Fit Pregnancy-Related Blogs

Back in February a friend of mine asked me about fit pregnancy-related blogs and resources through Facebook! Now, there are few topicss that will get me giddy, talking for days. One of those topics just so happens to be fit pregnancy & fit mommy bloggers!

I quickly sent her a reply with a few of my favorite fit pregnancy & mommy bloggers; however, I too told her that the quick list was not exhaustive. Granted, this list that I am providing is not an exhaustive list of all fit pregnancy and mommy bloggers, it is my staple for these topics. And since I put the list together, I figure I should share my resources with you as well!

Now, the following list of bloggers are women that I have followed for an extensive period of time. You know, I like to be prepared for these life changes, so I have been following some of these women on blogland for a number of years!

I should also note that there are a few other bloggers who have shared about their pregnancies all while staying fit, however, these bloggers have focused their content on fit pregnancies!

Here are the six fit pregnancy & fit mommy bloggers that I adore! (Listed in alphabetical order)

Carrots 'N' Cake:: Are you a runner or CrossFit enthusiast? Then Tina's blog is the one you should follow. A little under a year ago she gave birth to her first son, Quinn, who is so stinking cute. And, she is a pug & food enthusiast! I loved following her CrossFit pregnancy journey, and she most recently ran the Boston Marathon! I referred to her recommendations for CrossFit accommodations while pregnant. Now I follow her as an example of staying fit while raising a small one! Visit her "Fit Pregnancy" page if you are interested in her previous posts that she wrote while pregnant! She too has many stroller exercises that I am anxious to try out in a few months!

Diary of a Fit Mommy:: I recently stumbled across Sia's blog, and am happy that I did! Sia not only provides a wealth of home exercise programs but also specific posts about clean eating! She has a few posts about IIFYM (It It Fits Your Macros) dieting, which is something I want to revisit post-baby. She has a ROCKING body, and perky personality. She is the mommy to Greyson, 15 months, but openly shares that she longs for baby #2 sometime soon! I look forward to following her fit pregnancy, though I will not be pregnant when she shares her journey.

Fit Foodie Le:: Now if I had to pick only one of these bloggers to be BFFs with, it would most certainly be Le. I would LOVE to live in Houston, so we could be besties! Le and her husband, Sonny, have two boys and are the owners of 6 Pack USA! In another life, I desire to compete in a fitness competition! Well, Le and her husband train people nationwide to do just that, and much more. Le specializes in prenatal and postnatal fitness. She shares some of the BEST recipes around, including macro-nutrient information, and just random life happenings of a mommy to two boys!

The Fitnesssista::I believe I have been following Gina the longest! AND, she is currently pregnant with Baby #2, which she recently announced. If you are desiring to follow a pregnant momma, then I would highly recommend Gina. I also recommend Gina if you enjoy yoga, Zumba, HIIT fitness, and/or Body Pump style workouts as she is a group fitness instructor for all these styles and much more! I sometimes wonder how she teachers so many different styles! She too is a military wife so her family has moved a few times, which I can relate to.

Fit To Be Pregnant:: Of course I could not forget Deanna over at Fit To Be Pregnant! She has a wealth of information and updates that one could peruse, providing specific workouts for each trimester and post-partum! She too shares all kinds of articles to help/support expecting moms! What I love most about her blog? The Fit Pregnancy Profiles features, especially since I was featured a few weeks ago. You can also read her personal posts about getting back into shape that were written after her most recent pregnancy!

Workout Mama:: Tamara's posts have become a little sporadic, however, she has not given word that she is closing down the blog. Tamara is mommy to two and wife to a firefighter! I followed her most recent pregnancy, and she more recently has shared about her experiences with post-partum depression which have been very interesting to me. If you are looking for a fitness-inspired blogger who also loves Christ, then Tamara is a good blogger to follow.

Michelyn Cynthia

Questions of the day: What topic(s) can you talk endlessly about?

What fit pregnancy and mommy bloggers do you follow?

BBBC: The Book Thief

Happy May to you, and welcome Team Kemp to the 8th month of pregnancy! However, we are not here today to discuss my pregnancy, we are, instead, here to discuss the Beauty Blogger Book Club's April book of the month - The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier.

Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall.

 

Are you wondering who in the world would pick such a dreary book to read? Well, I am the culprit, but let me explain! I found this book listed on Business Insider's 100 books everyone should read list! It is actually ranked as #16, so I figured that it had to be good! Indeed, it was a good book, but not a mood lifter by any means.

