Nikewomen NFR Blog

Your Sport. Your Lifestyle.

Katie.O — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:00:29 GMT

What is like to achieve national ranking in two sports and then decide to pursue a third sport for an extra challenge? Jessica Smith, a nationally ranked short track speedskater, and previously nationally ranked long track speedskater and inline skater can answer the question! Jessica, who had her first set of skates at 12 months, began inline racing at age two. Once accomplishing everything she wanted for inline skating, she decided to try her skating abilities on ice.

By age 21, Jessica made the switch to ice and began long track speedskating. Last November, Jessica made her next switch from long track speedskating to short track. After years of inline skating, Jess realized ice presented so many thrilling aspects to racing. “It's dangerous. It's speed. It's racing and racing tactics. Being on ice give me an adrenaline rush. I mean, you have 16.5 - 17 inch blades on the bottom of your feet and if you fall, they could cut either you or your competitors." Although intense and challenging, these are the reasons that prompt Jessica to spend much of her life in Salt Lake City, Utah, training to make the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

When I asked Jess what makes speedskating different than other sports, she explains that in her opinion it has to do with the lifestyle and training. “On ice, you are going against human nature. When walking, legs move forward and back, but on ice, your legs move side to side and that takes that takes body longer to adapt." For Jess and other speedskaters, training is a way of life. Jess moved out to Salt Lake for training; which she does twice a day, six days a week. Her morning workout begins at 7:30 am, beginning with spinning and stretching for warm-ups moving onto dryland techniques imitating the exact motion that occurs on ice. After being on land, the skaters move to the ice focusing on technique, endurance, speed and track patterns. By 10:45, Jess is off the ice and begins her hour long cardio workout lasting until 11:45 am which combines stairs, jumps, biking and running.

After her first workout, Jess finds time to eat, work and study for her classes before 4:00 pm rolls around and its time for her next workout. The evening workout consists of weights, more dryland to perfect positioning and turn belt, a key training tool for speedskaters. “The turn belt holds you in position so you are able to move to a squatting position having your right leg extended diagonally to the side, creating a position needed for a crossing pattern." This workout is completed with lots of stretching, which is incredibly important. “Stretching is so important because our muscles are always tight. They are constantly in squatting position." Jess' evening is completed by more work, eating and studying because of her goal of graduating with a business management degree.

Although Jessica dedicates much of her life to speedskating, in her opinion it is worth it if you want to succeed. “If you want to achieve something, give it a try and give it your all because you will never know what can become of it."

-Katie Osborne

FC Barcelona at Niketown Chicago

Dana.F — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:15:11 GMT

Whenever I am excited about an event I arrive really early. Usually it means, I sit biting my nails, waiting. Recently I arrived early to meet the FC Barcelona team at Niketown on Chicago's Michigan Avenue. I arrived about three hours early thinking I would be the first one there and be able to get a good position to take pictures. However, I underestimated the FC Barcelona fans; I definitely was not the first person there. The place was already packed. The event was to promote FC Barcelona's upcoming game at Soldier Field and from the excitement of the fans I can tell that it is going to be a good game.

The event started with a DJ and four cute boys playing soccer. They showed off every kicking and dribbling trick they knew to techno remixes of 90's music. I was feeling the excitement and the crowd was going crazy wearing their deep red and royal blue Barcelona jerseys. As the store got more and more crowded a man spoke about the team and then introduced the team youngest to oldest. Everyone in the audience was screaming for each of the players. The FC Barcelona players, along with Nike presented a local school with soccer balls and money as part of their Urban Initiatives. A few students were there and were able to interview the players in Spanish. As the team left the fans followed them out to the streets cheering for Barcelona.

Chicago's Niketown is three stories high and huge. To see the whole first floor almost filled for a soccer team gives Americans hope that someday soccer can become big here too. I feel bad for anyone that was just trying to buy a pair of shoes that day.

