ALLENDALE, Mich. – Continuing a long-standing tradition of commitment to student-athlete health and success, the Grand Valley State Lakers proudly introduce a new refueling station – the #LakerFuel Hub - in 2018. Complete with nutritiously conscious snacks and beverages, Laker student-athletes now have access to smart food options between meals, a vital piece of nutrition and body care throughout the grind of year-long commitment to both academic and athletic excellence.
 
The station is overseen by Associate Director of Athletics for Medical Services Mark Stoessner and sports nutritionist Kate Davis. The hub is funded entirely through the Irwin Fund and staffed by volunteer student-athletes, many of whom are going into the GVSU Clinical Dietetics masters' program. The snacks and beverages chosen for the station have to meet certain nutritional requirements set by Stoessner and the GVSU medical staff.
 
"The fueling station was started as a way to respond to our student athlete's concerns that, due to their schedules, they didn't always have time to eat. We wanted to provide them with some healthy snacking options, not to take the place of a meal but to enhance the fueling and recovery methods they were already using," said Stoessner. "We are seeing roughly 150 student athletes a day and are currently working on some upgrades to the offerings for the Fall of 2018. I want to thank the Irwin Club and Keri Becker for their support in making the #LakersFuel Hub a reality."
 
With 20 varsity sports on campus and 550 student athletes, giving each student-athlete the attention to nutritional and overall health can be challenging. Stoessner says the refueling station offers vegan and gluten free options for those who need them and some further upgrades to the options are in the works for the Fall of 2018.
 
"The Laker fuel hub gives me the little extra boost of energy I need during my work day in between practices," said senior track athlete Austin Elliot. "Before I had trouble finding time getting healthy snacks on campus, so for me the hub has had a very positive impact on my overall energy and ability to perform at a higher level during track practice."
 
In addition to providing nourishment, the Laker sports medicine and nutrition staff uses the station as an opportunity to provide nutrition information and reinforce the nutritional plans and teaching that Stoessner, Davis and the entire staff have instilled in the GVSU athletic programs. With enticing food options and the ability for a more hands-on approach to improving student-athlete nutrition, the LakersFuel hub is yet another example of GVSU athletics setting the standard in athlete care. To support this cause, and others like it, please click here.