Afterour 30-minute call, I felt confident the USA would go home with something.
Burdick had a determination, drive, and passion for the game that was nothing short of inspirational.
Here, we discuss her daily routine, how she grounds herself, and where she finds her resilience.
mindbodygreen: How do you prioritize sleep, especially leading up to big gamessuch as the Olympics?
Cierra Burdick:When I was younger, sleep was not a priorityespecially in college.
Then I’d wonder why I was having an emotional breakdown like once a month!
We weren’t getting the proper rest, sleep, and recovery that we needed!
For example, I’ve gotten really good aboutcutting off all caffeineafter 12 p.m.
I see to it my room is dark by using blackout shades.
I use a ceiling fan and A.C. to keep it cool.
Then I take a stab at cut off screens about an hour before bed.
I’m still bad at that, though!
I need to be better about putting my phone away, but I’m a work in progress.
Finally, I think sleep is also about showing yourself grace when you do have those rough nights.
For example, it happens a lot for me during the World Cup.
I’m such a jot down A person that I love to overprepare.
From 3 to 6 a.m.
I’d just be thinking about basketball things.
Then of course, it’s common to get frustrated at yourself when you’re awake and doing that.
So that’s what I venture to do when I’m in that space.
mbg: what meals help you feel your strongest and fuel your body?
Burdick:I’m pretty consistent in what I eat and how I eat.
I eat pretty clean for the most part, and that’s a year-round thing.
I always want to have myprotein, my carb, and my veg.
I don’t eat any red meat.
I eat chicken, fish, and turkey only.
So I’ll eat grilled chicken or salmon, with either a sweet potato orbrown rice.
Then I love sauteed peppers, onions, and zucchinis as my veggies.
I could rotate those around throughout the week and be just fine.
I also prepare all of my pregame meals.
So the night before a game, I usually have a few more carbs.
mbg: How do you mentally prepare for a game?
I really pride myself in not cheating the game nor cheating my preparation.
So my mental preparation is just about working hard, but most importantly, working smart.
I’m big about surrounding myself with good people who know their craft.
My preparation is also about starting the day with some quiet time with my prayer and devotion.
That’s important for me, not just on game days, but life in general.
Because you don’t change on those days.
Once you step onto that world stage, it’s just another day.
mbg: So after the big gamewhat is your recovery routine?
Burdick:If there’s anice bathavailable, I usually like to hop in the ice bath.
Obviously I want to get my food and recover that way as best as I can.
Then after, I confirm I roll out, especially as I’ve gotten older.
How do your spiritual practices play into your performance, do you think?
Believing in him and his plan has opened doors and opportunities for me that are beyond my wildest imagination.
The Olympics are an example of that.
When I was a kid I dreamed of being on an Olympic team.
But I’m also very realistic with myself and my abilities.
And I’m pretty good at this game.
I feel like I am one of the best.
mbg: What makes a good teammate?
For example, I might have to take less shots in order for our team to be more successful.
So I have to ask myself, “What’s important?
Is it an individual goal or is it us winning?”
For me, it’s always winning.
I’ll do whatever needs to be done for us to be successfulfor us to win that medal.
I’m going to play whatever role I have to play so that make that happen.
I think that’s something that I really attempt to hone in on, especially leading a young group.
It just makes the environment and the culture better.
I think that’s so huge for people in positions of leadership.
Your crew has to know you care for them.
What advice would you have?
Burdick:If they love it, if they enjoy it, then stick with it.
It doesn’t have to be sports, it can be art or theater.
So whatever it may be, get into it and pursue that.
It’s so important for us to pursue our passions in life because the trials and tribulations are inevitable.
mbg: Yeah, I think just being part of something is really important for kids.
Those experiences make you well rounded.
Then you’re able to figure out what it is that you really enjoy and love to do.
Plus, you meet so many amazing people.
I think the best thing about sports is the people that you meet through this game.
mbg: I can tell just by talking to you how passionate you are about basketball.
So there were a lot of games where I didn’t even touch the floor.
Not for one second.
In those moments, you could become so deflated.
I put music on, and it’s just me working on my craft.
I fall in love with it again.
It’s just me in an empty arena doing what I love.
And I think that’s so important.
