Exploring High School Coaches’ Nutritional Knowledge and Its Impact on Athlete Development: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

This study employed descriptive phenomenology to investigate the knowledge and practices of high school coaches concerning athlete nutrition, hydration, and eating disorders. Through purposive sampling, eight high school coaches from Ohio and Illinois were selected to provide in-depth insights into their nutritional knowledge and its application in supporting their athletes. Participants were interviewed, and their responses analyzed to understand the frequency and methods of nutrition discussions, as well as the impact of their nutritional knowledge on athlete development. The findings reveal that while coaches recognize the importance of nutrition, there is significant variability in their knowledge and application of nutritional principles. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive training programs to equip coaches with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively promote nutrition as a vital life skill. These insights offer valuable implications for policymakers, educational institutions, and coaching organizations aiming to enhance the holistic development of adolescent athletes.

Keywords: Adolescent Athletes, Qualitative Research, Nutritional Training, Health Education, Life Skills.