KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Volunteers baseball program is set to lose a key member of its acclaimed support staff, as nutritionist Beth Schwartz has reportedly accepted a position with a Major League Baseball team. Sources indicate that Schwartz, who played a vital role in fueling the Volunteers’ success, is leaving Knoxville to become the Major League Dietician for the Chicago Cubs, with additional oversight of their minor league affiliates.
Schwartz’s departure marks a significant transition for the Vols, who have consistently boasted one of the most physically prepared teams in college baseball under her guidance and in collaboration with Director of Sports Performance Quentin Eberhardt. Her expertise in sports nutrition has been widely credited as a major factor in the team’s ability to maintain peak performance throughout grueling SEC schedules and deep postseason runs.
An alumna of the University of Tennessee, Schwartz’s tenure with the Volunteers, particularly with the baseball program, was a return to her roots. Prior to her most recent two-year stint as Assistant Director of Sports Nutrition at Tennessee, she served as the head nutritionist at Ole Miss, primarily overseeing their football program. She made the decision to return to her alma mater, even taking a pay cut, a testament to her passion for the university and its athletic programs, especially baseball.
During her time at Tennessee, Schwartz worked closely with the baseball, volleyball, and swim and dive teams. Her multifaceted background, which includes a degree in psychology and extensive culinary training, allowed her to approach athlete nutrition with a holistic and practical perspective. She is a Registered Dietitian and has been an active member of the Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association (CPSDA).
Head Coach Tony Vitello and the entire Tennessee baseball staff have consistently lauded Schwartz’s contributions, often highlighting her as an “absolute superstar.” Her dedication to not only providing the right fuel for the athletes but also her willingness to engage in “nitty-gritty grunt work” with a positive attitude made her an invaluable asset to the program.
Schwartz’s move to the Chicago Cubs is a significant step in her career, offering an opportunity at the highest level of professional baseball. While the Vols will undoubtedly miss her expertise and dedication, her transition to MLB is a testament to the high regard in which her skills are held within the sports performance community.
The timing of this departure comes as the Volunteers are preparing for their NCAA Tournament run, hosting Miami (Ohio) in their first game of the Knoxville Regional at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The program will now begin the search for a new nutritionist to continue the high standards set by Schwartz.
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