Hey! I'm trying to start a business/side-hustle as I'm heading into my last year of undergraduate Sports Science studies. I want to offer a sort of "Load Management Consulting", where athletes will provide me with their GPS, Heart Rate, RPE etc. data and based on their demands, schedule and overall fatigue I'll then create training plans for them or adjust their load for the upcoming weeks/months.  What software are you using or can recommend to me in order to track the load of players in a time-efficient and well-organised manner? (Excel is probably not powerful enough) I'd appreciate any help I can get :) Thanks!

@brizoerner8 Hey! Sports RD here, so happy to hear that you're interested in taking the RD path. It truly is a journey but so worth it in the end. If it's possible to get volunteer opportunity at your school, definitely sign up for that! Whether it's at the fueling station, perhaps a community kitchen/garden/food pantry - any nutrition experience you can put on your resume would be great, even if you're not on the RD track currently. You're probably going to have to do a DPD-MS-DI program - basically the coursework required for your undergrad dietetics pre-req's, then your Master's, then your dietetic internship (think like a residency for doctors, but for nutrition). I went to school at Boston University, and we did have a DPD-MS-DI program which was great, but you can also look into programs like Wellness Workdays, Sodexo, etc. I'm not 100% sure if they have the DPD/MS portion but I have worked with DI's from there. A simple google search wouldn't hurt! I personally feel like getting the in-person experience is valuable for your DI! You could get your NASM cert but it's not 100% necessary. For me, I was a personal trainer in college so I had my ACSM CPT - it was a great way to learn more about the physical side of fitness, get experience with coaching, and make extra money! It shaped me a lot in my career but I wouldn't say it's 100% necessary. I feel like programs look more for what nutrition-related experience you sought out. This is just my personal opinion, I'm sure as more folks chime in they'll have different perspectives, but hope this helps!

Hello! My name is Nikki Rowland. I am a licensed athletic trainer and Advanced EMT in the state of WI. I currently work in the secondary school setting for a private HS in southeastern WI. I am also apart of the WATA secondary school committee. My favorite Gatorade is the light blue! It's super hard to pick only one athlete! I'd probably have to pick Ilona Maher - I love the emergency care side of rugby and Ilona's personality. I think we'd get along so well!

Has anyone ever heard of pre-competition drinking icy cold water to slow down the effects of dehydration at the beginning of competition? I was shared this by someone working on the professional tennis tours.

Pay is a huge portion of it.  But there is also the idea of does the pay match your hours.  The idea of working 60-70 hour weeks but "it balances out since you have a 10 month contract" doesn't really cut it once you have a family.  You basically get one month with your kids once they finish with school. But during that month you also have to attend NATA/NSCA or other conferences to stay current.  I believe that no setting should see a salary lower than $70k for an entry level.  I understand that is easier said than done....

Thank you all so much for the information and resources!

The answer is Gatorade has been partnering with people like us and other athletes so you should try it

Gatorade has been in the drink company for years but why should athletes drink it

I once worked for an orthopedic group that would have a satellite athletic trainer that would visit schools in Texas, like yours, weekly. They would provide evaluations, rehab-like programs when needed, and facilitate any doctor’s visit. If you’re willing to share what area you’re in, I bet we would be able I help a lot more! As much as I know you want to help, I think the best option for you at this point would be for you to advocate to hire an athletic trainer. Whether it be part-time, or contract. I understand what you’re asking about resources, but ultimately that is an athletic trainer’s job and I do not think you can do much “training”, since Athletic Training educational content is a master level degree.

Join us in Indianapolis, Indiana May 5-7 to gain insights and speak with leading experts in the collegiate strength and conditioning industry. May 5: The Psychology of Motivation and Behavior Change in High-Performance 3:00-4:30 PM CST at Convention Center | Sagamore Ballroom 4-5 This session will equip coaches with practical strategies for enhancing athlete motivation and collaboration through psychological theories, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Coach Adam Feit | PhD, CSCS, SCCC, CMPC | Springfield College Master Strength & Conditioning Coach Power Hour *MSCCs only 4:30-5:30 PM CST at Convention Center | Exhibit Hall D-E Expo Hours 5:30-8:00 PM CST at Convention Center | Exhibit Hall D-E May 6: Early Bird Workout 6:30-8:00 AM CST at Convention Center | Exhibit Hall C Minority Strength Coach Breakfast 6:45-7:50 AM CST at Convention Center | Sagamore Ballroom 1-2 Expo Hours 8:00 AM-5:00 PM CST at Convention Center | Exhibit Hall D-E Master Strength & Conditioning Coach Dinner & Young Achievement Award 7:00-9:00 PM CST at Marriott Hotel | Marriott Ballroom Master Strength & Conditioning Coach Social 9:00-10:00 PM CST at Marriott Hotel | Marriott Ballroom Foyer May 7: Female Strength Coach Breakfast 6:45-7:50 AM CST at Convention Center | Sagamore Ballroom 1-2