BUST A BRACKET REESE'S | POINTS OR CUPS - IT'S A WIN WIN

When March hits our calendars, our minds turn to March Madness and seeing who will take it all for Men’s and Women’s basketball in the NCAA. It means that we have a month of basketball, colleges that we root for and those that we are not as familiar with. There are so many stories, and don’t even get us started on our brackets as we attempt to guess the journey. Whether it’s backed by stats, favorite colors, or teams, it’s a great time had by all. We made our way to Reese’s Bracket Summit to hear from NY Liberty’s Breanna Stewart and analysts Andraya Carter and Richard Jefferson on how we can make them and how Reese’s rewards or losses as well!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve enjoyed hearing your commentary on various games. What made you want to be an analyst?

ANDRAYA CARTER: Oh wow! I think that the opportunity came before my interests came and I remember when we were in the tournament and this is when I was a player. I don’t remember what analyst was talking about me, but I was a role player at Tennessee. I was a defensive player and I didn’t score that many points. Whoever the analyst was saw some value in what I brought and they were running some of my defensive highlights, and this was in the Selection show, and there is a picture of my teammate, Meighan Simmons and she’s shaking my shoulders because I was so shocked that they were talking about me!

I think about that a lot when I first started my career. I remember that moment being so cool and I remember thinking I could be an analyst that points out the things that makes this game hard and contributes to the success. I love the game of basketball so much and being able to break it down and so I think that once I had the opportunity to be an analyst and that it is something that you can get better at, it almost became my new sport. How much better can I get at being an analyst? I watch film on it, I practiced it, I broke it down, it was almost like even though my career as a player ended, I had something that I was able to work towards. It was something that I could improve on and it was something that I could chase, and once those 2 things clicked for me, I knew I could do this. It was a long journey for me from the time of realizing that it clicked up to now – but that’s a story!

AM: It’s always enjoyable to hear from you because you played the game and you know first hand everything that is involved in that.

What do you love about the game?

AC: Ugh, I love how so many little things work together to make it happen. There are so many ways to run a play, so many ways to defend a play, and so many roles that a player can have. When you look at different teams from season to season and even looking at a team during the season, there are so many ways to look at this puzzle and to see how all the pieces fit together! That’s within a season, that’s within a team, that’s within the players, and that’s even to the game. There are so many things to break down as these teams chase championships. It’s different every year and it is different game to game! Sometimes there are those 2 teams that play and when they do it again, there are other things to evaluate.

To me, the way that the game just builds and the way there are games within a game, I love it so much! Being able to grow up playing it and also I think that the way it brings people together and how sport is a universal language, you get to meet so many people along the way. Basketball changed my life and I love being able to watch how the game changes the lives of others – it’s really special to me.

AM: We really love this time of year, March Madness and everything that is involved in that! What do you love about this time of year?

AC: I just love the intensity of it and being win or go home! Obviously, it’s heartbreaking when a team loses, and to watch teams have success and to continue to be able to play and to keep their season alive, for me the intensity of win or go home is everything! Everything just levels up in March for basketball and I think that also watching players rise to the occasion and having a player put their team on their back and step up, you see something click for them – that is amazing to see!

AM: You were giving tips earlier about how one can set up their brackets. But for first timers that may not know about checking for stats or other things. How can they go about putting their brackets together?

AC: For anyone that is setting up their brackets for the first time this season, the Every Bracket Busts For A Reese’s Sweepstakes is perfect for them! You’re bracket busts, you win some Reese’s and the chance to go to the Men’s and Women’s Final Four and Championships. Being at the Final Four as well as the Championship game in that environment is so special! Shout out to anybody that is doing their brackets for the first time! Thanks to Reece’s you could get a chance to go!

I do think that filling out your bracket is hard. How much research do you want to do? How much time do you have? I am just thinking about this off the top of my head, if you don’t know much about a team and you pull up their stats and see their leading scorer and watch some highlights of them or see what their game is like, and what they are capable of. Watch the other teams and see their leading scorer. See which team gets you the most excited and that is who you pick. I think that whatever method you have, use that for your whole bracket, trust it, and go with it. Sometimes when I fill out my bracket, I like because teams that have good defense because when the lights are the brightest and the emotion is really big, sometimes your shots don’t go in. There is so much excitement and energy but defense travels and I think as a player, you can control that a little bit more. I could shoot my same shot and it may not go in, but I can control my defensive energy. Teams that are good defensively, if I can’t pick between the 2 teams, then I look at who has the better defense because defense travels.

