In Bustle’s The Pregame, we ask athletes about their pregame rituals. What do they put on for the well-known tunnel walk? How do they get within the zone? Do they’ve any superstitions? Here, we chat with Cameron Brink, a ahead for the Los Angeles Sparks, concerning the WNBA’s latest growth groups and the way she stays hydrated.
Before coming into the WNBA, Cameron Brink had already made her mark at Stanford University, the place she received the 2021 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship as a freshman. By 2024, she was the No. 2 overall draft pick as she headed into the league and in the end joined the Los Angeles Sparks.
Brink’s NCAA win is one in all her proudest moments up to now, and she or he hopes to duplicate the sensation in her skilled profession, too. “Winning is the best,” the 24-year-old tells Bustle. As she seems forward to the 2026 season, which kicks off on May 8, she’s excited for the potential that comes with one other 12 months within the league and the momentum across the WNBA, particularly with growth groups just like the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo.
While her way of life may be very on-the-go, Brink is definitely happiest at house. “I’m just a homebody,” she says. “I’m a very family-oriented person, so I pour into the people around me. I have the best fiancé, Ben [Felter], and we have a dog. When I’m not out and about, I love to be inside enjoying their company.”
Since she’s so busy, Brink can be hyperaware of what she eats and the way it impacts her efficiency. It’s why she works with Optimum Nutrition, a model she’s partnered with since her school days. “They have products that I authentically use every day,” she says. “It’s really about my post-workout recovery and hitting my protein goals.”
To prepare for the season forward, Brink is targeted on getting issues proper along with her physique: staying hydrated, getting the correct quantity of sleep. “Nothing special,” she says. “It’s all just good old hard work.”
Here, the WNBA star talks about her prolonged pregame naps, a meditative make-up routine, and what it’s like within the Sparks locker room.
How do you get within the zone earlier than a sport?
Before I head to the sector, I take as lengthy of a nap as I can presumably take. Usually about two hours. Then I do some breath work to settle down, so a guided meditation and a body scan. Having a giant pregame meal can be large for me. I eat about 4 hours earlier than sport time. Usually salmon or hen, rice, broccoli — a boring however wholesome meal.
What’s enjoying in your headphones on sport day?
I really like rap and hip-hop. Kendrick Lamar is one in all my favourite rappers. I’ve been listening to plenty of home EDM and Charli XCX. My teammate Rae [Burrell] additionally likes to play music within the locker room. It’s all the time very enjoyable and chaotic in there.
How do you get good sleep the evening earlier than?
If I’m touring, I’ll deliver one thing that makes me really feel at house, like blankets and a particular pillow. I’ve one known as a Sleep Crown that I actually love. Then I simply observe a nighttime routine: sizzling bathe, skincare, and a purple gentle masks.
Any ideas for staying hydrated?
I all the time have my trusty water bottle on me. You simply have to hold a water bottle round. There’s no different approach or else you’ll overlook. It’s not enjoyable. It’s not attractive, nevertheless it works.
Do you’ve gotten any pregame superstitions or fortunate charms?
I all the time put my left sock on first. That’s my one factor. I do not know the way it began, however I’ve been doing it from a younger age.
Do you all the time do your make-up?
Yes, it’s my favourite half. If we have now a house sport, I prefer to prepare in my very own house. It’s very a lot my girly, meditative time. I’m an enormous blush woman, however I additionally love an eyelash, a great mascara, and I’ve to maintain my brows gelled down. I take advantage of the One-Size Setting Spray so I don’t sweat all of it off.
How do you decide an outfit on your tunnel stroll?
I’m very fortunate to work with some wonderful stylists, like my woman Shiona Turini. I’ve to present her kudos for curating some stunning seems and likewise discovering the correct sizes for me. It’s actually exhausting to search out something that matches my legs and ft. I really like that inventive course of, and I’ve some wonderful outfits coming quickly this season.
What are three phrases that outline your type?
I might say stylish, sassy, and really put-together. I like to put in effort, even when I’m simply leaving the home in sweats. The sneakers and bag should match. Even if it’s athleisure, I nonetheless very a lot attempt to look presentable.
Do you’ve gotten any pregame rituals along with your workforce?
We all the time do a pregame discuss. We sit collectively and return over the sport plan and our intentions for the evening, like what we’re specializing in offensively and defensively. It’s a second for the workforce to be current and prepare.
This story has been edited and condensed for readability.
