EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Nutrition Education
Nutrition is an important piece of the overall health, performance, and well being of every student-athlete. Team ENHANCE'S nutritional motto is "Fuel Your Body for Performance". The program strives to provide female student-athletes with practical education and personal support they need to select the fuel to maintain energy, be successful in their sport and in their school work, and to have better health for life. They are educated about nutrition so they can make "winning" food and fluid choices to fuel their workouts and competitions. Throughout their college careers, student-athletes can benefit from individual nutrition consultation.

All freshmen student-athletes are required to take the Sports Nutrition Course, a one-credit, 15-hour class that is the foundation of the athletic nutritional health program at UTK. The course is current with the latest research results and the practical needs and interests of a changing student-athlete population in demanding sport environments.

Team ENHANCE Educational Seminars
Educational Seminars are held once a year for the student-athletes and the coaching staff. The administration believes that these special seminars are essential and has made them mandatory. Nationally renowned speakers regularly cover issues of alcohol and substance abuse, eating disorders, diversity, assault, trauma (date rape, rape, childhood abuse), depression, learning disabilities, denial, and breaking the "don't talk rule". At our most recent seminar, Joetta Clark, a four-time Olympic track star, spoke to the student-athletes about what it takes to be the best in their sport.

Team Talks
In the days following the educational seminar, team talks are held with individual teams. These small group discussions make the topic more personal for each team member so they can use the information in their lives or help someone close to them. Each person is given time to talk about personal experiences and what is presently troubling them. Confidentiality is observed. A Team ENHANCE member attends the team talks to give information about the Team ENHANCE Program and to offer help when needed. Many student-athletes may be keeping personal issues to themselves, not knowing where to turn. When they are told about the program, many realize that they can get the help they need. They also learn how to help a roommate, teammate, or friend if they suspect an eating disorder, chemical dependency or other emotional issue. They learn how to express concern, confront in a non-shaming way, and what to do to get help for a friend.

Coaches' Talks
These talks are a vital part of the educational seminars. After the speaker makes a presentation, the coaches participate in a thorough discussion, during which they brainstorm on solutions to problems. The speakers help the coaches to apply the seminar topic to their sport. They learn how to approach student-athletes who show signs of eating disorders and substance abuse in a positive, caring manner that fosters open, honest communication and promotes trust for those who need support.

Senior Seminar
A special seminar is held every year for graduating seniors. Transition is difficult for everyone, but especially for student-athletes who have been deeply involved in their sport for many years. Many feel insecure and unprepared for the changes ahead. During this seminar, Team ENHANCE helps them to prepare for their transition. A clinical nutritionist discusses physiological changes that occur in the body after the student-athlete ceases to train for competition. Since most student-athletes are emotionally, physically, and nutritionally unprepared to move to a less active life style, they are given information regarding nutrition and exercise during and after transition. In addition to physiologic changes, many student-athletes will experience a sense of loss and grief associated with leaving college and their sport. A discussion group led by a therapist helps them to prepare for this transition and talk about their feelings. Former student-athletes may come to the group to talk about their experiences.

Confidentiality Training Seminar
A Staff Retreat led by a representative from the UTK Office of Judicial Affairs is held to educate coaches and administrators about confidentiality issues relating to the Team ENHANCE Program. All staff members sign a confidentiality statement after this training session. Team ENHANCE members receive additional confidentiality training that addresses the issues specific to Team ENHANCE involvement.