AM: That’s a great tip!

Who are 3 teams that you are looking at this year, that we should be focused on?

AC: That’s tough! Men’s or Women’s?

AM: You choose!

AC: Well, Tennessee Women’s is interesting given everything that they have been through. Obviously, it’s a really rough end of the season. I’m particularly as a former Lady Vols and as an analyst, I’m interested in if any team had a rough end to their season like that – how does that kick them forward? Does it kick them forward, does it give them a fresh start? Are they able to use everything that they went through as motivation to turn it around? Or on the opposite side as a former Lady Vols, it wouldn’t be something that I would enjoy – but is it too little too late to try and correct things?

AM: Yeah!

AC: This is the time where you want to be peaking and playing your best basketball going into March. Is it too late this time around? So Tennessee is a very interesting team on the Women’s side.

I’m very interested in UConn obviously, the opportunity to go back-to-back it’s something special and not something that many teams get the opportunity to do. I am a very big fan of a few of the players on the team as well as the system that they play. Obviously here with Reece’s, Breanna Stewart was hanging out with us. She spoke to what Geno Auriemma puts his players through in terms of testing them throughout the year! They don’t have the strongest strength of schedule, but their biggest battle is their head coach! So, UConn – will they repeat as Champions?

I’m also interested in UCLA! That’s a team that added new pieces, it’s a team that lost to UConn last season in a way that I know that they are not proud of, and in a way that taught them a lot for Cori Close and her players. They could have another opportunity to make a deep run.

So those are teams that I have my eye on of course there is South Carolina with Dawn Staley – they are always a good team to have my eye on as well!

AM: This is so great to hear!

Who do you think will win it all?

AC: I have UConn winning it all for the women!

AM: Same!

AC: I think that on top of what I said, I think Sarah Strong is a really hard player to game plan against. You can put her on so many places on the court and use her in so many different actions on the floor that I think that they are just a tough game plan. We talk a lot about UConn’s offense – Azzi Fudd is such a sharp shooter and Sarah Strong is just so versatile, and UConn is a very difficult team to score against. None of their opponents in the tournament scored 65 points last season. I just talked about defense, but as good as their offense is, their defense and their ability to make teams go east to west instead of north to south, is something that I find very tough among other things for Connecticut.

IG @andraya_carter

After speaking with Andraya, we sat down with NBA Champion Richard Jefferson to talk about his love of the game, why he enjoys being an analyst and also how he feels about Arizona!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have been fans of yours since you played in the NBA and it’s very cool to be hanging out with you right now.

Why did you want to be an analyst once you retired from the game?

RICHARD JEFFERSON: The reason why I wanted to be an analyst is because I love the game of basketball very deeply! You look at how you can continue to express your love to the game that has given so much to me. So there is coaching, there is player development, there are levels of coaching from high school and college. For me, I just loved talking about the game of basketball. I started a podcast 10 years ago because I love hearing the stories about basketball and also everybody has strengths and areas of improvement. For me, talking about the game of basketball and giving knowledge because I was a nerdy kid at 12 and 13 years old reading basketball cards and sitting and watching NBC and Marv Albert in the Jordan era! I just studied it and loved it as a kid! Then I grew into it as a basketball player and then I played in the NBA so I got to live it, and I always felt that I was the lucky little kid that got to live his dream! Now, I get to sit here and talk about it, but I feel fortunate because I have reference points all the way back to the mid 80’s because I grew up loving the game and being able to study it!

AM: Same!

What do you love about basketball and what personally draws you to it?

