Introducing Rich Jacobs, a Master's educated and highly certified coach in the world of strength and conditioning, and a true pioneer in the field of functional sports nutrition. With a remarkable career that spans over two decades, Rich's expertise and influence have left an indelible mark on athletes at every level.With a career rooted in coaching excellence, Rich played an instrumental role in shaping the success stories of numerous NCAA teams. His coaching prowess contributed to an impressive haul of 9 NCAA Conference Championships, a testament to his ability to optimize performance and cultivate a winning mindset. These championships span coveted conferences such as the Big East, Big Ten, and SEC, culminating in a crowning achievement of a National Championship in the SEC.However, Rich's journey took an exciting turn as he transitioned from the NCAA arena. Armed with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, he ventured into the realm of functional and integrative nutrition, broadening his horizons and enriching his skill set. This evolution allowed him to address more complex challenges faced by athletes, delving into areas such as fatigue, sleep optimization, and hormonal balance.Taking the reins as the Director of Functional Sports Nutrition at Michigan Elite Conditioning for Athletes, Rich orchestrated a transformative shift in the program's approach. By seamlessly melding functional nutrition principles with existing strength protocols, he catalyzed a paradigm shift in how athletes approached their training and nutrition. The result? Accelerated results, enhanced performance, and empowered athletes poised to conquer their goals.Prior to establishing Optimal Athlete, Rich was the Lead Educator for Poliquin Group’s Biosignature modulation certification.*Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner*Board Certified Integrative and Functional Nutrition Practitioner*Kalish Institute for Functional Medicine Certified*Institute for Functional Medicine Member*Master of Science in Kinesiology*Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Psychology