A-Game Attire: Season In Review {A Repost}

Hello followers! Coach and I returned home from the Final Four late yesterday afternoon, and I am still trying to catch my bearings from being away for 1.5 weeks! The laundry machine has yet to stop, the fridge has been re-stocked, and Prince is glad to be home!

I wanted to re-post my last A-Game attire post since returning from the Final Four. While there, I had the opportunity to attend many wives events, befriend new wives, and meet two (in-person) that are featured below! In all, I would claim this year's Final Four as a major success!

Without further ado, let me re-introduce you to my starting 5 for the 2014-15 season:

Point Guard - Danyelle Musselman

Shooting Guard - Andrea Hansen

Small Forward - Lisa Compton

Power Forward - Ashley Pittman

Center - Amber Tysl

If you have not done so already, please head on over to each of these ladies' feature posts! Danyelle, Lisa, and Amber have blogs of their own which I do hope you follow! Andrea and Ashley have personal businesses/professions that they discussed on their features, and they be be able to help you in that regard.

Michelyn Cynthia

Question of the Day: Are you a college and/or high school coach's wife or significant other? Interested in sharing your game-day attire and style? If yes, contact me, for more information for the 2015-16 season!

A-Game Attire with Uncommon Wife Life

I’m Lisa Compton, wife of Tigh (pronounced like tie) Compton, Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Pikeville (UPIKE), in Pikeville, Kentucky. Since graduating from UPIKE in 2012, I have worked in public relations and marketing.

Whitney Friend Photography

Around one year ago, I started a blog – Uncommon Wife Life – as a way to share my stories, meet others that share this basketball wife life, and all the other random things I love!

How did you and Coach meet?
My journey as a coach’s wife began long before I was actually married. Tigh and I met in college when he was a student assistant and I was a university cheerleader. His seat on the bench was on the main end, next to the water cooler – which was also next to where I took my stance on the sidelines.

Tigh has since worked his way from the seat next to the water cooler to becoming the head coach’s left hand man. During his transition, I have since graduated and we have been happily married for almost two years…leading to my new role as a coach’s wife. Like I mentioned earlier, my journey as a coach’s wife began long before we married. In college, as a cheerleader, I too went to many of the away basketball games and cheered on the sidelines at the home games. The difference today, I am cheering from the stands. The lifestyle my husband and I have created is not ideal for most young couples in eastern Kentucky, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Basketball brought us together.

Tell us a little about your college team.
UPIKE is a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I, liberal arts university, located in eastern Kentucky - the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. UPIKE is where we met and the place we call home.

The UPIKE Bears are the 2011 NAIA Division I National Champions and the 2013-2014 Mid-South Conference Regular Season and Conference Champions. I am more than honored to have been part of all of this, not only as a student, but as a coach’s wife.

What is your most memorable basketball experience to date?
As I mentioned earlier in the post, the UPIKE Bears are the 2011 NAIA Division I National. I was able to cheer on the Bears at the National Championship as a UPIKE cheerleader. Seriously, the most exciting nine days of my entire life!

That and our games against rival teams – they get so intense!

Explain your game day attire. Where do you typically purchase your game day attire?
I grew up in a small town with a plethora of locally owned embroidery/tee shirt shops. I am a FIRM believer in the ‘shop local’ campaign. Most, if not all, of my game day shirts come from Stitches and Designs, Tee’d Up, or have been given to me for free from all of the giveaways they do on campus. Each year, I always try to get a new shirt design for the upcoming season. I always pair these shirts/sweatshirts with American Eagle skinny jeans and boots. Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (sometimes later than that), I am dressed up. I love being comfortable on game days!

What tips can you provide to other coach’s wives?
There are three things I think ALL coach’s wives should have. These three things have helped me tremendously:

A hobby. There are many lonely nights and boring weekends, especially during the season. A few years ago I picked up crocheting. I have found that it not only passes the time, but that I am pretty good at it! We currently do not have children or pets, so I always look for something new to crochet. If crocheting isn’t for you, try escaping the world with a good book.

