BABSON PARK, Mass.—The Babson College Department of Athletics and Recreation and the newly launched Babson Food & Beverage Business (FABB) Lab are partnering on a six-week pilot student-athlete fueling station called Dam Strong Nutrition.
 
Dam Strong Nutrition is designed to support performance, recovery and overall well-being for Babson's hundreds of student-athletes representing 23 varsity programs, including 12 on the women's side and 11 on the men's. Proper nutrition is a key pillar of student-athlete performance. This pilot provides a valuable opportunity to understand how a dedicated fueling station can reduce fatigue, support recovery, and elevate overall readiness for training and competition.
 
"As we continue to prioritize the well-being and competitive success of our student-athletes, the launch of Dam Strong Nutrition represents a significant step forward for Babson Athletics," said Pamela P. and Brian M. Barefoot Associate Vice President for Athletics and Athletics Advancement Mike Lynch. "Our partnership with the FABB Lab reflects our commitment to innovative, student-centered support. By providing access to strategic nutrition resources and education, we are empowering our student-athletes to perform, recover and thrive both on and off the field. I am excited to see the positive impact this initiative will have across our 23 varsity programs and grateful for the collaborative spirit that brought Dam Strong Nutrition to life."
 
The FABB Lab provides the opportunities and resources, including funding, mentorship, space, and lifelong learning, needed to equip the Babson community for new venture creation, existing venture innovation, and to grow gratitude and human connection. Its mission is to empower and connect entrepreneurial leaders to drive a regenerative food and beverage future at Babson and beyond.
 
"The Babson FABB Lab is proud to partner with Babson Athletics," said Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership School Associate Director for Strategic Programs & Growth Taryn Miller-Stevens, who is also the FABB Lab lead. "What began as a conversation among committed coaches and staff evolved through surveying student-athletes and responding to real community needs. Food is not an add-on to performance, it is foundational. How we nourish the body with strategic fueling is a competitive advantage. This pilot positions Babson to elevate the athletics experience in a way that is intentional, evidence-based and aligned with our shared commitment to excellence."
 
Miller-Stevens comes to this partnership with firsthand student-athlete experience. She played and coached basketball at Tufts University, where current Babson women's basketball coach Kate Barnosky played and coached as well.
 
Located at the Webster Center concession stand inside the Len Green Recreation & Athletics Complex (LGRAC), Dam Strong Nutrition will provide grab and go snacks and educational resources to help student-athletes properly fuel before and after training sessions. Each Monday, student-athletes will receive an email detailing what nutritional topic will be featured that Wednesday at the fueling station.
 
On one week, Babson Sports Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian Matali Bixby will include an educational note on rehydration and electrolytes, and student-athletes will receive electrolyte packets in addition to the weekly protein supplements. Bixby will also be offering office hours in LGRAC for student-athletes to address nutritional questions and concerns. The goal is to make smart fueling accessible, consistent and aligned with best practices in sports performance.
 
"Dam Strong Nutrition was built specifically for our student-athletes, shaped by their feedback and designed to meet the demands of their training and competition schedules," said Babson Associate Director for Recreation and Wellness Robin Ducharme. "This initiative ensures that fueling and recovery are accessible, consistent and aligned with what it takes to keep our student-athletes performing at high levels. Our partnership with the FABB Lab reflects the best of Babson—innovation, collaboration and applied learning coming together to directly support our student-athletes. We are excited to launch a program that invests in their health, performance and overall experience as Beavers. Be Dam Strong!"