RJ: What draws me to it is that it is such a beautiful game. You have to be a complete player for the most part. You have to be able to play offense and you have to be able to play defense! You look at football, I love it, it’s awesome, but you have guys on one side of the ball and one side on the other. In baseball, there is a similarity to it. In basketball, it is – if you are in a weak spot on offense, you will be exposed! If you are on a weak spot on defense, you will be exposed! Just like in life, your goal is to be a complete person and a well rounded person, it doesn’t mean that you are great at everything, but you are well rounded. That is what the game of basketball is. In order to be a good or great basketball player, in a prideful way, you have to be a well rounded individual and I think that there is something beautiful about that in life in general.

AM: I love this time of year! When Selection Sunday hits, you know you have some great weeks of basketball that are taking place – not my team this year, IU –

RJ: Congratulations on the football win!

AM: Thank you! That is like 5 Super Bowls!

RJ: Congratulations!

AM: What do you love about March Madness, The Final Four, the Championship game?

RJ: What I love about it – both sides men’s and women’s is that I think that the Summer Olympics is something that here in America, everybody roots for and it is every 4 years. I don’t think that there is a single thing in America that everyone comes together – it’s university pride, it’s college pride, it’s where your family is associated, it’s rivalries - it’s all of these things. You can be 60 years old and you’re a North Carolina fan and you still fucking hate Duke! Now, all of a sudden, all of these old things that you had gets turned up for 1 month. Grandma knows it, your 5 year old son knows it, people that don’t basketball are like, “I’m just going to pick my favorite colors!” That’s what sports does and I don’t think that there is a single greater event than the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tournament that brings together everybody in our country like that!

AM: Couldn’t agree more!

For 1st timers that are filling out those brackets, what should they do?

RJ: Oh man, for 1st timers, let me show you how to do it! Shout out Reese’s, that’s why we’re here. If you are a 1st Timer, this is what I would do. I start with Arizona because they are going to win the National Championship and I do this every single year, because Arizona is going to win. So I have them in the winning spot and then I go backwards. It’s a little unorthodox.

AM: Yeah it is.

RJ: That’s fine! This is where I think that Reese’s has really cracked the code! I have Duke losing in the 1st Round. People are like, that’s a little crazy!

AM + RJ: Is it though?

RJ: If Siena wins, I look like a genius! If Siena loses, I turn in my bracket and I win free Reese’s Cups! I still look like a genius! So, I just don’t see that there is a lose/lose situation. Why would I root for a team that I cannot stand? Why because I want a perfect bracket? I’d rather them lose and look like a genius, then have them win and I get some cups! If they win, I’m pissed off anyway so give me my prize.

AM: Love this and you are very proud of this bracket!

RJ: I’m very, very proud and I have the Women’s one also! I am very proud of it and I will say this, across the board, I have South Carolina - Dawn Staley was my favorite Women’s player growing up and she is my favorite coach. Across the board, we had Stewie here, there was no shade given to UConn – such respect and I have nothing but positivity for them. They are probably of all the schools Men and Women aside, when we started talking about them, they had the ultimate level of respect, but we’re not talking about them right now, we’re talking about the University of Arizona and how we won the Big 12, we won the Big 12 Tournament, we have the Big 12 Player of the Year, and we have done all of the things that are needed for us to win a Championship – so this bracket is going to be perfect! There is on thing that I have put out and I don’t mind that you have Duke blue hair – it’s fine!

AM: Wait a minute, I am IU through and through!

RJ: So right, we get through there as well – Siena that’s who I am rooting for, they are my sleeper pick mainly because I want Reese’s Cups!

AM: So what are 3 teams that you’re looking at that we should be thinking about?

RJ: You should be thinking about Siena because they have a really good match up in the 1st Round, but I think that they are going to win against Duke.

Arizona, I talk about Arizona, but I think with Arkansas, there is a big battle there by the kid Darius Acuff Jr. who is very, very good. I’m actually glad that we could potentially play them in the Sweet 16. What does that mean? It means that you get your first 2 games in and then you have a couple of days to prepare before you go to the next game. Those preparation days are the days where you say, “ok, we could be going up agaunst an amazing player” and you want some more prep against that, because we do have an amazing team.

AM: Ok, so my last question was going to be who do you think will win, but we know that clearly you feel that Arizona will win it all!

RJ: You’re damn right!

AM: So what does gameday look like for you?