-Dana Fine

An Unlikely Impact: Mallory Holtman

Sarah.Clark — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:00:53 GMT

“…In one act, you have embodied what softball is all about…this will come back to you in amazing ways…" Sue Enquist, a former college softball head coach, emphatically spoke these words to a young lady who was recently flown to the Softball Women's College World Series. Mallory Holtman, a recent graduate with a degree in business administration, made one small decision during her last college softball game, as a senior, that changed her life.

Shortly put, her team was down in the 2nd inning when a senior on the opposing team came to bat. This particular senior had never hit a home run and this game would determine who was to move on in the season. Before anyone knew it, the ball was hit and began sailing over the fence. The cheering began and the batter began rounding first base. As she was on her way to second she realized she had missed the base and began to turn around. In that instant, something popped in her knee (later found to be a torn ACL) and she hit the ground. No one knew what had happened and unfortunately, no teammate or coach on her team could touch her. The batter barely crawled back to first in agony. The rules state that if a player is substituted in, the hit will be considered a single with 2 RBI's. Take away the first and only home run this player would ever have? It was heartbreaking to hear. And that is when Mallory stepped in.

With complete grace, according to all, Mallory approached the umpire with an idea. “It wasn't a thought out thing, it just happened" She asked him if it would count if she and a teammate carried her around and touched every base. With little hesitation the umpire said yes and so the emotional journey began. Two players including Mallory carried the opposing teammate around each base stopping slowly to lower her down and touch each base. Instead of seeing cheers and screams at home plate, it was tears.

It was a small moment in time that less than 100 people witnessed. It has now gone down in softball history as an act no one who participates in the sport will ever forget. Some of the things the “trio" (as they like to call themselves) consisting of Mallory, her teammate and the opposing player have done includes: Being featured on over 4 television shows, attending awards ceremonies around the country, personal invitations to sporting events, throwing out the first pitch at a professional game and just hanging with happening people all day long. Not realizing that that one split decision she made would become so widespread; Mallory is still in shock.It is difficult for her to sum up but she shared this with me, “It is surreal. Everything that has happened is not normal. Having people know your name, having famous people call and personally invite you to be on their show...all amazing. But the best part by far is having young girls look up to you and tell you, you are their hero. It puts it all in perspective."

We should all be so lucky to gain that perspective. Just another reminder of what ATHLETE means.

Until later, make your own impact in sports and stay tuned for more.

-Sarah Clark

Kristen Kjellman: National Elite Team Lacrosse Player

Brittany.JC — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:45:45 GMT

Lacrosse is a sport that I know absolutely nothing about. I’ve never played it before and it is not very popular in Nebraska yet. So, when I found out that I was going to interview one of the top women’s Lacrosse players in the nation, I was really excited!

Kristen Kjellman has been playing Lacrosse since high school and helped lead her college team to three consecutive national championships. She is currently an employee for Nike and she plays on the National Elite team. I met up with Kristen in Chicago where she helps coach a high school team. Since I was a beginner, she taught me how to properly manipulate the stick and how to catch the ball. After a while I got the hang of it, so Kristen decided to put me through some drills. The shooting drill was my favorite, but it was definitely harder than it looks. The goal is pretty small, so you have to be really accurate when you’re throwing the ball.

We ended our work-out doing some shuttle drills. Lacrosse involves A LOT of running, so building endurance is a must. I must say that I am a new fan of the sport. It is a lot of fun to play and I appreciate Kristen showing me the ropes. I’m not ready for the pros yet, but maybe I can find an intramural team to play on.

-Brittany

Kickin' It with Abby Wambach

Brittany.JC — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:15:36 GMT

In Chicago I met up with Abby Wambach from the US women's soccer team. She was at the summit for the summer games and the team was fresh off their win at the qualifying tournament for Beijing.

The Qualifying tournament for the games was held in Mexico. The US defeated Canada and Costa Rica to earn the prized position. Abby said that they faced their fair share of obstacles at the tournament, but attributes their great team chemistry to their success.

I was excited to talk to Abby because I had just seen her and the rest of the team at their training camp in California. I watched their practice and Abby was such a leader on the team. She works very hard on the field and is the epitome of leading by example.

