INDIANA — As cardiovascular disease remains the leading killer of women in the United States—with projections warning that nearly 6 in 10 U.S. women could face some form of heart disease by 2050—prominent sports figures are stepping up to change the narrative. Indiana University’s Teri Moren and the University of Notre Dame’s Niele Ivey have joined forces as part of a national coalition of 22 women’s college basketball coaches for the 2026 American Heart Association Go Red for Women® Hearts on the Court Collective.
Entering its second season under the nationwide leadership of Louisiana State University Hall of Fame and NCAA championship head coach Kim Mulkey, the initiative unites coaches across the country to raise awareness about women’s cardiovascular health, educate communities on personal risk factors, and empower women to seek critical care.
“Too many women still face gaps in awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and lifesaving care for cardiovascular disease,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “By bringing trusted coaches and mentors into this effort, the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Hearts on the Court Collective can help deliver health and hope to more women everywhere.”
Throughout the 2026–27 season, members of the Collective will leverage their platforms and social media reach to connect with fans, student-athletes, and families. Their messaging will focus on Life’s Essential 8™ for Women, which includes:
- Managing key health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
- Maintaining a healthy dietary pattern and weight
- Engaging in regular physical activity and getting healthy sleep
- Avoiding tobacco and nicotine products
The campaign also highlights how cardiovascular risks shift across different life stages, including adolescence, midlife, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause.
“Coaches understand the value of preparation, teamwork and taking action before the pressure is on,” said national chair Kim Mulkey. “By coming together again, this Collective can help women know their risks, make heart-healthy choices and speak up for the care they need.”
The complete 2026–27 Hearts on the Court Collective roster features:
- Adia Barnes — Southern Methodist University
- Jennie Baranczyk — University of Oklahoma
- Kim Caldwell — University of Tennessee
- Cori Close — UCLA
- Nicki Collen — Baylor University
- Bill Fennelly — Iowa State University
- Krista Gerlich — Texas Tech University
- Lindsay Gottlieb — University of Southern California
- Ayla Guzzardo — University of Georgia
- Jacie Hoyt — Oklahoma State University
- Niele Ivey — University of Notre Dame
- Jan Jensen — University of Iowa
- Pauline Love — University of Alabama
- Kim Mulkey — Louisiana State University
- Katrina Merriweather — University of Cincinnati
- Kevin McGuff — Ohio State University
- Molly Miller — Arizona State University
- Wes Moore — North Carolina State University
- Teri Moren — Indiana University
- Kate Popovec-Goss — Boston College
- Tammi Reiss — University of Florida
- Vic Schaefer — University of Texas
With more than 80% of heart attacks and strokes deemed preventable by the American Heart Association, the Go Red for Women movement continues to bridge gaps in health education. Women seeking to learn their personal risks and access health resources can visit GoRedforWomen.org.