‘Thick skin.’ People are going to say things that you don’t want to hear – whether it be a rude comment about your husband or a nasty remark about your team. Sometimes, more often than not, you just have to bite your tongue. On some rare occasions, I find myself sitting next to the opposing team’s number one fan. I normally let most remarks and comments slide, but it is hard hearing such discouraging words being spoken. But that is the name of the game. It happens.

Patience. Coaches put a great amount of time into what they do. My coach is normally not finished with duties until an hour or so after the game. Then you add in travel time, and all of it is extended if it’s an away game. Being patient is hard, especially after an exciting win and a tough loss.

Lisa Compton
Uncommon Wife Life

Praise Lisa for her phenominal tips for coach's wives. I agree with her wholeheartedly on all three tips. Thinking she needs to join the Beauty Blogger Book Club as another hobby besides crocheting- hint, hint!

I love how Lisa embraces Pikesville, KY by shopping local. I just love Etsy which is also a wonderful avenue to find custom-made items! I wonder when Lisa will get her own Etsy shop up and running with her crochet items. If you follow her on Instagram, she occasionally posts her latest creations! Wow, I love finding people extra things to do with their time.

Thank you again to Lisa for her A-Game Feature! Please head on over to her blog and follow, Uncommon Wife Life, as she chronicles her life as a coach's wife!

If you, or are a friend, is interested in being featured in an upcoming A-Game post, please Contact Me for additional information!

Michelyn Cynthia

Green Fever vs. BGSU

Last night's Green Fever left all the Ohio Bobcat fans with well, a cold - a general sense of feeling unwell.

I knew this was going to be a tough home game given the game played at BGSU. Sure, there were stretches when I thought we would make a come-back but they never completely made way.

It seems like not only has this winter season been tough on Athens, but also the men's basketball season.

Now, the opposite can be said of our women's team who faces Buffalo tonight in the Convocation Center to clinch the MAC East title! Wishing them much luck tonight!

With winter vortex and my lack of planning these days, my A-Game Attire pictures are lacking scenery. We took these pictures after the game, despite the loss!

 

My back is blocking the '&' symbol on this wall!

 

Cardigan: Brochu Walker via Nordstrom Rack (old)
Tank: Target
Jeans: Joe's (Maternity); Nordstrom (Non-maternity)
Necklace:Target (Old)
Booties: Matiko via ShopBop (Old)
Purse: Louis Vuitton

Michelyn Cynthia

A-Game Attire with Not Skinny/Not Rich

I'm Danyelle Musselman, wife of Eric Musselman (Associate Coach at LSU). I spent 13 years as a sports anchor, but have traded that in for an even harder job… being a mom to our 5 year old daughter Mariah. About 6 months ago I started a lifestyle blog, Not Skinny/Not Rich, to share my love of fashion, fitness, good food, and motivation. It can get crazy and stressful at times, but I love being married to a coach! Eric was a two time NBA head coach, but has now jumped head first into college coaching. We are in our second city in three years, and so far, it's been a thrilling ride.

How did you and coach meet?
I used to work as a national sports anchor, and was speaking at a coaches convention is Los Angeles. My husband was in the audience and we met after I was done speaking… we were engaged six months later!  

Tell us a little about your college team.
 Right now my husband is the Associate Coach at LSU, marking the first time that either of us have lived in a "college town." Eric's coaching career has mainly been in the NBA, and our first college job was at Arizona State, so we lived in Scottsdale for two years. Our experience in Baton Rouge has been awesome! The entire city rallies around LSU and the majority of the residents here are huge fans. LSU is an amazing school!

Top: Equipment
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Booties: Vince Camuto (old) similar here
Bracelets: Salvatore Ferragamo
Bag: Gucci 

 Explain your general game-day attire stye.
 I love that I found that button down shirt in a school color, because purple and gold attire isn't easy to come by. I generally find myself in white or black tops paired with skinny jeans. I'm a huge lover of boots and booties. This season's splurge was a pair of Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots #obsessed!  