RJ: Ok, I am pretty much immune to any sport or any sport team. Arizona is one that I am emotionally connected to. I turn on the game. When they are winning, I watch. They start losing, I turn it off. That is a real thing because again, it is the emotional connection. Oftentimes, I will tune in and out. I can’t sit and turn on an Arizona game and just relax. That’s not possible so I avoid the anxiety.

IG @richardajefferson

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Hershey’s

Read the MAR ISSUE #123 of Athleisure Mag and see BUST A BRACKET REESE’S | Points or Cups It’s A Win Win in mag.

SPRING AWAKENING WITH ASHLEY BUSCH

It's been quite a winter! Thankfully, March reminds us that our dreams of sunny days and rising temperatures is closer to being a reality. This month's covergirl is one of our new faves, Ashley Busch - US Polo player, Global Brand Ambassador of U.S. Polo Assn, Wilhelmina model and wife of NASCAR's Kurt Busch! Our shoot incorporates Spring's must haves and we get the scoop on playing polo, hanging out with Ashley and seeing what she's up to.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What does it take to be a polo player?

ASHLEY BUSCH: It takes a few things to be a good polo player. Of course, previous riding experience is always an advantage. To me, the most important skill is to have good hand-eye coordination. Also, the skill of the pony is just as important as the skill of the player.

AM: Are there things that people don't realize in terms of coordinating the mallet and riding?

AB: Most people do not realize that when we are riding we are standing up in the stirrups 90% of the time. In order to hit the ball it takes hand eye coordination. How far it goes has a lot to do with timing of where your horse is and where your mallet is in relation to the ball.

AM: What are your favorite plays?

AB: There are not really any set plays or off sides in polo. Any player can go anywhere on the field. Typically, I play number 1 or number 2 and those positions are the ones that do most of the scoring which are my favorite plays of course!

AM: What has been your favorite match that you have played in?

AB: My favorite match was the 12 Goal tournament I won with my dad at the International Polo Club.

AM: How has the Polo season been and what races are you looking forward to this year?

AB: Polo season has been great so far. I played my first tournament in January and we got to the finals where we only lost by one goal. The second tournament I played in February, we won
by 2 goals. So, I would say this season has been a success!

I look forward to all of the races whether I'm there or watching on TV. I get really into each race because each track is different and it’s fun to see how everything transpires. One of my favorite
trips is the west coast swing that we are on right now. From Vegas to Phoenix to LA. Some other tracks that I love are Bristol in Tennessee, Talladega, and Sonoma.

AM: As this month's cover girl of Athleisure Mag for the kickoff to our Spring Issue, what is it about this time of year that you find exciting?

AB: I am someone that has always gravitated towards warm weather. I love that the flowers are starting to bloom and everything is warming up. I look at springtime as an opportunity to do some spring cleaning and really hone in on my goals for the year. It’s a reboot in my opinion!

AM: The Spring is definitely a great time to add new pieces to your closet - what are some of your favorite spring must-haves that you love in your closet or will be adding to soon?

AB: With all the fashion weeks coming to an end, a lot of designers start putting out their spring lines, which I am always excited to see what new prints and styles are featured. I especially enjoy it because I am a designer myself and look forward to seeing what they come up with and what is trending. As far as new pieces, I am a sucker for a good pair of jeans that can be worn from day to night and I am always looking for fun shoes to mix it up!

AM: You do a lot of traveling and with NASCAR season starting back up, how do you juggle your calendar versus your days on the track to support your husband?

AB: The key for us is basically just looking ahead and scheduling everything accordingly. Some races I inevitably miss because I am playing polo. Regardless, though, we are both very supportive of each other and we make it work! 

AM: With such a busy schedule, great skincare is essential to ensure that you always look like you have a well-rested glow - what beauty products do you swear by?

AB: I typically do not wear much makeup, mainly because I am always on the go. Some of my go-to products are the La Mer oil-infused lotion to hydrate and smooth my skin. I also love Drunk Elephant's day and night serums to help balance out my skin tone. I use the Elta MD tinted moisturizer almost every day, especially when I have a polo match. It provides nice, even coverage, but more importantly has SPF to prevent wrinkles. When traveling, I always carry the Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist! I use it whenever I feel like my skin needs a little boost of hydration.