Did I like the novel? Yes, though it was a little long, and very emotional in many areas. I mean it is the story of a foster girl living in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. Though she is not Jewish, her foster parents do decide to give refuge to a young Jewish man hiding from the Nazi regime.  And then there is the story of her learning to read and then stealing books from the mayor's house! The novel is narrated by death which was a unique perspective in my opinion. Throughout the novel, the characters grow and change in horrible and beautiful ways; making this a fabulous read when you desire a riveting piece.

If you are searching for a light-hearted read, this is not the book for you!

For the month of May, Ashley from If You Give A Girl A Ring has chosen "Where'd You Go Bernadette" by Maria Semple. Have you read this book? I am really excited to delve into this novel because it is about a daughter searching for her mother. I know I have some time until Little Miss Kemp is an adolescent, but it will still be fun to read!

Now, head on over the the other Members' blogs to see what they thought about the book!

Ashley - If You Give A Girl A Ring

Heather - Love To Be Busy

 

Before I go, I must also share that we have a new Member! Remember, Lisa Compton from my A-Game Attire series? Well, she has jumped on the Beauty Blogger Book Club wagon and I could not be more thrilled!  Make sure you check out her blog too, Uncommon Wife Life! She will provide her first book review in June.

If you are a blogger, and are interested in joining our book club, please Contact Me to learn more. If you do not write a blog that is ok, because you can still join in on the fun!

Each month, one of the Beauty Blogger Book Club (BBBC) members will choose a book for the Club to read. At the beginning of the following month, we each write a book report/summary for our readers to enjoy and share the book for the following month!

Michelyn Cynthia

Questions of the day: What were your impressions of "The Book Thief?" 

If you did not read the book, have you seen the movie?

 

Bump Watch: Week 31

How Far Along:: 31 weeks, final week of the 7th month!
 
Size of Baby:: Little Miss Kemp is the size of a pineapple!

Gender:: Girl!

Stretch Marks:: My tummy is feeling rather "tight" again so I think another growth "spurt" is quickly approaching. My parents asked me the other day how much weight I had gained; then how much baby estimates! Not sure if I was pleased with my mother's response: "That's all she weighs with your weight gain!?!" Thanks mom, lol! But, I am not seeing any stretch marks!

Sleep:: Sleep is going pretty well, besides the frequent trips to the bathroom. The other day I asked Coach to guess how many times I frequent the bathroom. His response miffed me slightly, because seemed almost oblivious to the fact that I get up so dang much! Must be nice to sleep that hard throughout the night. I am honestly contemplating keeping a tally, but then that would require more brain power when I already try to expend as little energy as possible getting myself there & back!

Exercise Fit Pregnancy::  As I mentioned in my previous post, Redefining "Fit Pregnancy," I have discontinued my CrossFit workouts but have been approved for 30 mins walking/day and resistance band exercises. I plan to share some of my resistance band exercises over the next few weeks, so be on the look-out. Also, since I am unable to workout at an intensity level that I desire, I am also trying to focus on the second aspect of being "fit," that being the foods that I consume!  

Cravings:: Just ignore my last statement from above because Coach returned from his most recent recruiting trip with a box of Popeyes biscuits, and this woman did a small happy dance! We do not have a Popeyes in Athens, and I do miss the one right around the corner from our neighborhood in Toledo. Ok, my waistline is happy there is not one close by... Wait, my waistline is nonexistent anyways, lol.

Back story for the biscuits...

Two weeks ago, when admitted into the hospital, Coach was in Indianapolis recruiting... When I called him that Saturday night, he quickly packed his suitcase and jumped in the car to return to Athens. Once things had settled at the hospital, Coach announced, in a beaming way, that he HAD to go through the Popeyes drive through on his way to town! In an indulgent manner, I inquired if he had had a biscuit, which I knew he had. He laughed as I dabbed my watering mouth.... So, my loving husband figured it was only righteous to bring home Popeyes biscuits on his return from being out!
 
Miss Anything::  CrossFit I am doing good, lol.

Symptoms:: Braxton Hicks!

Belly Button In or Out:: Flat as a pancake!

Movement:: Her kicks, stretches, and movement are becoming ever more uncomfortable for this momma! I love the feeling and the ripples/movement of my stomach. Coach is always amazed when my stomach jumps and prods about.

