Performance Nutrition Staff
Last updated: Sept. 2, 2025
Caroline Mandel, MS, RD, CSSD
Caroline Mandel is in her twenty-fifth season as the Director of Performance Nutrition for the Michigan Wolverines.
Before working in Michigan Athletics, Caroline was a Nutrition Specialist in Preventive Cardiology, part of Michigan Medicine.
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Caroline earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Massachusetts where she was a varsity swimmer. She completed dual Master of Science degrees in Kinesiology-Movement Science and School of Public Health-Human Nutrition from the University of Michigan. She is a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics.
Caroline is an active member of the American Sports and Professional Dietitians Association (ASPDA) and the Sports and Human Performance Nutrition (SHPN) dietetics practice group. She served on the ASPDA Conference Committee and was Scholarships & Awards Chair and is a past SHPN Executive Committee Secretary.
Caroline and her husband Scott live in Ann Arbor, Mich., and are proud parents of their adult daughters Hailey and Leah.
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Andrea Darby, MS, RD, CSSD
Andrea Darby has been fueling athletes at the University of Michigan as a sports dietitian since 2021 and is now the Assistant Director of Performance Nutrition. Originally from Grand Rapids, Mich., she graduated with a BS in Health and Fitness from the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology and earned her MS in Nutrition from the University of Massachusetts.
A former competitor on the University of Michigan Novice Rowing Team and Club Triathlon Team, as well as the University of Massachusetts Triathlon Team, she loves to stay active. Recently, she tackled a half Ironman triathlon and enjoys mountain biking and backpacking with her husband and dog. When she's not out adventuring, you can bet she’s whipping up some delicious homemade ice cream.
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Hannah Champine, MDN, RD, CSSD
Hannah Champine began her journey as a member of the performance nutrition staff at the University of Michigan in July 2023 as a Gatorade SNIP Fellow. Hannah was hired on as a full time performance dietitian in March 2024 and supports Men and Women’s Basketball, Women’s Soccer, and Men and Women’s Golf.
Prior to her role at Michigan, Hannah graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in dietetics, and received her master’s degree from the Ohio State University in dietetics and nutrition. She worked in athletics throughout her time at both MSU and OSU.
Hannah is originally from Michigan and enjoys spending time at her family lake house, running, reading, trying new recipes, and sharing nutrition information and inspiration on social media.
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John Fravel, MPH, RD
John Fravel joined the Michigan performance nutrition staff in July 2023 and is in his second season with the Wolverines. John supports the Track and Field team, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Wrestling, and Men’s Lacrosse.
Before starting at Michigan, John was a graduate assistant with the UNC Chapel Hill performance nutrition department. John was also a track & field athlete for Appalachian State University.
Born and raised in Roswell, Ga., Fravel earned his undergraduate degree in exercise science with a minor in nutrition at App State. He then completed his dietetic internship and master's degree in public health and dietetics at UNC Chapel Hill. He is a Registered Dietitian.
Fravel enjoys reading, cooking, backpacking, and anything outside during his free time.
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Chelsea Kalmar, MS, RD
Chelsea Kalmar joined the University of Michigan performance nutrition staff in June 2024.
Before starting at Michigan, Chelsea was a performance nutrition fellow at the University of North Carolina for Olympic Sports and also participated in athletics at UNC during her master's program.
Born and raised in Highland, Mich., Kalmar earned her Undergraduate degree in Dietetics at Michigan State, and completed her dietetics internship and master's degree in sports nutrition at North Carolina Central University. She is a Registered Dietitian.
Kalmar enjoys working out, reading, and hanging out with friends and family.
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Elise Merucci, MPH
Elise Merucci is the 2025-2026 UDIM Performance Nutrition Fellow. She joined the team in July of 2024, and her primary sports are Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Water Polo, Freshman Track and Cross Country and Softball. She also assists with Women's Soccer.
Elise graduated in 2022 with a BA in Psychology from Carthage College where she was also a member of the swim team. She moved on to receive her MPH in Nutrition and Dietetics here at the University of Michigan where she was an intern with the performance nutrition staff. During her time as an intern, Elise worked with Water Polo, Women's Soccer, Men's and Women's Lacrosse, and Swim and Dive.
Elise is originally from Grand Rapids, Mich., and she enjoys running, swimming, and traveling to new places.
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Abigail O'Connor, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS
Abigail O’Connor is the Director for Football Performance & Development at the University of Michigan. She joined the Michigan Wolverines in February of 2018 and works directly with Strength and Conditioning and Athletic Training in promoting the health, well-being, and development of football student-athletes.
Prior to Michigan, O’Connor was the Assistant Director of Performance Nutrition and primary dietitian for football at the University of Minnesota. She also served as a performance nutrition intern and performance nutrition program coordinator at the University of Houston, where she worked with student-athletes across all sports.
Originally from Texas, O’Connor received a Bachelor’s in Biology from Southwestern University where she was also a softball student-athlete. She then received a Master’s in Nutrition from Texas A&M University where she worked as a research assistant in the Exercise and Sport Nutrition Lab. O'Connor is a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics and a Registered Dietitian through the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, as well as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach through the National Strength & Conditioning Association.
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Kaci Cheavtharn, MS, RD
Kaci Cheavtharn joined the Michigan Football staff in March 2024. As a football performance dietitian, Kaci supports all nutrition needs of football student-athletes.
Prior to her role at Michigan, Kaci was the Gatorade SNIP fellow at Ohio State University. She provided sports nutrition services to Men's Soccer, Women's Rowing, and Men's and Women's Basketball.
Kaci is originally from Oregon, and received her bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Oregon State University. She then received her master's degree in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology from the University of Utah. At both institutions, Kaci worked across all sports with a focus on football.
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Kaylee Nilsson, MS, RD
Kaylee Nilsson is a member of the football performance staff at the University of Michigan. Kaylee was hired as a football performance dietitian in March 2024 and works directly with football student-athletes.
Prior to Michigan, Kaylee was the Head Football Dietitian at New Mexico State University, working primarily with the football team, but also working with student-athletes across all sports. Before stepping into her full time role, Kaylee graduated from New Mexico State University with her BS, and MS in nutrition and dietetics, where she also first served as a graduate assistant nutritionist for the football team.
Kaylee is originally from Nevada, and is enjoying getting used to the Michigan winter.
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Evan Roka
Evan Roka is the Football Operations Nutrition Coordinator at the University of Michigan. In addition to supporting the nutrition staff, Evan helps Michigan Football's operations, communications, athletic training, and equipment staff when he can as well.
Prior to starting with Michigan, Evan graduated from Michigan with a BS in communications and worked with Michigan Football throughout his time as an undergraduate student.
Roka is originally from Corunna, Mich., and in his free time enjoys golfing, lifting, and attending his younger brothers' sporting events.
