Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 28, 2026
College Basketball Coaches Unite to Fight Women's Heart Disease
TLDR
- Coaches can leverage the American Heart Association's Hearts on the Court Collective to position themselves as leaders in women's cardiovascular health advocacy.
- The American Heart Association's Hearts on the Court Collective uses coaches to share health messages on social media and community platforms throughout the 2026-27 women's college basketball season.
- The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Hearts on the Court Collective empowers women with knowledge and support to prevent cardiovascular disease and live longer, healthier lives.
- Nearly 6 in 10 U.S. women will have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050, but over 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes.
Impact - Why it Matters
Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of far too many women, and the statistics are alarming: nearly 6 in 10 U.S. women will have some form of cardiovascular disease by 2050. This news matters because it brings together trusted voices—women’s college basketball coaches—who can reach millions of fans and student-athletes with lifesaving messages about prevention and early action. By leveraging their platforms, these coaches can help close gaps in awareness and care, empowering women to know their risks and adopt heart-healthy habits. With more than 80% of heart attacks and strokes preventable, this initiative has the potential to save countless lives and inspire a new generation to prioritize their heart health.
Summary
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative has launched the 2026-27 Hearts on the Court Collective, uniting women’s college basketball coaches to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among U.S. women. With projections showing nearly 6 in 10 women will have some form of the disease by 2050, the Collective aims to change that future by educating women about their risks and encouraging them to seek care. Led by national chair Kim Mulkey, Hall of Fame coach at Louisiana State University, the group includes 22 coaches from top programs such as UCLA, University of Tennessee, University of Iowa, and University of Texas. Throughout the season, these coaches will use their platforms to share lifesaving health information with fans, student-athletes, and communities.
“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. The Collective’s messages will emphasize Life’s Essential 8 for Women, which includes managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar; eating healthy; staying active; avoiding tobacco; getting healthy sleep; and maintaining a healthy weight. The initiative also highlights how cardiovascular risk can change across life stages, including pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. With more than 80% of heart attacks and strokes preventable, the coaches are determined to help women take charge of their heart health.
“Coaches understand the value of preparation, teamwork and taking action before the pressure is on,” Mulkey said. “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 2026 American Heart Association Go Red for Women Hearts on the Court Collective is part of the Association’s broader effort to address gaps in cardiovascular health awareness and care. Women can learn their risks and find resources at GoRedforWomen.org.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, College Basketball Coaches Unite to Fight Women's Heart Disease
