This episode of Beyond the Stick explores nutrition and its direct impact on performance, recovery, and long-term athlete health. Host Abby Bosco is joined by Colleen Carrion, Director of Sports Nutrition at the University of Maryland, and Dr. Catherine Logan, orthopedic sports medicine surgeon, for a practical, athlete-focused conversation.

They break down some of the most common nutrition mistakes athletes make—especially around hydration and under-fueling—and why even small gaps can affect energy, recovery, and injury risk. The discussion emphasizes simple, realistic strategies, from building better hydration habits to finding pregame and postgame routines that actually work.

The episode also highlights how nutrition supports injury prevention and recovery, including its role in bone health, muscle repair, and overall tissue function. Logan explains how poor nutrition can increase the risk of overuse injuries, delay healing, and impact mood and performance—especially in youth and developing athletes.

Bosco shares her own experience navigating nutrition on game day, including managing nerves, finding foods that work for her body, and adapting her routine over time. Carrion adds practical, go-to options for busy athletes, including easy meals and recovery snacks that balance carbohydrates, protein, and antioxidants.

Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of how nutrition fuels performance, why consistency matters more than perfection, and actionable strategies to build habits that support both training and recovery.