College athletes (CA) are exposed to weight and shape pressures that differ importantly from their non-athlete peers. Thus, they may present with, and have preferences for specific language surrounding, distinct expressions of disordered eating (DE) and poor body image (BI). The primary aim of this study is to investigate the distinct pressures and expressions of DE and poor BI among a small sample of Division 1 CA. The secondary aim is to evaluate the utility of focus group (FG) methodology in understanding such distinct pressures and expressions in this population. The tertiary aim is to explore gender differences in expression of affective valence when discussing the topics of DE and poor BI within the FG. Two one-hour FG, with 18 varsity CA (50% male; 12 total teams represented), inquired about emergent themes related to CA opinions, experience, and language preferences surrounding DE and BI manifestations on their campus. Computerized Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software was used to explore gender differences in expression of affective valence when participating in FG discussion. A Classic Approach for qualitative transcript analysis was used to identify core themes and quotes. Emergent themes, including pressures of training culture, definitions of athlete-specific ED pathology, and consequences of DE and poor BI on performance, are noted for the purpose of informing the development of intervention content designed specifically for CA.