Mission
The UK Performance Nutrition Department works to promote an evidence-based, food-first nutrition program that allows the student athlete to achieve their full potential in their area of athletic performance and in the classroom.
The UK Performance Nutrition Department recognizes that each athlete is different. Working collaboratively with Sports Medicine and Strength & Conditioning, the UK Performance Nutrition Department assists athletes with reaching individual goals related to body composition, body image, optimal nutrient intake and hydration.
The UK Performance Nutrition Department provides nutrition support that meets both NCAA and University of Kentucky Athletics Department rules and regulations.
The UK Performance Nutrition Department offers nutrition support related to:
Injury
- Calorie needs
- Anti-oxidant needs
- Protein requirements
Body Composition
- Body comp vs. body weight/BMI
- BodPod result consultations
OPT Participation
Staff
Devin Haygood - Director of Football Performance Nutrition
Devin Haygood joined the Kentucky staff in July of 2023. Along with her staff, she coordinates all nutritional aspects for the football team, including individual nutritional counseling, game day fueling, and fuel bar management. Devin also oversees individual nutrition needs for Gymnastics and Women’s golf. Prior to working with Kentucky, Devin worked as the nutrition fellow at the University of Missouri supporting their football and gymnastics teams.
Devin earned her bachelor's in education in Exercise Science at the University of Georgia in 2019 while she was volunteering for Georgia football team. She earned her Master's in Dietetics and Nutrition from The Ohio State University in 2022. She is originally from Augusta, GA. Devin enjoys reading and running half marathons in her free time.
Xaymara Gonzalez-Adams - Director of Olympic Performance Nutrition
Xaymara Gonzalez-Adams joined the Kentucky Nutrition department in August of 2023. She oversees all nutrition operations for the Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Volleyball, and Rifle teams as well as managing the Joe Craft fuel zone. Xaymara works with athletes on individual counseling, meal planning, nutrition education, and game-day fueling. Prior to Kentucky, Xaymara worked as the olympic sports nutrition fellow at Auburn University, covering the women’s soccer, softball, and equestrian teams during the ‘22-’23 seasons. While at Auburn, she also assisted with the football team in practice and game settings.
Xaymara earned her bachelor's degree of science in Culinary Nutrition at Johnson and Wales University in 2017. She also obtained associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts in 2015 and 2014 respectively. She earned her Master's of science in Exercise and Nutrition Science and completed her dietetic internship at Lipscomb University in 2019. During her time at Lipscomb, she assisted with Lipscomb athletics to provide nutrition support as an intern to 17 sports. Xaymara is originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico and enjoys baking in her free time.
Joseph Clark - Sports Dietitian
Joseph Clark is entering his second year with the wildcats, joining the team in fall of 2023. Joe coordinates all nutrition aspects for the Baseball and Men’s golf teams, as well as works as the full-time assistant for Kentucky Football. Joe works for all teams on meal planning, nutrition education, game day fueling and fuel bar management. Joe earned his bachelor's degree in nutrition from the University of Minnesota in 2022 while working for the Golden Gopher’s football team. He earned his master's degree in nutrition and dietetics with a concentration in sports performance from Saint Louis University in 2023. Joe is originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota and enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors in his free time.
Dustin Harris - Sports Dietitian
Dustin Harris joined the Kentucky Wildcat nutrition department in July of 2024. Dustin serves as the sports dietitian for Men’s and Women’s soccer, Men’s and Women tennis, and Men’s and Women track and field. Dustin oversees individual counseling, meal planning and daily operations of each team’s nutrition areas. Prior to his time at Kentucky, Dustin was the Sports Nutrition fellow for the University of Tennesse. At Tennessee, he oversaw Men’s and Women’s golf, as well as worked as the full-time assistant for Tennessee Football.
Dustin completed his bachelors of science degree in Exercise Science at the SUNY Cortland in 2020. During his time at Suny Cortland, he competed at the division three level as a collegiate wrestler. He received his master's in dietetics and nutrition at the Ohio State University in 2022. Dustin is originally from Syracuse, New York and enjoys lifting and grilling in his free time.
Tylar Plunkett - Sports Dietitian
Tylar Plunkett joined the Kentucky Wildcat nutrition department in July of 2024. Tylar serves as the sports dietitian for the Softball and Swim and dive teams at Kentucky. She also oversees the operation of the Nutter Food Kitchen within the Nutter training facility. Tylar provides individual counseling, meal planning, and game day fueling for her respective teams, as well as provides culinary education to all student athletes at the University of Kentucky within the Nutter Kitchen. Prior to working at Kentucky, Tylar was the graduate research assistant for the University of Kansas Athletics department, providing nutrition care to the Men’s and Women’s golf and Tennis teams, while conducting body composition analysis for all student athletes.
Tylar earned her bachelor of science in nutrition at the University of Central Arkansas in 2022. During her time at Central Arkansas, she competed at the division one level as a collegiate catcher for the softball team. She received her masters of science in Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2024. Tylar and her husband Grant have one furbaby named Koda. She is originally from Pangburn, Arkansas.