Mission
The UK Performance Nutrition Department works to promote an evidence-based, food-first nutrition program that allows the student athlete to achieve their full potential in their area of athletic performance and in the classroom.
The UK Performance Nutrition Department recognizes that each athlete is different. Working collaboratively with Sports Medicine and Strength & Conditioning, the UK Performance Nutrition Department assists athletes with reaching individual goals related to body composition, body image, optimal nutrient intake and hydration.
The UK Performance Nutrition Department provides nutrition support that meets both NCAA and University of Kentucky Athletics Department rules and regulations.
The UK Performance Nutrition Department offers nutrition support related to:
Injury
- Calorie needs
- Anti-oxidant needs
- Protein requirements
Body Composition
- Body comp vs. body weight/BMI
- BodPod result consultations
OPT Participation
Staff
Monica Fowler, Director - Performance Nutrition
Monica Fowler is entering her eighth year as the Director of the Performance Nutrition Department. Along with her staff, she has developed the nutritional curriculum and fueling program for all 22 athletic teams at UK which includes nutritional assessments & counseling, meal planning & maintaining nutritional supplements. In June 2017, the Performance Nutrition Staff opened the Nutrition Training Lab in the Nutter Training Facility. The Nutrition Training Lab has 5 complete kitchens where the staff trains the athletes in cooking skills that support proper fueling for optimum performance. They also educate the athlete in nutrition self-care for health throughout the lifecycle.
Prior to developing the Nutrition Department at UK, she worked as a clinical dietitian for RD Associates. Monica earned her BS in Dietetics in 2010 and her MS in Dietetics Administration in 2012. She and her husband Shane have two children, a son, Satchel, and a daughter, Rebecca. She is originally from Leitchfield, Kentucky.
Becky Sauceda, Head Dietitian: Football, Baseball, Gymnastics
Becky Sauceda started as the head football dietitian for the University of Kentucky in June 2021. Becky coordinates all nutrition aspects for the football team: individualized nutrition counseling, assessments, meal planning, nutrition education, game day fueling, and fuel bar management. She also oversees UK baseball and gymnastics. Prior to Kentucky, Becky was a Gatorade Sports Nutrition Immersion Program fellow at Duke University. At Duke, she served as the assistant dietitian for football and lead dietitian for volleyball, women’s lacrosse, rowing, and fencing teams. Prior to Duke, she served as a performance nutrition intern at the University of Texas at Austin, where she discovered her love of sport nutrition. Becky has a BS in Nutrition and a BS in Corporate Communication from the University of Texas at Austin. She completed her MS in Nutrition from the University of the Incarnate Word. Becky is originally from San Antonio, Texas. In her spare time, she likes discovering locals restaurants.
Alyssa Kuman, Graduate Assistant, Football, Baseball
Alyssa Kuman graduated with a degree in Dietetics in 2020. She is currently working on her Master of Business Administration at UK. Alyssa was a volunteer through Performance Nutrition since 2018. She also assisted with research through the Dietetics and Human Nutrition Department during her undergraduate degree, focusing on the impact of food related knowledge on college student’s behaviors. Alyssa graduated from her Dietetic Internship through UK in 2021 where she was able to learn much more about the health of Kentucky. She is originally from Roselle, IL. Alyssa provides nutrition support for baseball & football.
Emily Norman, Graduate Assistant, Volleyball, Cheer, Rifle
Emily Norman grew up in Lexington, KY She earned her undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics at University of Mississippi. Her favorite job experience in college was working a summer at Camp Emerson in Hinsdale, MA, as the Food Allergy Intern. She operated menu planning and meal preparation for 30% of the camp, helping children who had up to 23 anaphylactic allergies. Emily was accepted into UK’s Dietetic Internship Program and completed her three rotations in August of 2021. She is currently pursuing the MS of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems at UK while working as a Graduate Assistant for the Performance Nutrition Team at UK Athletics. Emily provides nutrition support to Volleyball, Cheerleading, Rifle, Men’s Golf, and helps oversee the Nutter Nutrition Lab and the Joe Craft Fuel Zone.
Rachael Schmetzer, Graduate Assistant RD: Volleyball, MW Soccer, MW Tennis, MGolf, Rifle, Cheer
Rachael Schmetzer received her degree in Dietetics in 2019. She is currently enrolled in the UK Graduate School where she is pursuing MS in Public Health. In 2018 she became a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach in 2018. Throughout her college career at UK she has worked as a CATS tutor and with the Super Star Chef Program through UK Extension to teach children around KY the basics of nutrition. Rachael graduated from UL with a degree in Exercise Science. She was a member of the UL Rowing Team. Rachael is originally from Louisville KY. Rachael works with Women’s & Men’s Soccer, Women’s & Men’s Tennis and helps oversee the Nutter Nutrition Lab.
