Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States, and projections suggest that nearly six in ten U.S. women will have some form of the disease by 2050, according to the American Heart Association. In response, women's college basketball coaches are uniting 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 Kim Mulkey, Louisiana State University women's basketball Hall of Fame and NCAA championship head coach, the Collective brings together coaches from across the country to elevate the profile of women's cardiovascular health. Throughout the 2026-27 season, coaches will use their platforms to share lifesaving health information with fans, student-athletes, families, 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. "By bringing trusted coaches and mentors into this effort, the Collective can help deliver health and hope to more women everywhere." The initiative builds on the Association's decades-long Go Red for Women movement, which encourages women to listen to their bodies, understand their risks, and advocate for care.
The coaches will promote Life's Essential 8 for Women, a framework that includes managing key health numbers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar; eating a healthy diet; moving more; avoiding tobacco; getting healthy sleep; and maintaining a healthy weight. They will also highlight how cardiovascular risk can vary across life stages, including adolescence, pregnancy, 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," Mulkey said. "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." The 2026-27 Collective includes coaches from universities such as UCLA, University of Tennessee, University of Notre Dame, and University of Texas.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable, making the Collective's educational mission critical. The initiative arrives as cardiovascular disease continues to disproportionately affect women, with many unaware of their personal risk. By leveraging the influence of college basketball coaches, the Collective aims to reach millions of women with messages that could lead to earlier interventions and healthier lifestyles.
Women can learn more about their risks and find health resources at cardiovascular disease information pages or by visiting heart.org and stroke.org. The Collective's efforts underscore the importance of community engagement in public health and the role of trusted figures in spreading awareness about preventable diseases.
