Health and performance:
The intersection of collegiate esports and athletics
Collegiate Track
10/08/20, 12:30PM - 1:00PM PT
About the Panel
Despite the growth, the health of a collegiate esports athlete is a commonly overlooked or absent aspect within the development of a program. Many factors can be contributing to this, such as, it not being a priority, lack of funding, lack of personnel, administrative limitations or it being viewed as not important for esports competitors.
This panel discussion will explore what is currently occurring in the realm of collegiate esports health and performance. Discuss opportunities for overlap between esports programs and athletics departments. Also, delving into what esports programs can learn from athletics programs and vice versa.
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It is well established through the scientific literature that regular physical activity in combination with good nutritional habits can lead to improved long-term health outcomes, increased physical and cognitive performance and ultimately, happier, more successful individuals.
Many traditional collegiate athletics programs already have robust and comprehensive health and performance programs in place for their athletes. These include access to top trainers, dietitians, mental health resources and academic support services. These programs create environments that enable the athletes to be successful in activities both within the classroom and out in their respective sporting codes.
This panel discussion will explore current health and performance practices of collegiate esports, discuss opportunities for overlap between esports programs and athletic departments, and dive into how esports and athletic programs may learn from each other.

Haylesh Patel
Esports Exercise Physiologist, UCI Esports
Casey Thomas, RD
Performance Dietitian, UCLA