Abby was a member of the gold medal team in Athens, so I asked her what advice she gives the newer players about the games. She simply said, "They'll have to see for themselves." And they will get the chance when the games are held in August!

It was so fun chatting with Abby. She has been so involved with the ATHLETE campaign it is such a great role model for young girls. I hope she kicks butt in Beijing!

-Brittany

Team USA Softball: On The Road To Beijing

Brittany.JC — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:01:54 GMT

I never thought I'd be on the field of Dodger's stadium. And I really never thought I'd be there interviewing the US women's softball team. But that's exactly what I got to do.

The US Softball team was there to unveil the new uniforms they will be wearing at the games in Beijing. There was also a huge 40-foot replica of the jerseys carried out on the field by young softball players. The coolest part of the Beijing bound uniforms is the 3 stars on the arm. They represent the 3 gold medals the team has won in past games.

I also got the opportunity to talk to some of the team's best players. I interviewed Laura Berg, Vicky Galindo, Andrea Duran, Lauren Lappin, Lisa Fernandez, Stacey Nuveman, and Jessica Mendoza. All of the women were excited for Beijing and ready to defend America's title as the best softball team in the world. They are in the middle of a 6 month tournament where they travel around the US playing 50+ games! All the players agree, this tournament is getting them in tip-top shape just in time for Beijing.

Before the baseball game started, the announcer introduced all of the softball players and Lisa Fernandez threw out the first pitch - a perfect throw right down the middle. When the game started I got to sit right next to the softball players in a suite. It was a great day and I can't wait to see the team play in Beijing!

-Brittany

On the road to Beijing

Brittany.JC — Mon, 19 May 2008 04:00:59 GMT

I have a secret. I always wanted to play soccer. But alas, I ran track so I never had the opportunity. However, I finally got the chance to play. And to make things even cooler, I got to play with the Women's National soccer team!

The WNT was at a camp in Carson, California. The qualifying tournament for Beijing is just around the corner, so they came together to practice and get ready for the big game. It was very hot outside, but the weather didn't affect the intensity of their practice at all. They did tons of different drills and a couple of scrimmages. I sat on the sidelines the whole time in awe of the skill and agility of the players. They look fast on TV, but they are super speedy in person! When practice was over, the team huddled up and cooled down together.

After their practice, a couple of players were nice enough to hang out for a while. Carli Lloyd, Cat Whitehill, and Lindsey Tarpley all shared with me their training regimens as well as why they thought the Women's National Team was so special. Each of them credited their strong bonds with each other and the pursuit of a common goal. We chatted for a bit and then decided to play some soccer. Me and Tarp took on Carli and Cat in a game of “keep it up." We kicked the soccer ball back and forth over a net and tried not to let it hit the ground. In the beginning, my performance was less than stellar, but I finally started to get the hang of it. I even headed the ball a couple of times!

The players had a second practice later in the afternoon, so I didn't want to keep them much longer. I know what you're thinking, “Two practices in a day?!" But that's what it takes to be a pro, and I wish them luck in Beijing!

-Brittany

Making waves with Maritza

Brittany.JC — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:47:20 GMT

I gladly left the chilly Nebraska climate to head off to sunny Tampa, Florida where I interviewed champion swimmer Maritza Correia. It was lunchtime, so we met up at The Columbia restaurant. This is the largest Spanish restaurant in the world and one of Maritza's favorite places to eat.

The food at The Columbia was great. We had a long lunch and chatted like old friends. It was really fun! Maritza has had one heck of a swimming career. She has been involved in the sport for 20 years and has a medal and several records to show for it. Moreover, she is also making history by becoming the first African American Woman to set an American record. Something I really admired is how Maritza is using her fame for good. She lends her time to help underprivileged kids learn how to swim. She says that the drowning rate of minorities is unacceptable and she is doing her part to help.