Best Moment This Week:: Being released from my bed rest, hooray!

Looking Forward To:: Friday we will enter the 8th month. I am really excited but also a little anxious!

Michelyn Cynthia

Newborn Essentials: How I Saved Money

We have about another 2 months until Little Miss Kemp's arrival, which means Team Kemp Residence is over-flowing with baby gear and essentials.

Just last week I started assembling a few items, and it is beginning to feel even more real! If you follow me on Facebook, then you are informed to my baby stroller ordeal. I am hear to announce that I assembled the Baby Jogger as well as the Mamaroo! The Mamaroo was terribly more simple. Honestly, I like the picture assembly directions, but why no verbiage? Has our literacy rate plummeted that much? I digress....

In unpacking/washing/assembling all of my goodies, I was reminded of all the $$ that I have saved, and figured I should share some of my tips with all of you.

1. "Baby Bargains." This is a MUST have book! I am so glad that my girlfriend urged me to buy this book because I was so overwhelmed with all the options in babyland. Sure, Pinterest has a wealth of baby essential posts from all various bloggers, but this book lays out the information in a simple manner. Denise & Alan Fields review nearly every imaginable baby product known to man, and give each a grade (A-F). They even have quick access tables, registry cheat sheets (Good, Better, & Best), and a stellar website. I would refer back to this book BEFORE making a purchase. It was my plan to buy only items with an A rating, and I did!  
2. Start Buying Early. I started buying items in December, before we even announced our pregnancy to the world! December is a month full of hot deals and discounts because of Christmas. Now, if you don't want to start buying until you enter your 2nd trimester, that makes total sense to me! However, I would not recommend waiting until you enter your 3rd trimester to start buying the essentials or waiting until you have a baby shower! To pull this off, I re-adjusted Team Kemp's budget to include a "Little Miss Kemp" line item. (Yes, I am pretty particular about Team Kemp Budget! Coach affectionately refers to me as 'Frugal Franny,' but I always remind him that his checking account, savings account, and lack of credit card debt love me for it! My frugal budget conscious ways go out the window once we enter some of my favorite, designer stores though! I have been known to rationalize a number of purchases in our two years of marriage, lol! )
3. Buy Manufacturer Discontinued Items. See that Mamaroo?!?  Well, it is the "older" version and not the new, 2015 version! The 4moms Mamaroo 2015 Classic sells for $239.99; while I got the older version for $175.00 (originally $219.00). On face value, I saved $44.00; and $64.99 if comparing the new verse the price that I paid for the older version. Prior to purchasing the older version, I did my research to determine if my savings would be worth it. You know this baby product world is like I-phones! Until there is some major, unique change, why buy the most recent version? Now, Coach would disagree with me on that analogy with an I-phone, touche.
4. Mint Arrow. Guys! I cannot sing the praises for this fabulous blog and writer! Ok, I probably should have simply said "blogs," but there is no denying that Corrine really catapulted my savings this year, and not only on baby products! You remember those grey Hunter boots that I wore in this A-Game Attire/Game Day Review post? Well, I got those on sale because of one of her posts. And from the items above, only the Baby K'Tan and BOB Revolution SE are items that I found not through her website. It is important to note, that she has advertised for about two or three discounts on the BOB Revolution SE. In my case, a mommy acquaintance shot me over an email, about a deal in which I saved $220.00!
5. Share Resources/Deals with Other Mommies.I just mentioned how I saved $220.00 on our BOB Revolution SE. One of the CrossFit SEO mommies sent me the link about the stroller at the beginning of January, and I bought it later that day. Now, before purchasing I had already decided that I wanted a BOB because of friend and the Baby Bargain reviews. Because I had already established a "LMK Budget," the purchase was made instantly! And I still to this day forward emails to other expecting mommies about specific deals that I find. In return, they send me deals. Most recently, my cousin forwarded some deals about glass bottles through Diapers.com. I have now added this website to my go-to list for baby purchases.
6. Make Purchases Online. From time to time, I do miss being able to run to any one of my favorite stores, but now I truly find online shopping to be my best tool in bargain shopping. Now, do not get me wrong, it has always been my friend, but it is on a whole new level these days! Some of my favorite online baby essential websites include: Amazon, AlbeeBaby, and Diapers.com. (There will have to be another post for baby clothing/attire.)  I have truly been able to get some major discounts, coupons, and even gift certificates through each of these websites! Just the other day, I received a $50.00 gift card to AlbeeBaby after making a purchase! I am over here making money by spending it; love! Amazon is my go-to for all my home purchases, and it has been easy to include baby essentials with Amazon Prime and Subscribe & Save. And Diapers.com always has great deals/promotions. You too can check-out through your Amazon account on diapers.com. The key to catching all these deals is to also sign up for their emails, but be careful! Be careful because it is very easy to rationalize needing that 20th receiving blanket because it is currently 20% off! No, you certainly do not need that many receiving blankets. Finally, I find online shopping beneficial because I am not inundated by all the cute items in the aisles that mysteriously make their way into my cart. When shopping online, I can place many items in "my cart," and then assess the items in the comfort of my own home. No worries of sale associates lurking around trying to coax you into purchasing an item, or pressure from onlookers that you are truly mulling over 5 different baby bottles. 
