Dom Disandro Senior Advisor To The General Manager/chief Security Officer | Philadelphia Eagles Website
Dom Disandro Senior Advisor To The General Manager/chief Security Officer | Philadelphia Eagles Website
In New Orleans, the Philadelphia Eagles are meticulously preparing for Super Bowl LIX with a focus on nutrition and body care. Stephanie Coppola, the team's Performance Nutrition Coordinator since 2018, plays a crucial role in this process alongside her associate, Grace Kennedy. They ensure that the players' dietary needs are met through the "Fuel Station," an essential part of the team's daily routine.
Located at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia during regular season, the "Fuel Station" provides hydration, shakes, snacks like bars and fruit, and other nutrients necessary for optimal performance. Coppola explained its importance: "The guys are passing it constantly – whether it's before or after meetings, or after their lift or in their post-practice walk to the locker room – and so the location is perfect."
Coppola also collaborates weekly with FLIK, responsible for providing meals to players and coaching staff. The goal is to offer varied and nutritious food options that support a clean diet essential for training success. She highlighted FLIK's contribution: "FLIK does a great job coming up with the menu – they've been creative and the food is great for the players and they love it."
To enhance team bonding, Coppola conducts a Player Spotlight weekly where she explores individual player preferences regarding food. This initiative allows teammates and coaches to learn more about each other beyond practice.
Throughout the season, Coppola evaluates players' hydration levels and body compositions to customize nutritional plans accordingly. She assesses if adjustments like increased electrolytes or carbohydrates are needed based on specific issues such as cramping or energy levels.
Education on nutrition's impact is another aspect of Coppola's work: "I ask them and work to educate the players so that they know the benefits of eating for their specific needs." Players often experience positive changes when following personalized dietary advice.
Her schedule starts early at 6:15 AM and can extend until 7 PM as she remains committed to optimizing player performance ahead of Super Bowl LIX. As Coppola remarked on her approach: "The players are all different and what they do on the field is different, so their nutritional needs – what they eat and what they drink – is going to be different."
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