Where do you typically purchase your game-day attire? Favorite stores?
I love to bargain shop! I find most of my basics at outlet stores like Neiman Marcus Last Call and Nordstrom Rack. My absolute favorite store is Nordstrom, but I can only online shop there right now (there are none in the entire state). My sister-in-law has her own clothing line, Koch, so I tend to wear a lot of her pieces too.  

What is your most memorable basketball experience to date?
I have two! When we were with Arizona State University, we upset the University of Arizona (who are the Sun Devils biggest rivals and were ranked #1 at the time) in double overtime. I didn't think that win would be topped, but last week LSU pulled off a double overtime victory over the University of Georgia that was insane. We were down almost 10 points with 2 minutes to play, but kept fighting.  
What tips can you provide to other coach's wives (and significant others)?
First, learn to be independent. The guys are going to be gone, they're going to have last minute recruiting trips, and they're going to be busy… it just comes with the job. Second, find a support system. Often we are in new cities with no family, so don't be afraid to ask for help. Here at LSU we have a Bible study that wives of coaches from all sports attend. It is SO amazing to have a group of ladies with shared experiences to bond with. Also, the basketball wives here are very close friends. We help each other out with everything and spend time together when the guys are on the road.

Danyelle Musselman
Not Skinny/Not Rich

I have officially found another coach's wife/mommy crush in Danyelle. I know, my devoted readers are thinking that I recently said that about Stephanie Richman, wife to NDSU Head Coach, David Richman. Don't worry, I still crush Stephanie and openly share this admiration with her on a frequent basis, most recently on Saturday!

I have not formally met Danyelle but feel like we are besties, well at least I am claiming her as one, ha! Well, the only catch-up with our friendship could be the fact that we graduated from Florida in-state rivals! She graduated from Florida State University; myself the University of Florida (Go Gators)! I am willing to over-look this faux pas, since her style and personality seem to be right up my alley! And her daughter, Mariah, is ABSOLUTELY precious and gushing with personality as I aspire for Little Miss Kemp.

If you or are a friend is interested in being featured, please Contact Me for additional information!

Michelyn

A-Game Attire with Ashley

My name is Ashley Pittman. I’m married to Josh Pittman, a men’s basketball coach at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. It’s a NCAA Division II Christian university just miles from downtown Nashville.

Josh began his coaching career at the University of Louisville as a student assistant. Since his start, he has coached at New Mexico State University, Grand View University, and Indiana University Southeast. Trevecca just made the transition from NAIA Division I to NCAA Division II. It’s challenging making the transition, but it’s worth it! Being in the center of Nashville attracts several students and provides many opportunities. TNU’s choir sang with Carrie Underwood at the CMA Awards and Sarah Evans at the CMA Christmas Concert. The basketball team played against Vanderbilt University and Belmont University. Nashville is one of America’s best kept secrets, and we hope it stays that way! It’s normal to see people from the ABC’s show, Nashville, or others in the music/entertainment business.

My business brought us to Nashville. I have a financial services practice in Nashville, TN. You can learn more about that at my Northwestern Mutual webpage! Or, I’d love to connect with you professionally on LinkedIn. You can fine my LinkedIn Profile, here.

I love what I do because I get to build relationships with my clients and help them think through and create a road-map to reach their financial goals.

How did you and Coach meet?

I was 18. He was 19. My best friends in college were his best friends in high school. I wrote him off when I saw his backwards hat and his obsession with sports (not to mention the 4.5 hours between us). Then our best friends, who had dated since 8th grade, got married…so we were both in their wedding. For years, we attended several more of our friend’s weddings. Still nothing. A few years after college, I received a Facebook message asking what I was doing in France. He then used a southern pick up line, asking me out for some sweet tea (which he hates). And we’ve been together ever since. We got married less than 2 years later in Maui.

Explain your general game-day attire.

