DALLAS - October 28, 2026 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, and new projections indicate that nearly 6 in 10 U.S women will have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050, according to the American Heart Association. To help change that future, women’s college basketball coaches are joining together through the 2026 American Heart Association Go Red for Women Hearts on the Court Collective to raise awareness, educate women about their risks and encourage them to seek care and support.
Led by Louisiana State University women’s basketball Hall of Fame and NCAA championship head coach Kim Mulkey, the American Heart Association Go Red for Women® Hearts on the Court Collective brings together women’s college basketball coaches from across the country to raise the unique profile women’s cardiovascular health. The coaches will use their voices and platforms throughout the season to reach fans, student-athletes, families and communities with lifesaving health information.
“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. “For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged women to listen to their bodies, understand their risks, seek care when something does not feel right and advocate for the care they deserve. 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, inspiring more women to understand their cardiovascular risk and build heart-healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”
Throughout the 2026-27 women’s college basketball season, members of the Collective will share health messages through social media and other team and community platforms. The messages will encourage women to take charge of their cardiovascular health, grounded in \], which includes:
- Knowing and managing key health numbers, including blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
- Eating a healthy dietary pattern
- Moving more through regular physical activity
- Avoiding tobacco and nicotine
- Getting healthy sleep
- Maintaining a healthy weight
The Collective will also call attention to how women’s cardiovascular health can be affected by risk factors and conditions in different life stages, such as adolescence, midlife, pregnancy and postpartum, perimenopause and menopause.
“The women in our lives give so much of themselves every day, and they deserve the knowledge and support to protect their health,” said Kim Mulkey, women’s basketball head coach at Louisiana State University and national chair of the Hearts on the Court Collective. “Coaches understand the value of preparation, teamwork and taking action before the pressure is on. By coming together again, this Collective can help women know their risks, make heart-healthy choices and speak up for the care they need. That is a message we want our student-athletes, fans and all women to carry well beyond the basketball season.”
The 2026-27 Hearts on the Court Collective includes:
- 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
According to the American Heart Association, more than 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. The Association’s Go Red for Women movement is committed to addressing gaps in cardiovascular health awareness and care while meeting the needs of women in every age, stage and season of life. Women can learn their risks, find health resources and take action at GoRedforWomen.org.
Additional Resources:
- 2026-27 Hearts on the Court Collective Photo graphic is available on the right column of the release link.
- Life’s Essential 8 for Women
- Learn about cardiovascular disease
- Go Red for Women
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness and action. The movement harnesses the energy and power of women to work together to address heart disease and stroke. It challenges women to know their risks and gives them tools to help lead heart-healthy lives. For more information, visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Jeff Schaefer: jeff.schaefer@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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