A Summer Like No Other
The USC women's basketball team has turned its summer practices into a laboratory of teamwork, swapping traditional drills for challenges that test trust, adaptability and sheer fun. Guided by the motto "How we do anything is how we do everything," the Trojans are using every off‑court moment to cement the chemistry that they hope will translate into on‑court success.
Each week ends with a "Filthy Friday" challenge cooked up by Kelly Dormandy, the Trojans’ director of women’s basketball sports performance. The exercises range from obstacle‑course style routines to creative team‑building games, all designed to keep the players engaged and to break the monotony of a typical preseason schedule.
Firehouse Fitness and Studio Sessions
One of the most talked‑about workouts took place at Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 15. Players lifted dumbbells shaped like fire axes, wielded rescue saws, and even tangled with fire hoses, turning the station into an impromptu strength lab. The experience was as much about camaraderie as it was about conditioning.
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb later took the squad to rapper Ice Cube’s recording studio, where his sons Darrell and O’Shea Jackson guided the players through a behind‑the‑scenes tour. The visit offered a glimpse into a different world and gave the team a fresh perspective on creativity and focus.
With five newcomers joining the roster, off‑court bonding has become a priority. The mixture of veterans and fresh talent has sparked new relationships, and the team’s daily interactions have been highlighted by laughter, shared challenges and a growing sense of unity.
Learning from the Leaders
Freshman Sitayah Fagan, who enrolled early last season to train with the team but was ineligible to play, spent the year observing her teammates’ composure in tight games. Her insights have been invaluable, and associate head coach Beth Burns has publicly praised Fagan’s natural talent and potential, noting that her early exposure will shape the next generation of Trojans.