AustraliaSummaryThe ‘Eat to Win’ program is a critical component of the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)Student-Athlete Empowerment Project ‘2WIN Series,’ which provides a holistic approach to theeducation and development of student-athletes. Developed to address the nutrition knowledgegap among high school student-athletes, ‘Eat to Win’ specifically targets the dietary behavioursoften seen in this group, such as skipping meals and training without adequate nutritional support.These behaviours can negatively affect both health and performance, stemming from a lack ofawareness about the unique dietary needs of student-athletes. The ‘Eat to Win’ program seeks toimprove student-athletes' nutrition knowledge and behaviours by promoting healthier foodchoices, supporting optimal energy availability, and enhancing overall healthy, well-being andperformance. Delivered through a three-part educational series, covering sports nutritionfundamentals, meal planning, and practical cooking skills—the program provides student-athleteswith the tools needed to make informed food choices that directly impact their health andperformance. The program integrates technology-enhanced learning, giving participants access todigital resources that reinforce key concepts and enable the tracking of their nutritional habits. Animportant focus of ‘Eat to Win’ is on the significant role nutrition plays in both sleep and athleticperformance. Proper nutrient intake, including sufficient carbohydrates, proteins, andmicronutrients, helps regulate energy levels and recovery, which are closely linked to sleep quality.For athletes, poor nutrition can contribute to disrupted sleep patterns, resulting in impairedrecovery, reduced cognitive function, and diminished physical performance. Conversely, a well-balanced diet that supports energy availability can enhance sleep quality, improve recovery times,and promote sustained athletic performance. The program emphasizes the need for consistentfueling, both pre- and post-competition, as well as during training periods, to help prevent fatigueand support the physiological processes that underpin high-quality sleep and overall well-being.Practical cooking workshops further equip student-athletes with the skills to prepare nutritiousmeals that not only meet their nutritional needs but also support their demanding trainingschedules and sleep quality. Key learning outcomes of the ‘Eat to Win’ program include (1) Gaininsights into the unique nutritional needs of student-athletes; (2) Apply practical strategies foroptimizing nutrition in sports performance; and (3) Understand how nutrition affects sleep,recovery, and athletic performance. By addressing student-athlete nutrition habits and behavioursby providing targeted, actionable education, ‘Eat to Win’ empowers young athletes to makehealthier food choices. In doing so, the program contributes to the broader ‘2WIN’ initiative,supporting the holistic development of student-athletes at University of Southern Queensland,ensuring that they are better prepared for the physical, cognitive, and emotional demands of theirsport.ICNF #