AM: The last time we chatted with you, you were working on your swim line, how is that going and what can you tell us about it?

AB: We are still in the creative process of my swim line and ironing out all of the details. What I can tell you is that 10% of the proceeds will go to charity, as philanthropy has always been a major part of my life. I will be posting updates on my social media as we progress and am shooting to launch this summer!

AM: When you're not training for your next polo match, designing your line, in a photoshoot or hanging out with Kurt, what can we find you doing when you're taking time for yourself?

AB: In my spare time, I am most likely spending time with friends and family. I also really enjoy being at home just relaxing with my dogs.

AM: When you're home, where can we find you shopping, grabbing cocktails and a drink and do you have a workout studio that you enjoy going to?

AB: My go-to store to shop is Intermix. I also love to check out local boutiques in the area. In Charlotte, Kurt and I enjoy going to Sushi at the Lake for dinner and drinks. In Florida, HMF is a super cool spot. Most of the time, Kurt and I will cook dinner together at the house though.

When I am in Florida, I train at the International Polo Club with polo trainers. In Charlotte, we have a personal trainer who comes to our house to workout. I also like to take aerial silk classes at Air-fit Charlotte.

AM: What charities or philanthropies do you give your time to?

AB: Children's National Medical Center in DC. Capital Hospice Care. Cancer Research and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Local Humane Societies.

We shot Ashley Busch in Brooklyn at the 1 

Hotel Brooklyn Bridge which has great views of Manhattan and is in a neighborhood with a number of options to enjoy. We chatted with General Manager, Cornelia Samara to find out why this property is one that you should get to know as we continue into the Spring and Summer.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about 1 Hotels in terms of the family of properties within this group and what one can expect when staying here generally?

CORNELIA SAMARA: We currently have 1 Hotels open in South Beach, Manhattan, and most recently, here in Brooklyn. Soon guests will be able to get closer to nature in Cabo; Sanya, China; West Hollywood and Sunnyvale. While every property is unique in its design and offerings, you can always expect a home away from home, with thoughtful service and personal touches. Every 1 Hotel is designed to celebrate nature and bring touches of the outdoors inside.

AM: Are there different personalities that 1 Hotels represents depending on the city/community?

CS: Definitely. Each 1 Hotels property is directly influenced and inspired by their local surroundings – the natural landmarks it sits on or beside, as well as the community it is part of. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, for example, is inspired by the industrial history of the Brooklyn waterfront, and its design takes cues from the park it sits upon.

AM: Specifically, tell us about 1 Hotels Brooklyn Bridge - when did it open, what is the atmosphere?

CS: We opened our doors to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in February 2017, making us just recently 1 Tree Ring year old. The atmosphere at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is first and foremost welcoming, and it has a special balance of energy, liveliness in the midst of tranquility.

AM: What makes the Brooklyn location one that is great for business travel, business meetings, vacations and staycations?

CS: Much like Brooklyn itself, what you can experience at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is very diverse in its offerings. We operate 6 different outlets that can cater to just about every traveler, with a spa providing treatments to relax and re-energize, a rooftop pool & bar that
is calm by day and energetic by night, a lobby lounge and café that are both great for settling in with a good book or hunkering down to get work done, visit The Osprey for an elevated dining experience, or Brooklyn Heights Social club for unparalleled views and an unmatched cocktail list.

AM: What amenities are offered by the hotel and what are the touches that are specific to this hotel?

CS: -Bamford Haybarn Spa

-24 hour Field House fitness center

-Seasonal rooftop bar and pool

-Full Service Restaurant, The Osprey, with seasonal outdoor seating

-Brooklyn Heights Social Club, a bar on the 10th floor with stunning views of NYC skyline

-Neighbors café located in the lobby

-24 hour in-room dining

-Complimentary Tesla electric house car

-Filtered water taps in guest rooms

-Location on Brooklyn Bridge Park

We put a great deal of effort into bringing nature into our public spaces and guest rooms. It’s important that people feel at one with nature even when they aren’t able to actually get outside.

For example, each guest room will have green elements like living green moss, small trees or even hanging gardens.

AM: The public areas are so welcoming, who designed this hotel and what was the thought process behind the design?

