Pro Athletes Who Drink Matcha | Why Pro Athletes & D1 Athletes Love Matcha

Whether you’re a pro on the global stage, a college athlete juggling academics and training, or a weekend warrior chasing personal bests, matcha has benefits that fit every lifestyle. From boosting energy levels to aiding recovery, it’s no wonder this ancient Japanese tea has become the secret weapon for some of the world’s most accomplished athletes.

Why athletes love matcha tea

Matcha isn’t your average cup of green tea. It’s made by grinding whole tea leaves into a fine powder, meaning you’re consuming the entire leaf and reaping all its nutrients. That’s why matcha packs a much bigger punch than regular tea. Here’s why it’s a game-changer for athletes:

Sustained energy without the crash: Matcha contains caffeine, but unlike coffee, it’s paired with L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm and focus. This combo delivers a steady stream of energy - no spikes, no crashes - perfect for long training sessions or competitions.
Improved endurance: Studies show that the catechins in matcha can help your body use fat as a fuel source during exercise, improving stamina and endurance.
Faster recovery: Matcha is loaded with antioxidants, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness after workouts.
Mental clarity and focus: L-theanine doesn’t just balance out the caffeine - it also enhances cognitive function, keeping you sharp during games, practices and performance review sessions.
Detox and immune support: Matcha’s chlorophyll content helps rid your body of toxins, while its antioxidant power supports a strong immune system - key for staying healthy during intense training cycles.
Ease of use: Matcha comes in to-go packs and different dissolvable forms like matcha-aid and space cubes, making it easy to travel with, carry in a backpack and use on the go!

the benefits of matcha green tea for top athletes

Pro athletes who swear by matcha

Some of the world’s top athletes rely on matcha to power their performance.

Shaun White

The Olympic gold medalist and snowboarding legend is a vocal fan of matcha. He’s often seen sipping matcha lattes and credits the drink for its clean energy and focus, especially during intense training and competitions in high-stress environments. Shaun also drinks the Ka’Chava meal replacement shake with matcha once a day to help balance his hunger and respect his digestion.

Dusty Watten

Professional volleyball player Dusty Watten is another matcha enthusiast. Known for his mindfulness and dedication to peak performance, he incorporates matcha into his daily routine to stay sharp on and off the court. Dusty discovered matcha when he was living in Finland and was struggling to kick a coffee habit that he thought was helping to offset the lack of daylight and jet lag from traveling the world to play volleyball. After switching to matcha his performance and the way he felt increased dramatically.

Serena Williams

The tennis icon and global powerhouse has also been spotted endorsing matcha as part of her nutrition plan. Whether she’s dominating the court or managing her off-court ventures, matcha’s energy-boosting and focus-enhancing properties are a natural fit for her demanding lifestyle.

These athletes aren’t just drinking matcha for its flavor—they’re using it as a tool to perform better, recover faster, and stay ahead of the competition.

Matcha for college athletes: the D1 secret weapon

Being a Division 1 athlete isn’t just about excelling in your sport—it’s about balancing intense training schedules with academics, travel, and social commitments. For D1 athletes who need to maintain their edge on the field and in the classroom, matcha is a lifesaver.

Energy for long days: Early morning practices followed by full class schedules can drain anyone’s energy reserves. Matcha provides a smooth, sustained energy boost without the jitters or crash of coffee or sugary energy drinks, keeping athletes alert and focused all day long.
Study and focus aid: The L-theanine in matcha promotes mental clarity, making it easier to stay on top of coursework, study for exams, and absorb game strategies. It’s like having a built-in focus mode that kicks in whenever you need it.
Recovery on the go: Matcha’s antioxidants help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, so athletes can bounce back faster from intense workouts or games. Its convenience makes it easy to mix up a quick drink between classes or practices.

For D1 athletes juggling the grind of both sports and academics, matcha bridges the gap, giving them the energy and focus to excel in both arenas.

matcha for college athleres and matcha for young athletes

Weekend warriors and fitness enthusiasts

Matcha isn’t just for elite athletes—it’s also perfect for anyone trying to crush their fitness goals or just make it through a busy day. Whether you’re training for your first marathon, hitting the gym after work, or tackling a weekend hike, matcha can help you perform better and recover faster. Plus, it’s easy to incorporate into your routine. Whip up a quick matcha latte, blend it into a smoothie, mix it into a protein shake or add some matcha aid to your water for an extra boost that's much healthier than gatorade.

The bottom line

Matcha green tea has proven itself as more than just a trendy health drink—it’s a performance-enhancing powerhouse for athletes of all levels. From pros like Shaun White, Dusty Watten, and Serena Williams to college athletes balancing training and academics, and even weekend warriors chasing their personal bests, matcha delivers steady energy, sharper focus, and faster recovery.

So, if you’re looking for a natural way to fuel your workouts, stay focused, and recover like a pro, grab some matcha and join the growing ranks of athletes who swear by this green super drink. Who knows? Your next personal best might just be one cup of matcha away.