Fueling Through the Season: Planning, Habits, and Performance Nutrition for Volleyball Athletes (Part 2)

In part two of our conversation with registered dietitian Alyssum Reno-Smith, we zoom out and tackle what fueling looks like across an entire volleyball season - especially from a parent’s perspective.Through real tournament scenarios, age-specific examples, and audience-submitted questions, Alyssum breaks down how families can plan ahead, build healthy habits, and support athletes without creating restriction or pressure. This episode goes beyond food lists and focuses on preparation, consistency, and setting athletes up for success both on and off the court.Whether you’re navigating early-morning matches, multi-day qualifiers, or the influence of social media nutrition advice, this episode offers practical guidance you can actually use.What you’ll hear in Part 2:How to fuel a 12U athlete during early-morning, multi-day tournamentsAdjusting nutrition needs for older athletes competing at qualifiersWhy planning ahead matters more than “perfect” mealsHow parents can support fueling without creating restriction or food shameSigns an athlete may be under-fueling - physically and hormonallyWhy hydration needs to be proactive, not reactiveHow different volleyball positions may influence fueling needsA realistic “stair-step” approach to improving nutrition habitsHow to navigate nutrition misinformation on social mediaMyth vs. fact: common beliefs about nerves, fruit, and protein barsAlyssum’s advice for parents supporting long-term athlete health and confidenceWhat it truly means to be better together when it comes to fueling athletesIf you missed Part 1, go back and listen as we explore how nutrition impacts nerves, focus, hydration, and mental performance during competition.