CS: The hotel was thoughtfully designed by INC Architecture & Design, guided by a specific vision from our founder, Barry Sternlicht, and our design team. From the beginning, we knew we wanted our guests, community and visitors to feel at home and close to nature. We like
to think of our lobby a place to gather, where you can find locals and guests busy at work or socializing with friends.

AM: We saw that you offer car services to the area - why is this an amenity that was added and tell us more about it?

CS: We do offer a complimentary Tesla house car for our guests, to whisk them away to destinations within 3 miles of the hotel with low-impact (it’s electric!) We chose an electric car to be our house car because it minimizes our contribution to air pollution and also gives our
guests the chance to see that electric vehicles can be true replacements for gasoline powered vehicles. We hope it encourages them to take measure to reduce their own carbon footprints when they head home.

AM: What can we look forward to for the Spring and the Summer that is offered at the Brooklyn Bridge location?

CS: -New seasonal menus items made with market-fresh ingredients throughout our food and beverage outlets and our in-room dining menu

-Our seasonal rooftop bar and pool will reopen in the spring

-Exciting outdoor programming from our partners at Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy

AM: What do locals have the ability to enjoy whether they are staying as guests or just wish to stop by?

CS: -They can always expect warm and welcoming greeting from our team

-They can always expect amazing cuisine with ingredients locally sourced from their own communities

-Unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge

-Locals are always welcome to get comfortable and work from our lobby lounge

-Special offers from the hotel and our outlets, extended specifically to our neighbors and local community

AM: Tell us about your commitment to wellness as we saw the yoga mats in the room and we know you have a gym as well.

CS: It’s important to us to encourage our guests to take care of themselves both physically and mentally. We can only put our best foot forward in taking care of the planet when we also take care of ourselves. We hope the yoga mats remind guests the importance of taking a moment each day to get centered and focused in their mind and spirit. We offer Mind & Movement programming to help create experiences that allow guests to do this.

AM: Two of our favorite places are rooftops and spas and we know you have both, tell us about this.

CS: You are definitely not alone in that! There are few things better than an amazing view or being pampered. While our service definitely sets us apart, there’s no question that our views are taken to the next level on our rooftop. At Bamford Haybarn Spa, the commitment to holistic treatments and organic ingredients is a major differentiator.

Read more from the March Issue and see Spring Awakening with Ashley Busch in mag.

THE AQUA ROAD TO THE OLYMPICS

The road to the Olympics® is one that involves a lot of training. Many athletes train in a number of areas and the Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation's largest outdoor recreation company in North Carolina We sat down with Olympian and spokesperson/ambassador of the NOC - Joe Jacobi. In addition to winning gold in Barcelona during the summer 2008 games, he served as the CEO of the USA Canoe/Kayak and TV sports commentator for NBC. We asked about NOC for guests coming to enjoy nature as well as a place for future Olympians to train and those heading to Rio this summer. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is the Nantahala Outdoor Center?

JOE JACOBI: The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is the nation's largest outdoor recreation company. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different river and land-based programs such as learning to kayak at NOC world-renowned Paddling School, test the latest outdoor gear, and shop at its LEED-certified flagship retail stores, or enjoy resort amenities such as its three restaurants and multi-tiered accommodations.

We are also one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina and 23 Olympians, including two Olympic Gold Medalists, have called NOC home.

NOC has been recently recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation's Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure.

AM: Is this center open to the public?

JJ: Not only is NOC open to the public, it was the mission of our founders, Payson Kennedy and Horace Holden, Sr., to get our guests outside and experiencing the best that the outdoors has to offer. Whether on rivers, trails, or in the air, everything that happens at NOC is geared towards showing path into the outdoors for EVERYONE.

AM: In addition to enjoying water sports, NOC also contains opportunities to lodge here - how is that beneficial to the overall experience?

JJ: I grew up in the Washington, DC area so the noise and bustle of a big city was always present. I remember the first time I visited NOC as a teenager - that full experience of peace and quiet isn't just on the river but the way you experience evening, downtime, and rest. NOC is very accessible to many cities around the southeastern US making day-trips to our headquarters on the Nantahala River or one of the other 7 rivers which are rafter feasible but the full experience at NOC is the day AND night experience at NOC.