My game-day attire is really pretty simple. 90% of the time I wear jeans and my booties with a simple top. I had to admit to Michelyn that I do not typically wear our team’s colors. That sounds terrible, and honestly I’m not really sure why I don’t. Trevecca’s colors are purple and white. Those are great colors, so I need to go buy more purple! Trevecca is unique in that it has a retirement home on campus, which is awesome because several of the fans walk over from there. Those ladies wear purple head to toe, so maybe I just feel like they have that covered (or I just can’t compete with their style).

Where do you typically purchase your game-day attire?

BCBG- it’s so bad that they sent me a Christmas Card. They have BCBG in Dillards, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Outlet Stores. I purchase most of mine from Dillard’s because it’s quick and easy.

The white shirt, black shirt, fur vest, tan and black coat, and pink coat pictured are all BCBG. Yes, BCBG prices can start high. The secret here is to buy them once they are 50% off. This weekend, they have 60% off with an extra 20% off. That happens all of the time, so NEVER buy it full price. Wait a month, and get it half off (Sorry BCBG…the secret’s out).

Jeans pictured are AG. I buy a lot of my jeans from OFF 5th Saks Ave.

Jessica Simpson is my “go to” for shoes. The boots and heels are both Jessica Simpson. I work all day every day in those heels (which is why I wear them to some games after work). Most ladies eyes get huge when they see how tall they are, but the fashion secret is in the platform. So comfortable! And I could probably run a mile in those booties. I don’t do flats…unless they are Nike’s! Heels available at Dillard’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack. Booties at 6pm.com.

What is your most memorable basketball experience to date? 

My most memorable basketball experience was at the NCAA National Championship game when Louisville played Michigan. One of Josh’s former players (a middle school team in KY), Tim Henderson, played a huge role in leading them to that game and winning the National Championship. We are obviously huge fans since Josh started at Louisville, so it was cool to see them be there and win. Go Cards!

What do you enjoy most about Josh's job?

This is Josh’s second season at TNU, so he played a major part in recruiting the current team. Recruiting is one of my favorite parts of his job. We take them out and really get to know them through that process. We also spend a lot of time with them before the season starts. I love getting to know the guys and watching them grow throughout the season, both as people and basketball players.

What tips can you provide to other coaches wives?

Support. Support. Support. If it’s what they are called to do, it’s what you’re called to do too. Marriage is a team sport (pun intended). Know when to talk and when to listen. I really just play off of him. If he wants to discuss the X’s and O’s (he knows I don’t really get that, just like he doesn’t get some financial strategies), I play along. We talk through the problems with the defense, etc. If he doesn’t want to discuss it, we talk about something else…like food. That’s always important.

Encourage. Encourage. Encourage. Tell him he’s awesome! Works every time. I joke with him saying that I tell him he’s really good at something so he’ll do it (especially when it comes to chores). It really works though. You should try it!

Ashley Pittman
Northwestern Mutual Financial Representative

 Thank you so much to Ashley Pittman! If you, or anyone you know, is interested in learning more about organizing your finances; I highly recommend that you contact her. And, let's not even discuss her super cute style! I would personally wear each of the three outfits she showcased! Oh, and I too love some BCBG and Jessica Simpson attire.

If you or are a friend is interested in being featured, please Contact Me for additional information!

Michelyn

A-Game Attire with 'It Works!'

Hi BBB followers! My name is Andrea Hansen and I am married to Austin Hansen, one of the Men's Assistant Basketball Coaches at University of South Dakota. We have two girls, Hannah Jo (2 years) and Hadlee Rae (4 months), and they keep us busy! We've been to 3 different schools since we've been married and this is our first year at USD! We are loving it here and it is awesome to be back in my husband's home state! I work from home with a company called It Works! Global. I stay home with my girls while promoting health and wellness online and love what I do!

