As the guard for the highly regarded UConn Huskies basketball team, Azzi Fudd has developed a series of pre-game rituals that reflect her dedication and focus. Balancing collegiate athletics with a burgeoning podcast and a busy personal life, the 22-year-old athlete offers a relatable glimpse into her preparation for competitive play and how she navigates self-doubt.
Fudd, who openly acknowledges that she experiences nerves before games, shared her insights in a recent interview with Popsugar. “It’s excited nerves,” she explained. “Like I’m so excited to go out there and play with my team and have the ‘UConn’ on my chest.”
Pre-Game Preparation and Recovery
Fudd’s routine begins well before game time. Basketball practice typically starts at 13:30, prompting her to begin warming up around noon. This includes a pre-practice workout and lifting session, followed by a standard lifting routine after practice. Recovery is a crucial part of her regimen, which she approaches with intention. “When you’re purposeful about the recovery and treatment that you’re giving your body, you can really feel a difference,” she said.
Among her recovery practices, Fudd mentioned her aversion to needles, yet she is willing to receive an intravenous treatment for rest and repair. She also expressed a desire to visit a cryotherapy chamber, although the nearest facility is not conveniently located near the UConn campus.
Fudd described her daily routine as “a busy, all-day, non-stop, every single day, all-week affair,” acknowledging that it can be tedious at times. Yet, she remains committed to her health and performance, finding that this dedication pays off.
Game Day Essentials and Mental Focus
On game days, Fudd emphasizes the importance of mental and physical preparation. Her essential items include a devotional, headphones to listen to music, and a Celsius energy drink. “My must-haves for game day are a devotional, either a speaker or headphones, and a Celsius,” she noted.
Fudd’s pre-game rituals are not merely practical; they also include personal touches. “I always get my hair braided — my teammate does my hair,” she said, underscoring the camaraderie among her teammates. In a humorous moment, she added, “I read my devotional, pre-game poop, and pre-game Celsius.” This candid statement highlights how she manages her nerves, noting that physical reactions to anxiety often manifest in her stomach.
To maintain a positive mindset, Fudd relies on her teammates. “My teammates really ground me,” she explained. “Getting to play with people who are your best friends that you love and that you’d run through a wall for just makes it more meaningful.”
Fudd also addressed the self-doubt many athletes face, particularly women in sports. “You can’t make every shot, you can’t do everything perfectly,” she reflected. “So that’s something that I’ve been working on — making sure that those moments of self-doubt are exactly that — just moments.”
As Fudd prepares for the upcoming season, her experiences demonstrate the balance of athletic performance, mental resilience, and the importance of supportive relationships in the world of competitive sports. With her focus on recovery and team spirit, she is poised not only to defend her title but also to inspire others navigating similar challenges in their pursuits.