Meet Our Founder
Melissa M. Crowson
Melissa M. Crowson brings over a decade of experience in collegiate athletics and a deep passion for helping individuals maximize their potential. With expertise spanning clinical nutrition, strength and conditioning, and program design, Melissa has dedicated her career to equipping athletes and teams with the tools needed to excel. Holding a Master’s in Human Nutrition from Winthrop University and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Health & Exercise Science and Communication Studies from Furman University, she combines her academic knowledge with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions. Through Perform Strong, Melissa continues her mission of equipping others to nourish their body and feel confident in implementing nutrition to optimize health and performance.
Education
Melissa holds a Master of Science in Human Nutrition (MS) from Winthrop University (2015–2017) and a B.A. in Health & Exercise Science and Communications from Furman University (2006–2010).
Credentials
Melissa is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a deep background in elite performance, holding certifications as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), a USA-W Sports Performance Coach, and certified in the Westside Barbell Conjugate Method. Melissa Crowson, RD, MS, CSCS
Publications
Crowson, Melissa M. October 2024. Renew: Real Nutrition for A Strong Self-Image. Palmetto Publishing.
Crowson MM, McClave SA. (August 22, 2020). Does the Intestinal Microbiome Impact Athletic Performance? Current Gastroenterology Reports. 2020 Aug 22;22(11):53.
E. Smith, M. Murphy, M. Noviello, M. Edward, W. Koszewski. (September 2017). College Athletes in North And South Carolina Desire Better Access to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Order to Improve Athletic Performance. The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 117(9). Supplement Page A83
Current Role
Melissa is the founder of Perform Strong, where she collaborates with various athletic programs, including the University of Washington (Women’s Basketball), Troy University, University of Alabama-Birmingham (Football), Jacksonville University, South Dakota University, Towson University, USC-Aiken, and Shenandoah University.
Previous Roles
She served as the Director of Sports Nutrition at the University of Louisville Athletic Department from 2019 to 2020 and at Liberty University Athletic Department from 2018 to 2019. Between 2016 and 2019, she worked as a Child Nutrition Educator with the South Carolina State Department of Education. From 2015 to 2017, she was a Strength & Conditioning Coach at Winthrop University, where she oversaw Varsity Men’s & Women’s Golf, Tennis, Track & Field, and led the team to two Women’s Tennis Conference Championships.
Earlier in her career, Melissa worked as a Sports Performance Coach at Carolina CrossFit (2013–2015), serving as the Strength Coach for the USC Dance Team. She was also the Fitness Director at The Harris YMCA (2011–2013) and a Sports Nutrition Intern at the University of South Carolina Athletic Department in 2011. From 2010 to 2011, she gained experience with Athletes in Action at the University of Florida Athletics.