One feature of the restaurant is an authentic Flamenco dancing performance. We couldn't help ourselves, so Maritza and I jumped on stage and got one on one dance instruction from an expert. I thought I had the moves down, but then I stepped on Maritza's toes! I guess I have two left feet! After our lesson we headed off to the pool where she trains. We walked by the record wall and her name was everywhere! She must have over a dozen records at that pool. What a stud!

After a couple of laps in the pool, the day was almost over - at least I thought it was. As we were finishing up with the interview Martiza decided to push me into the pool! I was totally caught off guard and was wearing all of my clothes! However, the day was hot and the pool was refreshing so I didn't mind. But next time I'll be sure to bring my suit.

-Brittany

Team USA

Dana.F — Thu, 08 May 2008 01:35:26 GMT

My life long dream has come true and I have met some of the members of the USA women's basketball team. Overly excited, I arrived about an hour early to anxiously wait for the USA team's arrival. I waited in the vestibule just to be the first person to get a glimpse of these amazing women. All of a sudden a bus came inching up to the front of the arena. With my mouth open I watched as the ten girls that showed up for practice walked by me and said good morning. Needless to say I have never been so star struck.

The girls practiced two-on-three drills, three-on-three drills and free throws. They spent the last half hour doing different scrimmages. I desperately wanted to join in but surprisingly they never asked. Almost every play was stopped for the coach's assistance and these women humbly took every piece of advice.

Dawn Staley assistant coach of the USA National Team said, “The team does not train often but when they do they train hard."

Most of the women play professional basketball, college or different Euro leagues, making it almost impossible for the team to practice until July.

I got chills watching the girls play and got even more excited for this summer's Olympics. I also felt closer to them now that I had seen them in person and realized that they are real and not just TV personalities.

When I asked Staley what it takes to be on the team she said, “Selflessness, incredible amount of discipline and understanding. You have to be able to adapt to good, bad or indifferent."

With an abundance of stars such as Lisa Leslie, Lindsey Harding and Katie Smith, no one seemed to feel bigger or better than their teammates. In fact they all seemed to want to help each other. They also were easy to talk to, making me even more impressed. It was so enjoyable to see real life role models acting like one.

-Dana Fine

My Athletic Idol: Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Brittany.JC — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:01:58 GMT

Everyone has that one athlete who they really look up to. The person who at one point in their athletic career provided inspiration. For me, this person was Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and I got the chance to interview her.

I ventured down to East St. Louis to go to the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center. This is a place where children in the community can come and hang out, play sports and do their homework center. They put a lot of work into making sure that each child feels welcome and special.

I got to ask her a lot of questions that I have been wondering about for a long time, like which medal she won means the most to her. I mean, she does have six of them! We also talked about the importance of mental toughness in sports. Jackie has dealt with her fair share of setbacks, but because of mental strength, she has been able to overcome them. Jackie also puts a huge emphasis on setting goals and encourages each child to do the same. She has set goals for herself her whole life - and look where she is now!

We finished the day by joining a dance class in the gymnasium. Jackie was having so much fun and was smiling the whole time! The girls loved having her around and she did a great job of motivating them. I was still a little sore from my SPARQ training, so Jackie even held my hand and helped me with one of the stretches!

I will never forget this day. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to hang out with one of my athletic idols!

-Brittany

Serena Williams at ATHLETE event in Miami

Kanyessa — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:43:20 GMT

What's it like being in the presence of an icon? Let me tell you. Serena Williams is one of the few women I have met that exemplifies the true meaning of a female ATHLETE, while at the same time expressing great humility, poise and stature. The objective of the ATHLETE event in Miami that she attended was to connect local teen athletes to the sport icon, while allowing them to discuss the challenges of being a female athlete.

The event started with an introduction from Sandy Pressley of Nike as she welcomed girls from three high schools. The energy was great from the beginning and continued when Sandy introduced members from her staff that included 7 females. This encouraged the young ladies that being successful in the industry can extend far beyond the court, track, field etc.

Next the girls were divided into two color groups where they were involved in activities conducted by Molly and Amy from the Positive Coaches Alliance. The girls participated in different activities that explored challenges they face as female competitors. The coaches taught them the difference between being a participant and a competitor in a sport. The idea is to make yourself, your team and your sport better by being a respectable competitor.

