Name: Christine Dziedzic, RD, CSSD
Job title: Sports Dietitian
Education: Master of Sports Nutrition, University of the Sunshine Coast; Diploma in Sports Nutrition, International Olympic Committee; Bachelor of Health Science - Nutrition and Dietetics, Queensland University of Technology
Years of hockey experience: 5
Describe your job in 2-3 sentences: Working closely with strength & conditioning, athletic training and medical staff, deliver an integrated performance nutrition program including individual player counseling, food service and menu development, and supplement planning and integration. By translating the latest scientific evidence into practical sports nutrition recommendations, I work to optimize training adaptations and player health and performance.
What's the best piece of career advice you've ever been given, or what advice do you like to give others?
The best piece of advice I've been given is to never be the smartest person in the room. Advice I like to give others is to start where you are -- whether that's finishing your studies or looking at your local community for opportunities to build your skillset -- and say yes to opportunities even if they seem tangential to your ultimate career goal. You never know who you might meet and where that will lead.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement to date?
Publishing original research in sports nutrition and contributing to the scientific and academic literature with review papers and textbook chapters on various sports nutrition topics, as well as supporting the Australian Olympic Team at the London Olympics in 2012.
If you could instantly become an expert in anything, what would it be and why?;
Foreign languages and being able to speak fluently in at least 4 or 5. I would love to be able to converse with the players I work with in their native language and given our prospect players are scattered across the world, it would make connecting with them on the phone or a Zoom call so much easier.
Are you a morning person or night owl?
Morning person
What's your favorite book?
The Harry Potter Series
What's your favorite movie or TV show?
"The Great British Baking Show"
What is your most-used emoji?
Clapping hands
Do you have any hidden talents?
Unless searching out the best espresso in any city counts as a talent, I'm afraid not