7. Review Return Policies. It is essential that you read the return policy on all items that you make as each retailer sets different guidelines, and with Amazon it can be different for each item. I am hear to say that I "pulled the trigger" on items before really thinking them through. For example, Corrine at Mint Arrow shared about a $200.00 savings on the Baby Jogger City Versa stroller. I knew that I wanted the Baby Jogger City Select, but got a little anxious, because I was waiting for a deal and figured maybe it was best to just go with the City Versa. Well, a few days later, Coach and I visited the Buy Buy Baby store. I got to talking with the sales associates and learned that to dis-assemble the City Versa, you must take out the seat! Ok, that seemed like a lot for me, especially since I wanted the Baby Jogger to be our "travel system." A day or two later, the stroller arrived, and before it even collected dust inside our house, we returned it. Now, I am completely to blame because I acted hastily when making my original purchase. But, I was able to return the item. This did not occur in a more recent experience in which I purchased two breastfeeding books - "Breastfeeding Made Simple" and "Working and Breastfeeding Made Simple." These two books were recommended by our Lamaze instructor. Again, I acted hastily, and purchased both through my Amazon I-Phone app. On April 25th I realized that it was silly that I had both books and figured I could return the "Working and Breastfeeding Made Simple" book. Well, I had missed the return date by ONE day!!! Granted, the book was only $20.00, but I was still a little peeved with myself. Luckily, I contacted one of my girlfriends who is expecting, and will be sending her the book! So my lesson here is to always be cognizant of your return policies, especially if you buy items well in advance.
8. Think About the Future. If you have been following the blog for some time, or even caught that I said "Little Miss Kemp" and not "The Kemp Twins," you may be wondering why I have the Baby Jogger City Select Double Stroller in my picture! When discussing the pros and cons of the various Baby Jogger strollers with the associate at Buy Buy Baby, she shared that 2nd time parents return to the store to purchase a double stroller. She shared that typically these parents have children between the ages of 2-3 year-olds. Though some 2-3 year-old toddlers are over their strollers, she stated that many second time parents return to purchase a double stroller which can cost from $500.00 and up! So, they really have spent far more money because they just bought a single stroller 2-3 years prior. Team Kemp is hoping to expand the brood to include one more little, God willing, so it was easy for Coach and I to decide to purchase the City Select because it can easily be converted into a double stroller. Then, I sat on our decision and waited for a deal! And then it came! I was able to purchase the Baby Jogger City Select with a FREE second chair through AlbeeBaby. This find was thanks to Mint Arrow! (I must confess that I have followed no ones recommendations of buying gender neutral newborn and early stage infant wear.)
9. Bring Back-Up/Reinforcement & Consider Your Budget. Let's be honest, newborn and baby essentials are so stinking cute. Companies and stores make you believe that you NEED all these items, and 100s of each, but the truth is that that is untrue. However, I am still a sucker when browsing about at stores, and have found myself purchasing items that I did not need! Just the other day, I went to Carter's to return some items, and ended up spending an additional $50.00 with my return! When I returned home, I assessed my purchases and will, again, be making some returns but Coach will be joining me to ensure I do not buy items that are unnecessary (i..e, Newborn to 3 month attire). Also, when I first started perusing baby items, I wanted all the chic, expensive items like the $1,000.00 stroller. I did not develop an overall budget, but do think that would have been advantageous. With that being said, buying an overly luxurious stroller would have eaten my "LMK" baby budget for the month, so that curtailed those purchases. As mentioned above, I also referred to the Baby Bargains book before making most large-ticket purchases which helped me in making sound decisions based on quality. In the end I realized that the dollar amount really did not matter as much as the quality. 
10. Free Shipping. When buying items online, always use websites which have free shipping. I absolutely refuse to buy from stores that do not provide free shipping, and applaud those that provide free returns, as well. I will certainly go out of my way to buy a miscellaneous $2.99 item verse paying the $4.99 (+) shipping cost. This is also my motto with bank withdrawals. If your institution's ATM is not in the vicinity, at least go to CVS, Walgreen's, etc. and get a pack of gum in efforts of getting that cash you want in your pocket (cough, cough Coach!).  