Next up was the tennis star herself. Aubrey, a TV personality from a popular entertainment show had the pleasure of introducing Serena to the girls, who emerged from the hallway wearing her light blue “ATHLETE" tee with grace and pride. A short interview was followed by questions from the audience that prompted a phrase by Serena that no one should forget. When asked what it means to be a female athlete she shared this: “being an athlete out of the pure love for the sport" is what she has learned over the years. And that is what the day exemplified - being a female athlete doesn't mean you're any different from the guys who play the sport. As long as you compete out of pure love for the sport, you are who you are: an ATHLETE. Thanks for a great day in Miami Serena!

Hoopstalk!

Brittany.JC — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 01:19:50 GMT

There I was. Sitting on a stage, microphone in hand surrounded by hundreds of tennis shoes. Across from me, is WNBA superstar Diana Taurasi. Is this a dream? No….it’s Hoops Talk!

For two days of All-Star Weekend, I co-hosted Hoopstalk; a weekly call in radio show on www.nikebasketball.com. Hoopstalk host Rich Lopez and I changed the scene by inviting the pros to talk to us in person. We chatted with some of the WNBA’s top players including Diana Taurasi, Seimone Augustus, and Becky Hammon. They were there to represent the WNBA at All-Star weekend. And represent they did. Right before our interview, Hammon broke the Guinness World Record for the most free throws in a minute. She sunk 38 in 60 seconds! That’s more than any person in the WNBA or NBA. Talk about skill!

We also talked to some of this year’s All-Star players. Power forward Amare Stoudemire was there for his 3rd appearance in the All-Star Game and answered some questions posed by the crowd. A couple of All-Star rookies also stopped by Hoops Talk. Rudy Gay and Deron Williams were making their first appearance in the game. Not only did they make the team, but both were participating in Saturday night’s events. Gay in the slam dunk competition and Williams in the All-Star Skills competition.

Hundreds of fans came in to get a glimpse of their favorite basketball stars. Many left with pictures and some even got autographed basketballs. But everyone who attended left with the memory of seeing superstar basketball players live and in the flesh. For me, it’s both a memory and a dream realized.

-Brittany

"Good things come to those who wait."

Brittany.JC — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:30:58 GMT

It’s not everyday that a person can say they stuffed a professional basketball player! But I can. Even if we were just posing for a picture!

My astounding feat took place in Ohio where I met up with pro b-baller Lindsey Harding. Lindsey was shooting a Nike SPARQ training video and I got to go behind the scenes. After the shoot, I got the chance to sit and talk with Lindsey. We discussed how important it is for women to have role models in sports. Lindsey mentioned that as a kid, she didn’t have just one athlete she looked up to. She was inspired by EVERY female athlete who was strong, athletic and dedicated.

Of course the competitor in me wanted to see if I could hang with Lindsey on the court. So I challenged her to a game of HORSE. I hung in there for a while, but then she started to pull out her crazy superman moves! When she swooped the ball around her back, under her leg, and then layed it up, I knew I was finished! The basketball is like an extension of her hand. She is so comfortable on the court and you can tell that she has put a lot of time and focus into her game.

We shot some hoops, laughed a lot, and took some great pictures. And in the end I learned that the next time I challenge Lindsey to a game of HORSE, I better bring my A-game!

During our talk, Lindsey really opened up to me about her difficult rise to the top. She started playing basketball at 12 – a lot later than many of her teammates. In those early days, basketball didn’t always come easy. She spent a lot of hours practicing and worked very hard to improve her skills. Clearly, working hard worked for Lindsey. She recently had her college jersey retired and she received college player of the year honors. And let’s not forget that she was the number one draft pick in the 2007 WNBA draft. What a stud!

It’s easy to assume that a pro like Lindsey has always been an amazing athlete. But after talking to her, it became clear that she has had to work hard to get where she is. It is for this reason that Lindsey is such a great role model for all young athletes. At times, sports can get discouraging. The goals that you are working towards don’t always come as fast as you would like. But what we can all learn from Lindsey is that hard work does pay off, and that good things come to those who wait!

