“There’s definitely a link between preparing your mind and body.

“The first few years I was trying to be a completely different player to my size and my height. Before I go on court now the mental state I try to put myself in is more ‘Ok, you’ve done this 1,000 times. You’ve trained. You’ve done the work. You have your teammates. You can call for help when you need it.’

“Some days you just have to make sure that you’ve eaten properly or that whatever’s going on in your outside world stops the minute you hit the court. It’s a lot of processing. 

“Having your own little routine definitely helps, for example I find that there’s a mindfulness aspect to doing my skincare prep.

“When I’m training, if it’s outside I’ll make sure I use a sun block and a moisturiser to prepare my skin.

“If I’m playing all-girls teams I’ll make more of an effort. I don’t want to be out there with ashy knees! At the end of the day it’s about feeling good about yourself.

“I always start by washing my face with a cleanser that removes impurities and balances my skin, I let it air dry, and then protect my skin using Shiseido Ultimune face serum followed by a skin moisturiser with some SPF in it.

“Ultimune face serum is perfect for my skin because it’s light and absorbs quickly (ideal when I’m in a pre-game rush). I also know it’s working hard and delivering strength and moisture to protect my skin from the elements.

“It’s weird because I wouldn’t go to training or a game without taking a shower for example. People will say ‘It’s fine just take a shower after - you’re going to get sweaty anyway.’ But when you get ready and do your skincare you’re also preparing your mind and relaxing and de-stressing.

“You’re putting yourself in a position where you look good and you feel good.

“With basketball, it’s a stylish sport. You want your trainers to look cool, you want your outfit to look cool and you want your skin to look glowy.”

"I fought the law so female basketball players could wear hijabs - this is why preparation is key to making a difference"