This past summer, I was able to put everything I have learned in the classroom to work. My field experience was located in Orlando, FL with MLS team Orlando City SC. I worked along side Rikki Keen, MS, RD, LDN, CSSD, CSCS who is their head performance Dietitian. During my time there, I worked with both the MLS Orlando City (men’s team) and NWSL Orlando Pride (women’s team). I worked a total of 308 hours, attending both training sessions and match days for the teams. Through this experience, I not only had the opportunity to learn about various supplements that help with performance, but was able to see how the needs of an individual vary between men and women.

Key responsibilities while interning included:

• Performing USG testing and making hydration adjustments according to the results
• Making pre and post game/ training supplement shakes based on individual needs
• Improving knowledge and use of supplements
• Developing meal plans for lunch and travel with respect to game/ training days
• Communicating with individual athletes to track how they were feeling pre and post training/ game
• Speaking with strength coaches and athletic trainers daily in regards to athletes’ performance
• Assisting the kitchen staff in breakfast, lunch and catered meals
• Attending training sessions and games for hydration, shakes, and halftime fuel
• Observing body composition monthly (skin fold technique)

This experience taught me so much about the sports nutrition field along with myself, and has allowed me to improve my interpersonal skills (communicating, time management, and confidence). Interning with Orlando City showed me that this field is exactly where I want to be and I am motivated even more to tackle and learn all that there is in the area of dietetics.

MLS Intern Work: MLS Supplements:Websites:Labs:Hydration:BodyComp-2mh0mg7

Athlete Assessment: 407 project-1nyp7eq

• Create shakes and meal plans for athletes of various sports.
• Create “Try it Tuesday” meals for athletes to try. Teaches the athletes fast, healthy meals for pre and post fuel.
• Assist in body composition testing; BodPod