A firm believer in “when you look good, you feel good, you play good,” rookie 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’t just finding her footing in the WNBA but giving fans a fuller look at who she is off the court.
Ahead, we spoke with Westbeld about inside-out self-care, redefining recovery and the coffee ritual that keeps her grounded.
As a high-level athlete, how has your definition of beauty and self-care evolved over time?
“I think my beauty and self-care have evolved from not just a superficial, ‘feel-good’ 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’t just start when I’m getting ready for the game, it’s most important the night before, the morning of, and post-competition.”
What does your daily skin care or wellness routine look like during the season versus the off-season?
“My 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’m 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.
Depending on where I’m 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.”
Your schedule is obviously demanding. How do you prioritize recovery—not just physically, but mentally?
“This 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 ‘rest.’ To be honest, that’s just superficial.
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’s 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…a 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’t get me wrong, I’m 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.
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.”
Confidence is such a big part of both sports. What helps you feel your most confident, on and off the court?
“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—so they give me freedom to be ‘confident.’ I just have conviction in my truth.”
Are there any go-to products, treatments or rituals you swear by to stay game-day ready?
“I don’t 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.”
How do you handle pressure and expectations while still maintaining a positive self-image?
“Everything is a mindset. I focus on increasing my awareness to help me understand that ‘pressure’ 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’s 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’ cups. That’s why I play the game, to meet the standard of a leader that little Maddy didn’t have growing up.”
What advice would you give young women about balancing performance, health and feeling good in their own skin?
“When it comes to feeling good in your own skin—limit screen time. Religiously watching new trends and listening to people’s advice—who don’t know—will have you worshiping the wrong things and leave you under the control of strangers. To be in control. Start the momentum of understanding you, introspectively and the ball will start rolling quicker than you think. It’s a never-ending process, one I still sometimes struggle with. Don ’t get overwhelmed by the ‘big picture’ so much that you take for granted the power today holds.”
Word on the street is you are into coffee! What is your ritual for it right now?
“Coffee is truly my grounding force, no pun intended. Whether I’m 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’s 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’s what clears my lens to be able to see beauty and love throughout the day, and it just tastes so good.”