I decided to join It Works! the week I had to go back to teaching with my first daughter. I didn't realize it was going to be so hard to leave Hannah until that day finally happened. I also wanted the flexibility to travel with my husband on recruiting trips and away games. I watched my sister become a top income earner in the company and so I knew I'd have a great mentor. I tried our #1 product, the ultimate body applicator. I definitely needed some tightening and toning after giving birth to a 9lb1oz baby!After seeing my personal results I knew I had to tell everyone about this product!

 At first I fell in love with the wraps. I was in my pre-pregnancy clothes overnight and still to this day I'm amazed by that! Another one of my personal favorite products are the Greens. They are 8+ servings of fruits/vegetables and give you natural energy. They helped me kick my 10 year habit of drinking a diet pop in the afternoon, which I didn't think was possible! My all-time favorite product line might be our skin care! I've always had horrible skin and something I've felt self-conscious about so happy to find something that works on my skin.

This is 24 hours after my first wrap!

 

Coach Hansen's Results!

How did you and Coach meet?
Coach Hansen and I met 7 years ago when he was the assistant men's basketball coach at Minnesota State University-Mankato. One of my college basketball teammates introduced us at a golf course that I worked at during the summer months. I was teaching middle level science in Pequot Lakes at the time. Three years later Austin proposed to me on the 18th green at the same golf course we met at! I might add it was the only time I beat him in a round of golf...I should have known something was up!:)

Tell us a little bit about your college team?
We are now at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. You get a small town feel living here, but you are also surrounded by larger cities for shopping/dining! The town of Vermillion loves their Coyotes!! We have a lot of community support around the Men's Basketball Program and it is special to be part of it.

Explain the girls' general, game-day attire style.
 I love dressing my girls in outfits I would wear and they tend to look like little adults! Sometimes I even have us matching, but guessing my days are getting numbered and they won't let me do that with them anymore! I love dressing them in our school colors and finding fun hair accessories to go with their outfits.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!: Ohio vs. St. Bona

When I decided to wear an all-gray outfit to yesterday's game, I was really hopeful that I would not be bringing the dreary, rainy weather into the game! Welp, that is exactly what I did! Fans, I will not be wearing gray any longer.

Final Score:: 72-80

Interested in the statistics for the entire game? Head on over to the Ohio Athletics website ti view the St. Bonaventure vs Ohio Box score.

Top: Nordtsrom; Similar

Cardigan: Old; Similar

Jeans: Joe's

Purse: Olivia + Joy via TJ Maxx (in white)

Boots: Piperlime

Socks: Piperlime

Earrings: Gifted; Similar

Bracelet: Nordstrom Rack; Similar

Michelyn

Edging Past & I Don't Like It!

Last night was not my fondest as a sports fan and enthusiast. Not only did my Alma mater #1, the University of Florida, lose to in-state rival Florida State, but somehow Belmont edged past my Ohio Bobcats as well! My only saving grace is that Alma mater #2, University of Wisconsin, beat Minnesota. Lawdy, it would have been a sad and gloomy Sunday if I would have been 0-3. However, I am a competitor, and 1-2 is not sitting well with this lady!

Although the footall season is nearly over, the basketball season is still at its infancy. So much can occur in the next couple of weeks and months, so I am defintely not losing faith!

Ok, I have maybe lost faith in my dem' Florida boys! Ugh, I was really looking forward to a repeat of last year' s Final Four when Alma mater #1 and #2 were in the Final Four! Praise the lord, that I have two Alma maters to root for!

This is my favorite A-Game Attire ensemble to date! I don't know this J.Crew sweater is oh so cozy, and I have had it for years!!!

Final Score:: 81-83

Interested in the statistics for the entire game? Head on over to the Ohio Athletics website to view the Belmont vs Ohio Box score.

Sweater: J.Crew (Old); Similar
Blouse: Old Navy (Old);
Pants: Old Navy Rockstar (Old); Similar; Similar
Shoes: Matiko via ShopBop (Old); Similar
Necklace: Target
Earings: Topshop
Purse: Louis Vuitton 

I try to provide direct links to all products. When unsure, or if can't be found online, I simply provide the original source. 

Michelyn