For Amber Linestine, UNC athletics is a utopia, a place where she sees athletes evolve, discover their potential and build relationships that will last for years to come.
As North Carolina State football’s nutrition director, she wants her players to feel like they’re more than just a number on the roster. Through personalized care, nutritional planning, and collaboration with medical training staff, the UNC Department of Nutrition works together to promote success through the joy and love of food.
Linestine worked as a nutrition fellow for UNC football before making the jump to the NFL level, where he spent time with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles.
In the professional world, she felt something was missing.
“My relationship with [NFL athletes] It wasn’t the kind of relationship I had with the athletes here,” Linestin said. “I don’t think it will have that big of an impact.”
When Linestine returned to UNC as director of nutrition in 2023, her impact was felt immediately. Her presence at Linestin was especially welcomed by graduate offensive lineman Austin Blaske, who must constantly monitor his blood sugar levels on the field because of Type 1 diabetes.
By brainstorming during meals, Lynestine and Blaske tried new things to keep their blood sugar levels at the desired level. Blaske said his blood sugar levels tend to drop during exercise, and UNC’s nutrition department is guiding him through the proper therapy to keep him playing through all odds.
“They always want to make things better for me and make sure I’m always on a level playing field,” Blaske said.
As a senior, linebacker Power Echols knows the UNC nutrition department well, with or without Linestine. Her proactive organizational skills and energetic personality have been the biggest changes since she arrived and have helped her understand that she will do her best to help her team succeed. Masu.
