By TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech Athletic Department added another building block to its championship culture recently with the creation of a new position and appointment that will only help to serve Golden Eagle student-athletes even further in their maturation and growth as men and women.
Anthony Paradis has joined the Golden Eagle family in a new, joint role as the TTU Director of Sports Nutrition and Nutrition Instructor in the School of Human Ecology.
"We are thrilled that Anthony has joined the TTU family," Director of Athletics Mark Wilson commented. "His expertise will aid our student-athletes in reaching their individual potential. Research proves that proper nutrition improves academic and athletic performance, so this position is another building block for consistent championship programs."
His duties will focus on the dietary and nutrition habits and methods of Tech's student-athletes and increasing performance abilities and limits by developing programs that deliver results both for the individual and team. He will also serve the university as an instructor, teaching classes with his knowledge and expertise in nutrition and dietetics.
"Good nutrition alone won't make you a champion," Paradis said. "But poor nutrition will always keep you from playing and practicing your best. That's why I'm here. To develop a sports nutrition program that supports our athletes so they can train their hardest, recover quickly, and be the best possible versions of themselves.
"It was very apparent to me during the interview process and from day one that everyone in the athletic and academic program is committed to the highest standards of excellence and achievement. Because of this, I am humbled and honored to be a new member of the team. The choice to bring in a dedicated sports dietitian to work with the athletics program, in itself, shows that TTU is progressive in keeping up with cutting edge athletic programs. I have no doubt in my mind, that this year, and the years to come are going to be some of the best yet."
Paradis comes to Tech after spending the better part of the past six years as the owner and operator of his private practice, Food & Fitness LLC, in Lewisville, Texas. He gathered experience working with athletes in all shapes and sizes, ranging from jockeys to collegiate defensive linemen. At Food & Fitness, he created and implemented strength and conditioning and performance nutrition for Revoluzion Cycling while also operating numerous education and performance workshops.
During this time, Paradis also earned his master's degree in nutrition sciences from Texas Woman's University. His thesis, Effects of a 500 Mile Backpacking Journey on the Performance of a Competitive Powerlifter, was developed directly from his own experiences, having completed a 500 mile through hike on the Colorado Trail and setting the Texas state record in powerlifting with the Natural Athlete Strength Association (NASA) in 2015.
In 2014, he was a national qualifier in powerlifting at the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters, as well as a physique competitor in the National Gym Association. Paradis also competed on American Ninja Warrior, a nationally recognized sports entertainment competition, in 2012.
"I left my business in private practice to come to TTU," Paradis explained. "If nothing else, my experience in business taught me that the only way to measure success in a sports nutrition program is to deliver results to the clients. I'm used to forging my own path and putting my own personal preferences and biases aside to get down to the truth of sports nutrition sciences and giving my clients the best of what actually works. The difference is that now, with working at Tennessee Tech, I am part of a team of high caliber individuals and I can be laser focused on my duties as a sports dietitian."
Prior to starting his own practice in 2011, Paradis served as a dietetic intern at Texas Women's University from 2010-11 and as a personal trainer at the TWU fitness and recreation center from 2009-10. Additionally, he acted as a dietary technician at the Lewisville Medical Center from 2008-09.
Throughout his career, he interned with the National Football League, Major League Baseball and the Major League Soccer team, FC Dallas. Included in his past client list are professional hockey players, cyclists and fitness models, collegiate football and soccer players, high school baseball players and wrestlers, collegiate and amateur gymnasts, amateur soccer players and members of Fortune 500 and 100 and FDIC wellness programs.
Paradis earned his bachelor's degree in nutrition sciences from Texas Tech University in 2008. He was also a varsity wrestler at Marcus HS in Flower Mound, Texas, developing his interest in nutrition and dietetics at an early age.
He owns several certifications and licenses, including RDN (Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian), CSSD (Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics) from SCAN (Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition), CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) from the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), a Level 1 Sport Performance certification for USA Weightlifting, a Club Coach certification for USA Powerlifting, and CC (competent communicator) from Toastmasters International.
Along with Joshua LeBlanc and Ryan Hattaway, Paradis also helped co-author a book with his expertise in nutrition, Food and Fitness, Lean and Strong in 30 Days!, produced by his private practice, Food & Fitness LLC.
Paradis currently resides in Cookeville.