I hope you find these tips helpful. Over the last few months, I have saved over $1,000.00 in newborn essentials (e.g., crib, strollers, carrier, car seat, etc.).

I will need a few months to develop some strategies for buying/saving money when it comes to clothing. I have a tendency to buy clothes/shoes for myself without a clear vision of how I will wear it. Of course, I think about my closet, but I do take a more liberal, "look at the savings" approach when buying clothes for myself and Coach. I believe this is ok, only because we both have a pre-existing wardrobe that we are building upon. Babies grow out of items at warped speed, and I do not think this same approach is going to be the most cost effective!

Michelyn Cynthia

Question(s) of the Day: What tips/strategies do you use for saving with newborn and baby essentials?

What recommendations do you have for saving money on baby clothing/attire?

Redefining "Fit Pregnancy"

The last two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind. One moment, I was feeling 100% perfect and then the next I am heading to the ER -- for the second time!

I was placed on a modified bed rest - oh my! You know, I was beginning to get a little over-confident about having such a smooth sailing pregnancy, and then a few roadblocks came my way. Over the last ten days, I questioned how people do this (i.e., pregnancy) multiple times, if my body can even handle pregnancy, if I was going to be a "prisoner" to my office chair/sofa/bed, and the list goes on... See, this is what happens when you put a woman on bed rest! She goes a little batty.

The good news! This momma-to-be has been released from her modified bed rest. Given that this is my first pregnancy, the doctor's are being cautious but they believe I have a dynamic cervix; meaning that it shortens and elongates more easily. (As an aside, cervixes, in general, are dynamic; however, they believe mine is more dynamic than average. This, again, is a hypothesis, there was no specific test administered, but the data trend of my cervix length would lead one to conclude this finding.) 

Little Miss Kemp, in the future, dancing away! Or, just celebrating that mommy is off bed rest!

I have been placed on a strict exercise regimen - 30 mins of slow walking/day. I too have been approved to continue with resistant band exercises, most of which I do from a seated position. Now one can find me with a band in hand while I peruse the internet online shop and read my blog roll!  My 30 mins of walking will include going to the grocery store, a walk with the dog, or walking on the treadmill (2.6 - 2.8 pace); and then it is time to sit, relax, and try to not push it too much!

If you have been following my weekly Bump Updates, this is a change to my previous exercise regime. I had some unease because I felt like I had, once again, failed in my vision for a "fit pregnancy." I previously wrote a post about my frustration with not feeling comfortable with running while pregnant (post here),though it was in my plans. Now the second curve ball came these past few days, and it was after my Fit To Be Pregnant feature which made me a little more dejected.

What is most important - following my vision of a "fit pregnancy" or a healthy baby?

A healthy baby, for sure, and this has always been my goal for my entire pregnancy. Over the last 8 months, my definition of having a fit, healthy pregnancy has surely evolved because my body has shown signs that it needs to slow down.

I am in no way shunning women that run throughout their entire pregnancy or those that are able to continue their regular/modified workouts without any issues. In contrast, I commend them. I too commend women that redefine their workout routine to accommodate their pregnancy.

I too had to remember that "fit pregnancy" is not only defined by activity level. Many fitness and health professionals actually state that the foods that one consumes is the most important factor in living a healthy lifestyle.

For the next 9 weeks, my goal is to focus on my diet, the foods that I consume, to continue on my quest for a "fit pregnancy."

What has been the best aspect of this whole ordeal?

The many ultra-sounds! Typically patients at my OB office have USs  between 8-12 weeks, 20 weeks, and then a final US at 36 weeks right before delivery. Well, Little Miss Kemp already likes the limelight because we have seen her "on the big screen" an additional four times! She is doing well, thriving, and wondering what is all the commotion about in that outside world. However, she always puts on a little show for the on-lookers - wonder where she gets that from?

