When Rachel Rodriguez came to IUP, she immediately found a university where she fit in and found people who wanted to help her succeed. As a member of the Crimson Hawks’ softball team, she was given the opportunity by her coach to be the team’s nutritionist. That sparked a career in the minor leagues of professional baseball, where she is a performance nutrition associate with the Richmond Flying Squirrels. In that position, she helps young players get the fuel they need to play their best so they can reach the major leagues.

Rachel enjoys getting to see firsthand how her knowledge and expertise can help people achieve their goals. It’s a role she takes seriously, and one she feels she was well-prepared to handle after her time at IUP.

“IUP has played a big part in getting me where I’m at today,” she said.