Ice ’n’ Go: Score in Sports and Life

Foreword

Foreword When I began coaching the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteer basketball team in 1974, it was just two years after Title IX federal legislation was passed. At the time, I’m not sure I realized the impact it would genuinely have on women in sports. Looking back now, I am amazed how different our world is today. I am thrilled to see the shift from limited opportunities for women to endless possibilities. I am thankful for the visionary leaders who pressed the question of equity, and the courage of their convictions which created a wider world for all of us. A beneficiary of one of those endless possibilities is Jenny Moshak, who broke through her own glass ceiling by joining the ranks of the certified athletic trainers and certified strength and conditioning specialists—a field which had been predominately male-oriented for so many generations in collegiate sports. For twenty-five years, I have seen Jenny excel as absolutely one of the best in the sports medicine business. Now you can read about her comprehensive examination of the role of sport in life in this book. During her career, Jenny has always been an advocate of enjoying the journey in sports. In addition to her great expertise in the field, she has always surrounded herself with outstanding people and put into practice the sound advice from physicians, researchers, psychologists, sociologists, coaches, and professional athletes. I have always said, “You win in life with great people.” Jenny is definitely one of those, and her spirit comes through on every page of this work. Ice ’n’ Go is a culmination of the breadth of knowledge and insights from her career in sports medicine. In this book, she covers a broad spectrum of preoccupations related to sport and well being: social issues, medical concerns, motivational techniques, gender roles and expectations, the impact of youth sports on our children, and how the body works, heals, and recovers. Jenny offers a holistic model for athletes of all ages and abilities to balance the mind, body, and spirit as a way to enjoy the journey. An outstanding athlete herself, she also shares lessons she learned during her own demanding cycling ride from coast-to-coast of the United States. As a parent of an athlete, I recommend this as a must-read for all families with children involved in the sport experience. Our youth are now suffering Foreword xii significant injuries at earlier ages. Obesity is at an all-time high. Sound nutritional diets have fallen prey to the lure of convenience and false promises of instant energy. Battled and bruised, our youngest athletes are showing signs of burnout and suffering emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Balance in our lives is off; we are compromising our health, often missing sports’ most significant rewards. Jenny’s relevant stories, timely information , and positive advice lead her readers down a healthy path to a rich and long life in sport. The impact of Title IX legislation cannot be overstated. It changed women ’s lives . . . and certainly mine. It afforded me the opportunity of thirtyeight wonderful years of coaching and empowering young women. Besides an incredible number of victories and eight NCAA Championships, I am most proud of the 100 percent graduation rate we achieved. Our success came from a combination of my own personal determination, education and experience, but most importantly, a support system that found credence in Title IX. As we embrace each and every day, we carry the lessons of history. The most challenging moments provide the greatest possibilities for transformation . I am grateful for the many opportunities I have had that inspired those who possess a similar passion and love of basketball. Embrace the journey that awaits you in Ice ’n’ Go as Jenny shows you how to score in sports and life. Enjoy! ...