Nike SPARQ Training Media Launch

Brittany.JC — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:37:13 GMT

What do you get when you put 75 high school students, some professional athletes, and bright green training equipment in one room? Well, it’s got to be the Nike SPARQ Training media launch!

I traveled to New York City to attend the launch of Nike’s new training program Nike SPARQ Training. SPARQ stands for Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction, and Quickness. It is intended to help athletes reach their full potential using training methods focused on dynamic movement / developing your core.

Nike held a media event where they invited high school students from the city to come try out the new program. All of the kids were wearing the brand new Air Zoom SPARQ TR Elite training shoes; which came in several really cool colors. SPARQ Master Trainer Tom Shaw was there to pump up the crowd and explain the mission behind the training. Then, Adrian Peterson and Amobi Okoye demonstrated each drill as well as coached the students through the course. They were so encouraging to all of the young athletes. Both players gave students tips on form and corrected them if a drill was being done wrong. It was awesome to see how passionate they were about Nike SPARQ Training.

Attending the press event really got me excited for Nike SPARQ Training. I knew I was going to get the chance to go through the drills myself, and I couldn’t wait to get started.

Hangin' out with April Ross!

Cassie.P — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:14:50 GMT

“Whenever you have the chance to play with someone better than you, no matter how intimidating it is, you have to do it.” – April Ross

Professional beach volleyball came to Portland, Oregon this February as some of the best talent in the world brought the sport indoors for the ultimate winter beach party. On the tour is up-and-coming beach volleyball superstar and Beijing hopeful, April Ross.

The day before her match, I headed to the Nike campus to hang out with April and learn more about the 25-year-old powerhouse. While sipping berry smoothies in the Boston Deli, April and I discussed her current winter tour, the transition from indoors to beach, training for Beijing and why “you can’t wait until tomorrow.”

April is everything you’d hope a big-time athlete would be. On the court, she’s a high-fivin’, fist-clenchin’, loud-screamin’ force to be reckoned with. Off the court, she seems like most of my friends – laid-back, fun and completely down-to-earth, despite standing an intimidating 6’1” above it.

April may be easy-going, but don’t let that fool you. She’s an incredibly driven and disciplined athlete, who has a laser-beam focus on being the best at everything she does.

In high school, April was a three-sport athlete who lettered in volleyball and track for four seasons and basketball for three. According to April, cross-training in other sports helped her improve her game and stay in great shape. “Track helped my jump, basketball is a lot of cardio and changing directions – it all transfers.”

In college, April (a self-proclaimed school addict) won back-to-back NCAA indoor volleyball championships along with numerous academic honors. Since turning pro, she has made history by winning a Grand Slam event in Norway and received Rookie of the Year awards from two pro associations.

Now, April has her sights set on Beijing. And you know what happens when this girl works toward a goal.

Excited by the opportunity to represent the US this summer, April is now working harder than ever. Training 5-6 hours a day, April’s intense workout regiment is a combination of beach training (scrimmage and drills), plyometrics and interval cardio.

Not one to give a leg-up to her opponents, April doesn’t believe in an ‘off-season’. “Do I really want to waste another day if it’s just another day I’ll be ahead of my competition?” remarks April. “It’s such a precious goal (Beijing) that you have to put everything that you can into it.”

With the world competition still several months away, April’s hard work seems to be paying off sooner than later. When asked about the highlight of her latest tour, April simply said, “winning.” In just her third year playing the professional circuits, April is already beating some of the biggest names in the sport.

From trying out for her first volleyball team at the age of 14 to vying for a spot in Beijing this summer, April has developed an obvious formula for success. Here’s April’s advice to young athletes who desire to be in her shoes in the future: “Whenever you have the chance to play with someone better than you, no matter how intimidating it is, you have to do it.”

I’d listen to this woman—she seems to have a lot figured out.

-Cassie Pruett