Fit to Win: Sports Nutrition Support at Marilyn Magaram Center

The Marilyn Magaram Center for Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics has supported health and well-being through research, education, and services since 1991. As an auxiliary center in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences in the College of Health and Human Development, it continues to advance its mission by connecting science-based knowledge with practical community impact. Its vision remains focused on being a recognized center of excellence in food science, nutrition, and dietetics serving the global community.

One of the center’s key efforts is the Fit to Win Program, developed in collaboration with campus partners to expand access to sports nutrition resources. The program reflects the growing need for reliable, evidence-based guidance for athletes who want to support performance while maintaining overall health. By making these resources more accessible, the Marilyn Magaram Center helps bridge the gap between nutrition science and everyday athletic preparation.

Sports nutrition plays an important role in how athletes train, compete, and recover. Proper guidance can help individuals make informed choices about fueling before activity, maintaining energy during demanding schedules, and supporting recovery afterward. It can also contribute to broader goals such as strength development, endurance, and injury prevention. For student-athletes balancing academics, training, and personal responsibilities, this type of support can be especially valuable.

The Fit to Win Program is designed to offer practical tools that athletes, coaches, and support staff can use in a variety of settings. Rather than focusing on one-size-fits-all advice, the program emphasizes current, science-based resources that can be adapted to different sports and performance goals. This approach helps users better understand how nutrition strategies can align with training demands and competitive schedules.

Athletes who engage with the program may benefit in several ways:

• Learning how to support energy levels throughout the day
• Understanding nutrition strategies that promote strength and endurance
• Identifying habits that may improve recovery after workouts or competition
• Gaining insight into ways to reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses
• Accessing current tools and resources for informed decision-making

Coaches and student-athletes can also rely on the program for up-to-date information that supports team culture and individual performance. In competitive environments, having access to clear and credible nutrition resources can make a meaningful difference. It allows athletes to approach fueling with greater confidence and helps coaches reinforce healthy practices within their programs.

By collaborating across campus and focusing on applied nutrition education, the Marilyn Magaram Center continues to extend its impact beyond the classroom and laboratory. The Fit to Win Program is one example of how the center translates expertise into support that is relevant, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the athletic community.

As interest in performance nutrition continues to grow, programs like Fit to Win highlight the importance of connecting athletes with trusted guidance. Through its ongoing commitment to education, service, and research, the Marilyn Magaram Center remains a valuable resource for those seeking to improve wellness and performance through nutrition.