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University of South Dakota Dining Fuels Student-Athletes Through Cooking Classes
Student-athletes gain real-world cooking skills to support training, health, and life beyond campus
VERMILLION, SD — At the University of South Dakota, student-athletes are stepping into the kitchen to strengthen their performance through a hands-on Athletics Cooking Class series led by Dining Services.
Nutrition plays a critical role in athletic success, and interest among student-athletes continues to grow. In response, USD Dining and Athletics have partnered to provide resources that build both knowledge and practical skills, helping athletes improve performance and prepare to compete at a high level.
Led by Eric Finley, MS, RDN, LDN, CSSD, Registered Dietitian and Sports Dietitian, and Campus Chef Christy Gratzfeld, the classes focus on simple, realistic meals that athletes can prepare in dorms or apartments using accessible ingredients. Each session combines cooking instruction with real-time sports nutrition education, giving participants a clear understanding of how the meals they prepare support training, recovery, and overall health..
“The main goal of our athlete cooking class is to help student-athletes build practical cooking skills that actually fit their college lifestyle while supporting their performance needs,” Finley said. “We focus on simple, realistic meals they can make in a dorm or apartment using accessible ingredients. During the class, we tie in sports nutrition concepts in real time so they understand how the meals they are preparing support training, recovery, and overall health. The goal is for them to walk away feeling more confident in the kitchen and better equipped to fuel themselves both now and after graduation.”
The interactive format encourages athletes to take an active role in preparing meals while learning how ingredient choices impact energy levels and recovery. Recipes are designed to be approachable and repeatable, even with limited equipment or time.
Recent classes have featured dishes such as Mediterranean Skillet, Hot Honey Pineapple Shrimp with Brown Rice, and Marinated Asian Vegetable Salad. Athletes have also explored protein-focused options like High-Protein Chocolate Mousse and Protein Jello, reinforcing how balanced meals can support both performance and convenience.
The program has seen strong engagement across USD Athletics, with participation and interest from a wide range of teams, including basketball, cross country and track & field, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, triathlon, and volleyball.
“We’ve had participation and interest from all of our teams,” said Madison Mills, Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Excellence. “Nutrition is essential for athletic performance and is of growing importance for our student-athletes. In our mission to best serve them, we’re excited to offer resources that help grow their knowledge and skills to enhance their performance and readiness to compete.”
While formal feedback collection is still in development, early response has been clear.
“I’ve had conversations with student-athletes, and those conversations have been overwhelmingly positive,” Mills said.
To ensure strong participation, USD Athletics promotes the classes through multiple communication channels, including Teamworks, the department’s primary scheduling and communication platform. Events are added directly to student-athlete calendars, supported by graphics, reminders, and messaging. Additional outreach through SAAC social media and direct communication with coaches helps extend awareness and encourage attendance.
The series also strengthens the connection between Dining Services and Athletics. Through cooking classes, team discussions, and one-on-one support, Finley works closely with student-athletes to reinforce practical nutrition strategies that align with coaching and performance goals.
“Working with USD Athletics has been a great opportunity to connect directly with athletes from a variety of sports and backgrounds,” Finley said. “Through cooking classes, team talks, and one-on-one meetings, we aim to provide consistent, practical sports nutrition support that complements what coaches and performance staff are doing. I am grateful for the partnership and look forward to continuing to build on the relationship between Sodexo and USD Athletics in support of our student-athletes.”
By combining hands-on cooking with practical nutrition education, the Athletics Cooking Class series is giving USD student-athletes tools they can use immediately—and long after their time on campus.
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