Chris Jones-USA Today Sports
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Wings Forward Alanna Smith Opens Up on Diet, Fatigue, and Physicality
Originally posted on
Lindy’s Sports
|
By Landon Buford
|
Last updated Aug 9, 2026 12:07 PM ET
Add us as a preferred source on Google
In a recent post-morning shootaround interview with Lindy’s Sports, Dallas Wings forward and current Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Alanna Smith, shared how Dallas’ sports performance chef, Chef Hoppie, helps to prepare her for games
“Diet is a massive part of an athlete’s life, so having someone dedicated to that side of things is really valuable,” said Smith
“It takes a lot of the mental work off our plate, and it tastes great too. It’s a win-win for everybody”
Smith is averaging 5.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per gamecom
Chef Hoppie talked about cooking for players like Smith and others on the team who come from different countries, noting how important it is to win the approval of their palates
“Cooking for players like Lan, who are from another country and culture, is always fun and important to me,” said Hoppie
“It’s like getting approval from a different perspective. Food doesn’t always translate, but when it does, it’s a beautiful thing.”
Hoppie was hired in February of this year as the franchise’s and WNBA’s first-ever Sports Performance Chef. He would make the news public on Instagram in April of this year. Before being hired by the Dallas Wings, he did work with the franchise’s All-time scoring leader, Arike Ogunbowale
Ogunbowale is averaging 14.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 29.4 minutes per game
Smith Talks About General Fatigue This Season
During that same media availability, Smith talked about fatigue this season and learning how to play through it as a relatively young team
Dallas Wings forward and reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna SmithCaleb Bowlin / Getty Images
“I think general fatigue — again, it’s a combination of both, and that comes with experience,” said Smith
“We’ve got a young team, so learning to play through that and digging deep to get a little bit more from what you’ve got in the tank, because you’re going to have to
This is kind of practice for playoff basketball, because you’re going to be fatigued in the playoffs, and you’re going to have to play through it. So I think it’s really good practice for us, to be honest.”
The Dallas Wings are currently in the seven seed with a 19-13 record after falling to the Golden State Valkries on Friday night at the American Airlines Center
Alanna Smith Dives Into Physicality Being A Part of The Game of Basketball
Smith was asked about Wings’ head coach Jose Hernández’s comments being an issue this season for the team
“Physicality is a big part of the game. I think it’s changed a little bit this year, just with the emphasis referees are putting on fouls, making sure it wasn’t as physical as it was last year. I think everyone has noticed that, but we’re still able to be physical where we can,” Smith said
She also touched on whether it has more to do with the Dallas Wings’ skill set or more of a mental factor being an issue this season
“Again, I think it’s a combo. This Golden State team has a high IQ — they play the numbers, they’re top in defense for a reason. So it’s about being able to try and be smart about it as well, but also trying to get physicality into the game where we can without fouling.”
The Dallas Wings are scheduled to play the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at 3:30 PM EST
This article first appeared on Lindy’s Sports and was syndicated with permission
- WNBA takes quick action after Caitlin Clark receives eighth tech
- Fever’s Caitlin Clark speaks out after getting eighth technical foul as she faces possible suspension
- The ‘2026 CFB preseason Coach’s Poll’ quiz
Breaking News
NFL –
Commanders receive brutal Laremy Tunsil injury news
NBA –
Likely punishment for Kawhi Leonard, Clippers revealed
WNBA –
WNBA takes quick action after Caitlin Clark gets eighth tech
NASCAR –
Carson Kvapil scores second straight NASCAR O’Reilly Series win
WNBA –
Caitlin Clark speaks out after getting eighth technical foul
NFL –
Adam Vinatieri roasts Bill Belichick, others during HOF speech
NFL –
Mike Tomlin reveals whether he wants to coach again
NFL –
Raiders’ Cousins admits harsh reality about Mendoza situation
Trending News
NCAAF
Three most overrated college football teams in preseason coaches’ poll
1
NFL
Three NFL owners who can’t stop getting in their own team’s way
2
NFL
‘Dream come true’ for Haynes King could become nightmare for Panthers’ Kenny Pickett
3
NCAAF
Why Dante Moore is the best quarterback in the country
4
MLB
Juan Soto is keeping his end of the bargain while the Mets fall apart
5
NFL
Three NFL starting quarterbacks who belong on the bench
6
NCAAF
Five toughest schedules in 2026 college football
7
MLB
Mike Trout’s response to Angels fire sale raises serious questions about his mentality
8
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
