Episode 273: Life is Short Don’t Wait to Dance with Valorie Kondos Field

Catherine is here today with Valorie Kondos Field. Affectionately known by her gymnasts as “Miss Val,” her reputation is only one reason that 46 former US national team members came through her program and why half of the last two Olympic teams committed to UCLA. Valorie’s coaching success can be attributed to her extraordinary leadership and mentorship of young student-athletes, and the way in which she used gymnastics as an avenue through which to teach valuable life lessons, while encouraging individuality and joy. Something Valorie learned from the late John Wooden, the legendary and most successful collegiate basketball coach of all time, who was one of her biggest inspirations, as well as a close mentor and friend. As a recent breast cancer survivor, Valorie’s positive outlook and hope-filled message is impactful. She empowered her athletes to use their voices, to celebrate themselves, and to enjoy the elite sport that has damaged so many in the past. She also shared her motivating and inspirational messages with the world, with her book, “LIFE IS SHORT, DON’T WAIT TO DANCE: Advice and Inspiration from the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame Coach of 7 NCAA Championship Teams,” which was released in Fall 2018 by the Hachette Book Group. It expounds on her life philosophy: “Don’t wait to see what life is going to hand you, take control of your life and design ~ choreograph it exactly how you want it to turn out.” Find Out More About Valorie Kondos Field Visit Valorie’s Website Connect with Valorie Kondos Field on Facebook Follow Miss Val on Instagram @missvalkondos It’s now time to tune into this one very inspirational human being. Enjoy!