A firm believer in \u201cwhen<\/em> you look good, you feel good, you play good,\u201d <\/em>rookie <\/em>power forward Maddy Westbeld has cultivated a personal style and wellness philosophy that has garnered plenty of attention this season. Off the court, she lives a holistic lifestyle rooted in mindful movement, meditation and clean eating, with a love for cooking and raw foods that she shares openly with her growing audience. Add in her coffee bean brand, and you have an athlete who isn\u2019t just finding her footing in the WNBA but giving fans a fuller look at who she is off the court.<\/p>\n Ahead, we spoke with Westbeld about inside-out self-care, redefining recovery and the coffee ritual that keeps her grounded.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cI think my beauty and self-care have evolved from not just a superficial, \u2018feel-good\u2019 routine, but more of a non-negotiable, holistic one. I really want to feel good from the inside out. Understanding that everything translates, I have to treat my self-care and beauty the same way I would treat any other form of preparation to get me game-ready. That look good, feel good, play good mentality doesn\u2019t just start when I\u2019m getting ready for the game, it\u2019s most important the night before, the morning of, and post-competition.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy skin really changes with the seasons. Thankfully, in the summer during the season, my skin gets more vitamin D and natural moisture, so I am able to ease up on the products to keep my skin relatively balanced. I try to keep the routine as simple as possible, using a hydrating cleanser in the morning and after practices or games. I\u2019m working out and sweating one to four times a day, so having a simple, non-harsh cleanser is the most important thing. Also, I have to include a good SPF and a lightweight moisturizer to keep my skin well hydrated.<\/p>\n Depending on where I\u2019m at in the off-season, usually somewhere in the cold and dry Midwest, my skin needs a lot more TLC. I still keep my hydrating cleanser and SPF on hand, but I have to add in a few serums to protect my skin barrier in the cold, along with a slightly heavier moisturizer for protection and deep hydration.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the most challenging part for me and one I am still learning to get better at. I had to completely rewire my idea of recovery as an athlete. Before, I thought recovery meant quick treatment after a workout, then being as sedentary as possible the rest of the day so my body can \u2018rest.\u2019 To be honest, that\u2019s just superficial.<\/p>\n My idea of recovery is evolving now, in that even as a high-performance athlete, even under the high demand I put on my body day to day, it is still a human body. It\u2019s wired to move throughout the day, and my mind is wired to be challenged throughout the day. So rather than lying on the couch and scrolling, I try to take a walk, I read and write\u2026a lot, I ask myself hard questions, I pray, I meditate, I take time to prepare my own nutritious meal, I reach out to loved ones, I observe nature, I rest my eyes undistracted, I stretch, I go to the sauna, I do Pilates, I listen to peaceful music and go on drives. Don\u2019t get me wrong, I\u2019m not perfect at doing these things by any means. Honestly, this kind of discipline is more tedious and difficult than the ones directly involved in the actual sport.<\/p>\n However, when I treat these habits as non-negotiable, I notice a drastic difference. The space freed up in my mind allows me to walk into my job every day with a renewed spirit, and my body requires much less time to warm up because it stays warm and moving throughout the day. It stays ready. I am integrating everything as a preparation for everything, so that more of me can show up in the space of my craft.\u201d<\/p>\n “Confidence is just the external reflection of consistency. I know the sacrifices I make, I know the discipline I have, I know the silent promises I make and keep, I know when I don’t want to and I do it anyway, I know my character when the circumstances aren’t smooth, I know the God I have faith in, who has never forsaken me. These things don’t waiver\u2014so they give me freedom to be ‘confident.’ I just have conviction in my truth.”<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have any superstitious rituals for game day, but in my routine, I need a good coffee shop, my bible, a notebook and noise-canceling headphones. The rest is just for fun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEverything is a mindset. I focus on increasing my awareness to help me understand that \u2018pressure\u2019 is subjective. Typically, when I start to feel pressure, I try to gain perspective by simplifying the game and doing something that directly reminds me of my purpose. For me, I know that\u2019s doing something in the community. I know the impact I have on this platform and how much it fills my own cup so to can fill others\u2019 cups. That\u2019s why I play the game, to meet the standard of a leader that little Maddy didn\u2019t have growing up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen it comes to feeling good in your own skin\u2014limit screen time. Religiously watching new trends and listening to people\u2019s advice\u2014who don\u2019t know\u2014will have you worshiping the wrong things and leave you\u00a0under\u00a0the control of strangers. To be\u00a0in\u00a0control. Start the momentum of understanding\u00a0you, introspectively and the ball will start rolling quicker than you think. It\u2019s a never-ending process, one I still sometimes struggle with. Don \u2019t get overwhelmed by the \u2018big picture\u2019 so much that you take for granted the power today holds.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCoffee is truly my grounding force, no pun intended. Whether I\u2019m making it at home or walking to a new cafe, it is a non-negotiable for me to start my day with a cappuccino, a journal entry and mindfulness. It\u2019s the time I use to increase my awareness, set my focus, pencil in slots to manufacture joy, pray and meditate and honestly just get me before the world gets me. It\u2019s what clears my lens to be able to see beauty and love throughout the day, and it just tastes so good.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\nAs a high-level athlete, how has your definition of beauty and self-care evolved over time?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What does your daily skin care or wellness routine look like during the season versus the off-season?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/0vv8moc6\/newbeauty\/8335325131b2d39784c98b24657311c9f45b6701-700x1000.png?w=1200&auto=format&q=70\")
Your schedule is obviously demanding. How do you prioritize recovery\u2014not just physically, but mentally?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Confidence is such a big part of both sports. What helps you feel your most confident, on and off the court?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Are there any go-to products, treatments or rituals you swear by to stay game-day ready?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/0vv8moc6\/newbeauty\/6836e1f5bba9dbbf036f5be72a5f36b08c00081b-700x1000.png?w=1200&auto=format&q=70\")
How do you handle pressure and expectations while still maintaining a positive self-image?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What advice would you give young women about balancing performance, health and feeling good in their own skin?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Word on the street is you are into coffee! What is your ritual for it right now?<\/strong><\/h2>\n