Root Sellers – University of Maryland Athletics

Fueling one’s body with the proper nutrients and diet is one of the most important responsibilities of a student-athlete. Several student-athletes at the University of Maryland have partnered with Roots Natural Kitchen to fulfill their body’s needs and maximize their athletic performance. 

Among them are gymnastics’ Emma Silberman and volleyball’s Sydney Dowler. The student-athletes partnered with the chain through NIL compensation.

Roots Natural Kitchen was founded in 2015 and began springing up in various college towns on the East Coast. The company’s originators were University of Virginia grads and have opened many locations in the DMV area. The most recent location to open was one in College Park, just off Maryland’s campus across from Trader Joe’s. It was opened just in time to celebrate the spring graduates of 2023.

The company offers signature salads and grain bowls and prides itself on natural ingredients that are delicious and fulfilling. Silberman says partnering with Roots Natural Kitchen was a no-brainer. 

“Being able to have Roots and have these meals every day was something I looked forward to and something that I felt was really helpful during my last year of gymnastics,” she said. “Being fueled properly, they have very healthy ingredients. I really love their branding and what they stand for, and I really wanted to partner with them.”