Getting the Season Started!

Whew... the last little while has been very, very busy but I'm loving it! As most of you know, this is my first year as the University of San Francisco women's basketball coach. I've spent the past several months preparing for the start of the season, which tipped off on Friday.

It's been so much fun getting to know these incredible players and getting them ready to compete against some tough teams (here's a quick interview I did with Gary Radnich of KRON 4). I'm really looking forward to the rest of the season.

Being a coach, I've learned, is more than just instructing on the court — it's about teaching these players to live a healthy lifestyle off the court as well. So far, with the help of USANA, we're heading in the right direction.

Tonight we are at home against San Jose State. I encourage members of the USANA family in the Bay Area to come to the game and see these amazing athletes. Plus, as part of the West Coast Conference's "Be a Part of It" program we are conducting a "Fitness Day."

After the game I will be speaking briefly with Rosie Bank, a certified nutrition and wellness consultant, about fitness and nutrition (and I'm sure we'll talk a little about USANA).

Leading a WNBA Fit Clinic

I was asked to lead a WNBA fit clinic with Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird. Health and fitness is a huge initiative for the WNBA as well as our program at USF. We all have an amazing platform to inspire youth to be healthy and active!

What a Day at the USANA International Convention!

Speaking About the Value of Proper Nutrition

I was a keynote speaker at The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAPHERD) conference in Indianapolis. I worked with both the Got Milk? Campaign and Ruth Carey, the Portland Trail Blazers Nutritionist. She is one of the few RD’s I have met that has become so well integrated into the fabric of the team organization.

Ruth Carey

It’s obvious, that what we eat is just as important as how we train, but so many sports organizations leave that part out! I was thrilled that she is able to truly educate the athletes about the value of proper nutrition and sports.

We share the same philosophy that by keeping yourself healthy you can perform to the best of your ability, whether a professional athlete, or an everyday person looking to “seize the day!” And yes ... I spoke to her about USANA so I hope to get her into the family!

A Great NBA FIT Event

We started the new year with a bang — 4 events in Boise, Idaho, as a part of the NBA’s D-League Fit Challenge.

NBA FIT is the league's comprehensive health and wellness platform promoting healthy, active lifestyles for children and adults. The initiative encourages physical activity and healthy living through products, events and programs for children and families. In doing so, NBA FIT strives to engage one million kids, adults and families to pledge NBA FIT during the 2009-10 season.

Frank Lopez (one of the NBA’s top trainers) and I, along with players from the D-League worked with 400 middle school and elementary school kids in Boise, talking with them about the importance of being fit and healthy and showing them hands on activities to keep them moving.

Participating in NBA FIT is part of my role as an Ambassador for the NBA. It is one of the programs I am most passionate about. We are at a real crisis in this country with regard to our health. One of the greatest solutions is to empower and educate youth on the value of taking care of their bodies. I am happy that the NBA has taken a lead in this effort.