THE PLAYERS’ PLATE: BY EMILY COLE
Learn how to fuel for maximum performance & recovery.
By Emily Cole, Duke All-American track & field athlete with All-America honors in the steeplechase.
The book is for ALL athletes: every sport, every level.
Over 10,000 copies sold · Amazon Best Seller
Emily’s story
On November 2, 2018, at the Texas state cross-country meet in Austin, 17-year-old Emily Cole collapsed at the finish line. She had been under-fueling, running low on salt, and her body shut down.
Emily was rushed to the hospital with hyponatremia, a life-threatening low-sodium condition, and spent two days in a coma.
She pulled through. She went on to recover, train, and become a Duke All-American in the steeplechase. And she wrote the guide she wished she had: the practical fueling, hydration, and recovery playbook for athletes of every sport.
The Players’ Plate is that guide. It covers the fundamentals of sports nutrition: macros, supplements, decoding confusing “health” labels, eating with others, finding balance in the kitchen, and protecting your body image and your mental relationship with food, along with whole-foods recipes to put it all into practice.
Signed copies
Every copy sold on this site is signed by Emily, personally inscribed to you or your athlete.
Low stock: only 6 signed hardcovers and 42 signed paperbacks are on hand.
Signed Paperback: $50
A signed paperback copy of The Players’ Plate, personally inscribed by Emily Cole.
Signed Hardcover: $75
A signed hardcover copy, the lasting keepsake, personally inscribed by Emily Cole.
Orders ship within 10 business days of payment. Order by November 30, 2026 for holiday delivery.
Prefer an unsigned copy? Find it on Amazon.
Prefer to listen? Get the audiobook on Audible, narrated by Emily.
Team bundles
Fuel the whole team. Every bundle is a set of signed paperbacks, one for each athlete, with one team message handwritten by Emily in every copy.
10 signed paperbacks
$350
One signed copy for each athlete on the team, with a team message from Emily in every book.
20 signed paperbacks
$500
One signed copy for each athlete on the team, with a team message from Emily in every book.
30 signed paperbacks
$650
One signed copy for each athlete on the team, with a team message from Emily in every book.
Team bundles are ready to order: 10, 20, or 30 signed paperbacks for the whole team. Order yours in the Shop.
Praise for The Players’ Plate
“The Players’ Plate is an insightful book filled with relatable stories to inspire young athletes to fuel their minds and bodies with nourishing and delicious food.”
ELYSE KOPECKY, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
“Every athlete can benefit from this book! I wish I had been able to read it when I was younger, but I came away with so many helpful tips I will use going forward. Entertaining and informative, a great read!”
APRIL ROSS, THREE-TIME OLYMPIC MEDALIST
“For any athlete feeling confused, alone, or overwhelmed by nutrition and performance, The Players’ Plate is a must read. It’s a book that acknowledges that even though we’re complicated, our needs are simple.”
ALLEN LIM, PHD, AUTHOR OF FEED ZONE TABLE
“The Players’ Plate gives athletes the knowledge and motivation to make smart decisions about what they put in their body. A must-have for anyone who wants to increase longevity, find a healthy mindset, and breeze past their athletic goals.”
AJ ANDREWS, FIRST FEMALE RECIPIENT OF THE RAWLINGS GOLD GLOVE AWARD
What readers are saying
How ordering works
- Choose your signed copy: paperback ($50) or hardcover ($75), and add a custom handwritten message (+$15) if you’d like.
- Check out securely with a card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Payments are processed by Stripe.
- You’ll get an email confirmation with your order number right after you order.
- Your signed book ships within 10 business days of payment.
Frequently asked questions
What payment methods do you accept?
Card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, through our secure Stripe checkout.
Is checkout secure?
Yes. Your payment is processed by Stripe, and your card details never touch our site.
Will I get an order confirmation?
Yes, you’ll receive an email confirmation with your order number as soon as your order is placed.
When will my order ship?
Orders ship within 10 business days of payment.
What is the holiday deadline?
Order by November 30, 2026 for holiday delivery.
Are signed copies limited?
Yes, only 6 signed hardcovers and 42 signed paperbacks are on hand, and they’re going fast.
Can I add a custom handwritten message?
Yes. Add the Custom Handwritten Message (+$15) to your cart with a signed copy, and write the message you’d like in the order notes at checkout.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to addresses in the United States. International shipping rates are coming soon.
What comes in a team bundle?
10, 20, or 30 signed paperbacks, with one team message handwritten by Emily in every copy. Team bundles are ready to order in the Shop.
Can I buy an unsigned copy?
Yes. The book is also available unsigned on Amazon, and the audiobook, narrated by Emily, is on Audible.