Allegheny Health Network Launches Comprehensive Sports Nutrition Program for Student Athletes

Pittsburgh, PA – Allegheny Health Network (AHN) has announced the launch of its new Primary Care Sports Nutrition Program, aimed at enhancing the performance and health of student-athletes. This initiative is a collaboration between AHN’s Sports Medicine and Primary Care departments.

The program offers sports nutrition services to student-athletes ages 12-18, along with athletes from two universities and 30 high schools where AHN already provides athletic training services. The sports nutrition program is designed to support athletes with tailored dietary plans that promote optimal performance and recovery.

“We see athletes every day who are eager to improve their performance, but don’t fully understand the role proper nutrition plays in achieving their goals,” said pediatric and sports dietitian Julia Kuczynski. “Nutrition plays a vital role in both day-to-day energy and game-day performance, and we’re here to help athletes optimize their intake and ultimately enhance their training, improve their recovery, and unlock their full potential both on and off the field.”

Kuczynski will oversee the telehealth program. The program currently offers initial 60-minute consultations for $75, followed by 30-minute follow-up sessions at $37.50. Kuczynski’s guidance will focus on creating individualized fueling plans, hydration strategies, and supplement recommendations, with a particular emphasis on helping athletes balance school schedules, practices, and games.  

“Julia’s expertise is the perfect complement to the high-level sports medicine care we already provide,” said Craig Castor, Manager of Orthopaedics and Athletic Training Services at AHN. “The ability to access these new services through telehealth expands our reach far beyond Pittsburgh, ensuring athletes across the state can benefit from this program.”

In addition to supporting general athletic performance, the program will cater to athletes with special dietary needs, including those managing diabetes, or exploring vegan or vegetarian diets. 

“With over 30,000 student-athletes served annually within AHN’s network, the Sports Nutrition Program is a strategic extension of AHN’s commitment to supporting the well-being and performance of athletes at every level,” said Patrick J. DeMeo, MD, Chair of the AHN Orthopaedic Institute. “The program will eventually include broader outreach to adult athletes and additional schools. For now, the focus remains on developing strong nutritional foundations for participating high school students.”

Sports Nutrition Program appointments are by referral only. For more information, please contact Craig Castor at craig.castor@ahn.org.