Graduation Spotlight: Rogers finds purpose in fueling peak performance through sports nutrition
Granville, Ohio, native completes master’s and internship through Lipscomb’s MSDI program
Kim Chaudoin |
For Lily Rogers, nutrition isn’t just a science … it’s a strategy. And through Lipscomb University’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship (MSDI) program, she has sharpened that strategy to help athletes reach peak performance.
Rogers, a native of Granville, Ohio, graduated in May with her Master of Science in nutrition and completed the university’s accredited dietetic internship, bringing her one step closer to becoming a registered dietitian. Her goal? To work with Division I athletes, preferably in football or basketball, guiding them through personalized nutrition plans that help them compete at the highest level.
“I love building rapport with athletes and helping them develop their personal knowledge,” said Rogers. “Personalized nutrition can lead them to perform and recover optimally. It’s exciting and there’s never a dull moment.”
Rogers earned her undergraduate degree in nutrition dietetics from Auburn University, where she laid the foundation for a career in sports nutrition by working with Auburn’s sports nutrition program and ROTC cadets. At Auburn, she completed an independent study with the director of sports nutrition, managed fueling stations for the football team and educated student-athletes and ROTC members on the role of nutrition in physical performance.
They (Lipscomb faculty) provide a nurturing environment and an educationally advanced program. They put the student first, with grace and understanding, always relying on God to guide the program. — Lily Rogers
Those experiences led her to seek a graduate program that could continue building on her passion for sports nutrition. She found that and more at Lipscomb.
“The moment I first met the Lipscomb faculty, I could see the passion and care they had for their students,” said Rogers. “They provide a nurturing environment and an educationally advanced program. They put the student first, with grace and understanding, always relying on God to guide the program.”
Lipscomb’s MSDI program stood out to Rogers for its innovative use of the Predictive Index to match students with rotation sites that best support their learning styles. With its location in the health care capital of Nashville, the program offers robust clinical experiences in some of Nashville’s top hospitals and a wide range of research opportunities. For Rogers, the location was also a draw.
“Nashville is a great place to be with music, food, parks, recreation, sports and more,” she said.
One of the highlights of her graduate experience was a summer internship with the Tennessee Titans, where she worked under Lauren Silvio, the team’s nutrition coordinator. There, Rogers supported daily nutrition operations, conducted hydration and sweat testing, and provided fueling recommendations tailored to the individual needs of elite athletes.
“Working with professional athletes is exciting and ever-evolving,” said Rogers. “It was a wonderful experience and an honor to be involved in that.”
Rogers credits Lipscomb with preparing her for success in the next phase of her career by providing hands-on learning opportunities and career development resources, including RD exam prep and interview coaching.
“My experience at Lipscomb has been nothing but a blessing,” she said. “The professors, the friends I’ve made, the opportunities and my internship preceptors have all been wonderful. The second I started, I knew I was in good hands.”
Now, with graduation behind her, Rogers said she is focused on passing the registered dietician exam and securing her dream role in a collegiate athletics program.
“I’m currently applying for jobs and hope to be working with a team very soon,” she said. “Lipscomb gave me the tools I need to make that dream a reality.”
Learn more about Lipscomb's Master of Science in Nutrition program.