The Pregame
She returns to the WNBA on the heels of a wildly successful offseason venture.
In Bustles The Pregame, we ask athletes about their pregame rituals.
What do they wear for the infamoustunnel walk?
How do they get in the zone?
This week, sidle up to Minnesota Lynx star and Unrivaled co-founder Napheesa Collier.
In most ways, Napheesa Colliers days dont mirror your average 28-year-olds.
Last May, she and Stewart announced Unrivaled, their 3-v-3 league that sold out its inaugural season.
And data is key.
For athletes, it has become a fundamental insight into performance, into recovery, into strengths and weaknesses.
Whats your routine for getting in the zone before a game?
I usually listen to music.
But Ive actually been listening toCrime Junkiea lot.
I like that podcast, something to take my mind off the game.
Do you find that most players are superstitious?
I think athletes in general are pretty superstitious.
Did you develop your routine during college?
No, it was high school.
[It might] have been earlier than that.
Does it have to do with nerves?
Do you get nervous before games?
I mean, my stomach has butterflies before every game.
At what point does it go away?
When tip-off happens, and first possession.
So besides PB&J, what foods do you rely on to stay energized?
The day of games, I usually have a sandwich called Hook & Ladder from Firehouse.
It has ham and turkey on it.
And how do you kind of think about hydration?
Has your approach to it changed since its become trendy?
Im one of thoseI dont like the taste of water [people], especially bottled water.
So Ill put lemon in it, and salt for electrolytes.
Does that taste better?
Do you have any lucky charms, or things you keep for good luck on game days?
I actually have to put on the same lip gloss.
Because you like it, or is it superstitious?
And you wear the silver Samsung Galaxy ring.
Which features do you use the most?
The energy score.My daughteris not a great sleeper.
She never has been.
So when I put her down, Im like, This is my time to be by myself.
But then Ill stay up for hours, and she wakes up so early.
Its a vicious cycle.
Did your sleep change during and after pregnancy?
I used to get way more.
I mean, I love taking naps.
I would sleep a lot and I could stay up, but now I cant sleep in anymore.
And what about meditation?
Do you meditate at all?
Only to go to sleep.
My mind will not turn off, so I use the Calm app.
Was there a learning curve for you when you started that?
Actually, its had the opposite effect.
The coach sets the standard about whats expected, and Ive been really lucky with those two.
The mental game is such a huge part of any sport.
I believe its 80-20, with physical ability and mental toughness.
Which ones the 80?
The 80 is mental.
So looking at Geno, how did he help you get in the right head space?
But in practices, he teaches you mental toughness [and how to] be a smart basketball player.
And they just run a tight ship [at the University of Connecticut].
Everything they do is very professional.
Like, youre going to look professional in the way you dress, in the way were warming up.
We are taking this seriously every step of the way.
Do you think that you were naturally prone to that mindset?
I think my parents raised me that way.
The capability was there, but I think he honed it and brought it out.
My freshman year was so, so hard.
Thats what he does with his players.
Its pretty similar in terms of what she expects.
Even when we were flying commercial, we couldnt have family members on the flight.
Why do think that is?
She has the same approach, where This is business, and were taking it seriously.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
