To schedule an appointment, call (765) 494-3245 or stop by the Mackey Arena Athletic Training Room. Coaches or athletic trainers can reach Ms. Clark at (765) 496-2711; messages can be left at this number.