AM: How many Olympians have trained here and what is it like?

JJ: So we can't guarantee that every NOC guest or staff member will become an Olympian but our track record is pretty impressive.  To date, 22 Olympians in the sport of canoeing have come from NOC and this summer, we are excited to send our 23rd Olympia to the Games, whitewater kayaker, Michal Smolen, is Team USA's leading prospect for a medal a the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. 

NOC is an outstanding venue in which to live and train in competitive paddlesports. There are incredible rivers that run year-around make the perfect practice courses for training; there is a deeply-committed and supportive community of high performance athletes; NOC provides flexible employment opportunities for athletes; and, you have 5-10 competitive events staged each year in your backyard, ranging from local and participatory events to national and international events such at National Championships or a World Championships. 

AM: Are there any Olympians that you are currently training that you are sending to Rio this year?

JJ: I guess I jumped ahead on this one! NOC is so excited to send our 23rd Olympian to the Olympic Games - whitewater kayaker, Michal Smolen, is Team USA's leading contender for a medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio this summer. Born in Poland, Michal learned to paddle at NOC when he was 9 years old. Today, our aspiring young paddlers (my own 15 yo daughter included!) look up to Michal as a role model on and off the water. Michal is very giving of his time, incredibly humble, and so excited to be representing the United States.

AM: How did your relationship with NOC take place and what is your role there?

JJ: I grew up training on the Potomac River in the Washington, DC area - a Malcolm Gladwell/Outlier story of sorts with the some of the most fortuitous circumstances in paddlesports. I grew up close to the training site on the river where the world champions and world medalists practiced every day with the legendary coach in the sport. When I was just 13 years old, they welcomed me into their group. 

As I progressed and the Whitewater Slalom was added to the 1992 Olympic Games program in Barcelona, my canoe partner, Scott Strausbaugh, wanted to make a full-time commitment to our training. The DC area was very expensive so we chose to move to NOC where we could extend the length of our practice sessions, add more training sessions per day, and simply engage even more deeply in our Olympic pursuit.  

When we stepped up on to the podium at the 1992 Olympic Games as the first Americans to win gold in Olympic whitewater competition, we did so as part of the NOC community, which provided with the ideal setting, support, and leadership to excel on and off the water. 

That's what makes my current role with NOC so much fun and rewarding. I am a NOC spokesperson and ambassador. I love telling the story of our organization, our founders, the outdoors, and of course our next generation of Olympians like Michal.

AM: Will you be in Rio with your athlete?

JJ: No Rio for me this year, but we have a lot of Guest and Employee engagement opportunities with the Games here i the States, including a celebration of "Olympic Day" at NOC on June 18th of this year.

AM: Are there any milestones that NOC will enjoy in 2016 that Athleisure Mag should know about?

JJ: Not sure there is one so much as an Olympic year tends to spotlight ALL the elements of the outdoors that we serve (we were founded in an Olympic year, 1972.) On specifics, we have number of phenomenal events coming this year serving people from the high performance community to families who just want to compete together - you can check out our events here.

AM: What activities are offered at NOC?

JJ: We simply love rivers and boats in which people can propel with a paddle. Our guests choose from 8 different rivers in which paddle, raft, SUP, or float. Our Paddle School has an absolutely world class roster of instructors.  On land, at our headquarters on the Nantahala  River, we have a mountain top, over-the-trees zip line adventure include on zip that is about a 1/2 mile long - more on that right here.

Also, we prepare people via our our outdoor school for every kind of outdoor experience imaginable - not just paddling, but swiftwater rescue and wilderness medicine to name a few.

AM: Although people come to NOC for the activities, what takeaway do they get from North Carolina as a state?

JJ: North Carolina's diversity is amazing. From our shores and beaches to our mountains and rivers, the DNA of the outdoors lives in NC. My role with NOC takes me all over the state. When people see the NOC logo on my shirt, they smile, reflect, and typically share a family story about their experiences with their family and friends. It's very special to see the way NOC has touched and contributed to North Carolina's outdoor story.

The Olympics is a registered trademark.

Read more from the April Issue