MY ST. KATES
ALISSA ELLINGSON ’19 SET A NEW ST. KATE’S 100-YARD BUTTERFLY RECORD IN DECEMBER.
EAT TO PEAK BY STACY DAHL ’16
Each summer, Associate Athletics Director Madge Makowske applies for and receives one of four NCAA grants to support additional education activities for Wildcat Athletics. This year was no different. The Mindful Athlete Nutrition Program, however, is special because it involves multiple partners and hands-on learning for students.
Each month, Holly Willis, the assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics who co-leads the project with Makowske, works with student volunteers to produce the newsletters. Jordan Rice, a graduate student in holistic health studies, formats and emails the newsletter, which includes topics such as recovery meals and eating on the road.
“What started as a small idea I had blossomed into a full-on collaboration with St. Kate’s faculty, studentathletes and interns, Sodexo and our registered dietitians on campus,” says Makowske.
“Snack Attack” events teach student-athletes about portion sizes and how to build low-calorie, high-protein snacks.
PHOTO/SARA EISENHAUER
The program aims to improve student-athlete performance and well-being — now and post college — through better nutrition. It includes a newsletter, “Snack Attack” info sessions and cafeteria placards that identify dietitian-approved meals for student-athletes. “An athlete’s body is like a performance car,” notes Makowske. “If you put bad stuff into the car, it will not run well. The body operates the same way. You have to fuel it with healthy food, or it will lack energy and not perform well.”
“Our volunteers all bring different experiences and knowledge to our work sessions,” says Willis, a registered dietitian. “The opportunity to guide students through the process of creating educational content has been as rewarding as presenting it to the athletes.” Registered nurse Sarah Hoyt and Sara Eisenhauer, sports information director, round out the project team. More info at stkate.edu/manp Stacy Dahl is a senior majoring in business administration.
stkate.edu
11
