Going off of my DD and some of her teammates' schedules, they don't have a lot of time for a big snack before practice. My DD for example eats lunch at 11:30, gets out of school at 335 is on the bus until 415 (not allowed to eat on the bus), gets home, changes and goes straight to the gym. She eats a snack in the car, but rarely has time for much. She has to finish her homework and get her hair up, etc. By the time their break comes around 6:30 or 7, she is hungry and running on fumes. She definitely needs carbs at that point, but calories are also important. She eats a small dinner around 9 when she gets home. She needs the calories that she eats during practice. Could she get by without them? Sure, but it would make it more difficult at other meals/days to keep up.
Fortunately, at her level, this schedule is only 2 school nights a week.
Fortunately, at her level, this schedule is only 2 school nights a week.