Brittney Patera Appointed Nevada Wolf Pack’s First Director of Nutrition

In February 2024, the University of Nevada, Reno Athletics Department announced the hiring of Brittney Patera as the program’s first-ever Director of Nutrition. This landmark appointment marks a significant investment in student-athlete health and performance, reflecting a growing trend across collegiate sports to integrate specialized nutrition expertise into athletic programs. Patera brings a strong background in sports dietetics and performance nutrition to her modern role, where she will oversee fueling strategies for all Wolf Pack teams.

Who Is Brittney Patera?

Brittney Patera is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and certified specialist in sports dietetics (CSSD) with extensive experience working with collegiate and elite athletes. Prior to joining Nevada, she served in nutrition leadership roles at other Division I institutions, where she developed individualized fueling plans, managed team dining operations, and educated athletes on nutrition for performance, recovery, and long-term health. Her credentials include a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, and she is an active member of the Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN) dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

In her new role, Patera reports directly to the Nevada Athletics Department and collaborates closely with strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, team physicians, and sport coaches to ensure nutrition strategies align with training goals and competition schedules.

The Growing Role of Nutrition in Collegiate Athletics

The hiring of a full-time Director of Nutrition underscores the increasing recognition of nutrition as a critical component of athletic success. Research consistently shows that proper fueling enhances energy levels, improves recovery, reduces injury risk, and supports cognitive function — all essential for peak performance in college sports.

According to a 2023 survey by the Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association (CPSDA), over 70% of Division I athletics programs now employ at least one full-time sports dietitian, up from less than 40% a decade ago. This growth reflects both advances in sports science and student-athlete demand for comprehensive wellness support.

At Nevada, Patera’s responsibilities include:

• Designing sport-specific nutrition plans for training, competition, and travel
• Overseeing the fueling station and team dining facilities
• Conducting nutrition education workshops and cooking demonstrations
• Monitoring hydration status and body composition (when appropriate and athlete-consented)
• Collaborating with medical staff on nutrition-related health concerns
• Managing the nutrition budget and supplier relationships

Impact on Wolf Pack Student-Athletes

Student-athletes face unique nutritional challenges due to high energy demands, rigorous travel schedules, and academic pressures. Patera’s presence ensures that athletes have access to science-based guidance tailored to their individual needs, sport, and position.

For example, endurance athletes may require higher carbohydrate intake to sustain prolonged activity, while strength-power athletes benefit from strategically timed protein consumption to support muscle repair. Patera will help athletes navigate these nuances while promoting a healthy relationship with food and body image.

Her perform also supports broader athletic department goals, including injury prevention, academic success, and overall well-being. Proper nutrition has been linked to better concentration, improved mood, and reduced illness rates — factors that contribute to both athletic and academic performance.

Nevada’s Commitment to Athlete Health

The creation of the Director of Nutrition position is part of a broader initiative by Nevada Athletics to invest in holistic athlete development. In recent years, the Wolf Pack have expanded their sports medicine, mental health, and performance science resources, aligning with best practices from the NCAA’s Sport Science Institute.

University officials emphasized that Patera’s hire reflects a commitment to providing student-athletes with the tools they demand to succeed not only in competition but also in life after sports. “Nutrition is foundational to everything we do,” said Nevada’s Director of Athletic Performance in a statement announcing the hire. “Having Brittney on staff ensures our athletes are fueled to perform, recover, and thrive.”

The Future of Sports Nutrition at Nevada

Looking ahead, Patera aims to expand nutrition outreach through partnerships with campus dining services, local food providers, and university wellness programs. She also plans to implement data-informed approaches, using athlete feedback and performance metrics to continuously refine fueling strategies.

As collegiate athletics continues to evolve, the integration of expert nutrition support is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. With Brittney Patera at the helm, the Nevada Wolf Pack are positioning themselves at the forefront of this movement, setting a standard for athlete-centered care in the Mountain West Conference and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Brittney Patera was hired in February 2024 as the University of Nevada, Reno’s first Director of Nutrition.
• She is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified specialist in sports dietetics with experience in Division I athletics.
• Her role includes developing fueling plans, managing nutrition facilities, educating athletes, and collaborating with sports medicine and performance staff.
• The hire reflects a national trend of collegiate programs investing in specialized nutrition expertise to enhance performance and well-being.
• Proper nutrition supports energy, recovery, injury prevention, and cognitive function — all critical for student-athlete success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications does Brittney Patera have?

Brittney Patera is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and a certified specialist in sports dietetics (CSSD). She holds a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics and has worked with collegiate and elite athletes in performance nutrition roles.

Why did Nevada create a Director of Nutrition position?

Nevada Athletics created the role to provide student-athletes with expert, science-based nutrition support aimed at improving athletic performance, recovery, injury prevention, and overall health. It reflects a growing investment in holistic athlete development across collegiate sports.

How does sports nutrition impact athletic performance?

Proper nutrition ensures athletes have adequate energy for training and competition, supports muscle repair and immune function, enhances hydration, and can improve focus and mood. Poor fueling, conversely, leads to fatigue, increased injury risk, and suboptimal performance.

Is the Director of Nutrition role common in college athletics?

Yes. According to the CPSDA, over 70% of Division I programs now employ at least one full-time sports dietitian, a significant increase from previous years. The role is considered a best practice in athlete wellness and performance support.

Will Brittney Patera work with all Nevada sports teams?

Yes. As Director of Nutrition, Patera provides services to all varsity sports at the University of Nevada, Reno, tailoring her approach to the specific demands of each sport and individual athlete needs.