October 20, 2026

For more information, contact:
Laura Brelsford | hcnews@hawks.huntingdon.edu | (334) 833-4563

Dr. Bridges Shares Nutritional Wellness Through Wisdom in Service

Montgomery, AL – Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Dr. Claire Bridges ’11, has always loved teaching students in her classes focused on nutrition, exercise, motor behavior, kinesiology, and health and wellness. In 2023, her love of learning took her back to school to learn more about the science of nutrition from The Nutrition Therapy Institute, a rigorous science-based curriculum focusing on a holistic approach to nutrition. While in her studies and teaching at Huntingdon, Dr. Bridges became more cognizant of the different nutrition challenges facing Division III student-athletes as they balance busy schedules of academics, sports, and extracurriculars. Looking to share her wisdom and assist the coaches and athletic trainers with education, she began hosting seminars for groups and teams, including guest lectures for the Huntingdon College Master of Athletic Training classes.

Dr. Bridges shared, “In 2025 I received a certification as a certified sports nutrition specialist (CISSN) through the International Society of Sports Nutrition. After receiving my certification as a Nutrition Therapist Master (NTM) from the Nutrition Therapy Institute in May, I decided I could be a source for our student-athletes about nutrition. As an educator, my goal is to educate teams and individuals, so they have the tools to create their own nutrition plan to be successful in sport and in the classroom. I reached out to Huntingdon coaches to see if they would be interested in nutrition education talks for their athletes on different topics. The topics included, foundations of nutrition, fueling for performance, under- fueling for performance (relative energy deficiency in sport), time management for nutrition, and sleep like a champion.”

The women’s soccer team was one of the five sports to partner with Dr. Bridges. The team partnered with her for two sessions on nutrition and fueling your body correctly as an athlete. “We were given tips and guidance to ensure that we eat the proper amount of protein, carbs, and sugars,” commented senior Women’s Soccer player Angelina Mazza ’27. “We also learned the importance of refueling after a match with the right foods and hydration. With Huntingdon’s theme this year being the year of health and wellness we deeply appreciated and enjoyed learning how to be the best versions of ourselves on and off the field and it all starts with fueling properly and a good night of sleep.”

###