 Michelyn Cynthia

Bump Watch: Week 30

How Far Along:: 30 weeks!
 
Size of Baby:: Little Miss Kemp is the size of a cucumber.

Gender:: Girl!

Stretch Marks:: Haven't seen any. Do you think these truly show post-birth once your skin tries to tighten back up?

Sleep:: Started sleeping more, between 9-10 hours/night. I have no reason to arise early to hit the gym, which was my main reason for being an early bird! Ha even though I despised waking up, I now miss it! 

Exercise:: Taking it slow this week. I have another appointment tomorrow, Thursday, and we shall see what the doctor says. Staying off my feet, sitting on the couch, and not being active is unbelievably challenging for me!

Cravings:: A glass of wine sounds pretty divine!

Miss Anything:: I won't mention it again, but not being active! I know, I mentioned that last week!

Symptoms:: My ankles and lower leg occasionally get minimally swollen. I did not even realize it, until the doctor mentioned it to me.

Belly Button In or Out:: Still flat!

Movement:: Little Miss Kemp may come out running or doing flips! She is one active little one.

Looking Forward To:: Doctor's appointment tomorrow. Updates are sure to be shared on Friday!

Michelyn Cynthia

Coaches Corner: #SaulBall Chapter 2

Alrighty! It has been quite a few weeks since the end of college basketball season, but not too far from that national championship game that college basketball is an irrelevant topic!

Most conversations around the water cooler entail the latest head coach firings, and more importantly, who will be the replacement.

Over here at Ohio University, Saul and Company are gearing up for the 2015-16 season, or as I am referring to as "Chapter 2" of #SaulBall! Coach heads back out this weekend for another round of recruiting and then we have some "rest" until July! We shall see what Coach's recruiting schedule look like given Little Miss Kemp's due date (June 26, 2015).

Before Coach heads out, I figure I might as well sit down and ask him a few questions about Ohio Men's Basketball!

What was the highlight of the 2014-15 basketball season?

The two things I will remember about our first team at Ohio would be the Akron and Buffalo home games. We were able to give our fans a glimpse of the excitement of the future. The Buffalo game, in particular, came down to the last possession and our senior forward Maurice Ndour dunked the basketball with one second left on the clock sending the crown into a frenzy. We have the best fans in the MAC. I cannot wait until next year!

What was your favorite road trip of the season?

Outside of the conference road win at Ball State, I would have to go with the Hawaii trip. It is hard to beat Waikiki Beach for the holidays! In addition to spending Christmas with family in Hawaii, we had a nice win against DePaul of the Big East Conference, and a game against our good friend Tim Miles, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. It is hard to beat Waikiki Beach for the holidays!

This year you wrote again for the College ChalkTalk National Coaches' Diary Series. Are you disappointed to see the series discontinued?

It was a great experience writing for Chris Di Sano and College ChalkTalk. I enjoyed contributing to the site and hope the coaching fraternity enjoyed my entries. It would have been nice to continue writing, but college coaching will definitely keep me busy!

What was the most disappointing loss?

Since all losses are disappointing, I will go with the final loss of the season. We were coming off of a convincing win against Miami Ohio, and played at Western Michigan in the MAC tournament. I truly believe our guys played winning basketball for 30 minutes in that game. Unfortunately we came up short, but it was good to end the season in competitive fashion. It will certainly bode well for the future of Bobcat Basketball.

What are your thoughts about the Badgers?

I have been a Badger fan since I was about three. They are my hometown team. It has been a great experience to watch them play in two straight Final Four games. Simply put, the championship game was a battle of two great teams and two great coaches. Go Badgers!

The season is over, what is on your plate now?

We have turned over a large portion of our roster and are excited about the future. We have some talented players, and are excited about our freshman. We are spending a lot of time with our team, and they are responding well. Other than that, we have one more recruiting weekend, so we will be able to see plenty of potential Bobcats. I have plenty to keep me busy while we wait on Little Miss Kemp!

What do Ohio fans have to look forward to next season?

The Ohio fan base will be proud of the progress we will make next year. We will be hard working, and we will play together. Like our past teams, we will focus on emphasizing the winning elements of the game. Turnover margin, rebound margin, field goal percentage, and free throw margin will be our focus. We must get better in all of those categories. We cannot wait to get started with our new look Bobcats!

Thanks Coach for the interview. Check out our interview last year "The Madness Never Stops!"

Michelyn Cynthia