It’s been awhile since I stepped onto the court, the field, and the stage. I knew I wasn’t going to pursue anything in college, let alone go pro, but that never stopped me from treating every game like it was the championship. I took the game seriously– and that came with consistent rituals to get me locked and ready. Those little habits flipped a switch in my brain. Once they were done, it was game time.
Game Day Fuel: Omelette & Toast
Starting game day with a balanced breakfast was key for me: an egg and spinach omelette with toast provided the perfect mix of protein, iron, and carbs to keep my energy steady and my focus sharp. I learned the hard way that switching it up wasn’t always a good idea. One time, I tried eating pancakes before a game instead, and let’s just say, I wasn’t feeling nearly as sharp. Ever since, I’ve stuck with my omelette ritual. Sometimes, it’s not just what you eat, but the routine that sets you up for success.
Music = Mindset
I’ll let you in on a little secret — when the headphones went on, it wasn’t just about blocking out noise. I imagined the songs as the soundtrack to my highlight reel or the dramatic sports scene in a movie where I was the main character. That mental movie helped me get pumped and locked in, ready to own every moment on the court.
Thanking the Ref
Before every game, I made it a point to thank the referee. It was a small gesture, but it helped me stay respectful and remind myself that sportsmanship is part of the game. No matter the outcome, I always thanked them again post-game.
The Blob Bun
My hair had to be in a messy bun, the bigger and crazier, the better. It wasn’t just about keeping hair out of my face; that wild bun was part of my game-day armor.
Warmups & The Tunnel
There’s nothing like the energy of warmups with the team and running through the tunnel together. It’s where the hype builds, and the team mindset kicks in.
Teammate Hype
I always made it a point to hype up my teammates before and during the game. Getting everyone fired up was just as important as my own prep — because we were in it together.
What are your game-day rituals? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear how you get in the zone!
