We love celebrating women on top of their game. In our new series Game On, we’re interviewing top athletes about their well-being routines—covering everything from nutrition that makes them feel strong to the moments that bring them joy.
Heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics to represent Team USA in beach volleyball is a superstar duo known as TKN. Last week, we chatted with one-half of that pair, 27-year-old Taryn Kloth—and today, we get to catch up with the other half, 26-year-old, 5-foot-6-inch athlete Kristen Nuss.
The duo heads into the Olympics with a lot of buzz: They currently rank second in the world and effortlessly clinched the first spot on Team USA with nearly three months left to spare during the qualifying timeline.
With visions of gold in the not-so-distant future, Nuss chatted with me all about how she’s preparing her body for the road ahead, how she finds mental clarity, and what accessories she must have with her on the sand.
mindbodygreen: You’re getting ready for the Paris Olympics. The brightest spotlight on the biggest stage. How do you mentally prepare for big matches?
Kristen Nuss: My approach may be different than most. I have found over the years that if I get super focused and “locked in” that I actually don’t perform well. So I try to be a little more laid back.
Taryn probably talked you through our routine of listening to the same AirPod. So, in warm-ups, I just try to keep it fun and relaxed. You can find me jamming out to whatever song is playing in my head. Chatting with our coaches.
I’m not super focused—keeping it very light. It’s just having fun. Because, honestly, that is what I find I need to perform my best.
mbg: What do you have to have with you on the sand? What are your game-day essentials?
Nuss: In beach volleyball, we don’t have a ton of equipment. We get on the court, and we’re in our bathing suits. But an absolute necessity is sunglasses. I could not play this sport without sunglasses.
We wear Zenni Optical Sport Performance Sunglasses. We like them because they have a lot of options for competition sunglasses with different lenses and styles.
For example, if there are no clouds and it’s just pure sun, some of the lenses are better for that. Or other lenses don’t block as much of the sunlight.
Oh, and then sunscreen and my hat. That’s pretty much it. That’s pretty much all the equipment and everything that I need to perform during the competition.
mbg: How do you sleep before a big match? Because a lot of people struggle with sleeping before something big—nonetheless something like the Olympics or a big global competition!
Nuss: Sleeping issues before something big is for sure a thing. I tend to focus on my breathing. I just take really deep breaths, in and out, and really just hone in on that.
Other than that, before I go to bed I like to get off my phone. I read a book before bed which helps me calm down and get off the screen.
mbg: What meals help you feel strongest and fuel your body?
Nuss: Honestly, before a big game—a good ol’ peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That is a solid pregame snack that gives you the energy and carbs that you need. Day to day, I follow a high-protein diet.
High protein. Low calorie. High quantity. That’s the goal.
mbg: How do you build up resilience?
Nuss: I feel like if you can push through hard practices, then you’ll be OK in a game situation.
mbg: What’s your favorite workout that has nothing to do with your sport?
Nuss: I love going on walks. It’s good for the mental side of things—just leaving the phone at home and going for a stroll.
mbg: I’m so interested in teammate dynamics and what makes a good teammate. What makes a good teammate?
Nuss: A good teammate is someone who instills confidence and trust in you during hard times and builds you up.
mbg: What advice do you have for young women or girls who want to play volleyball?
Nuss: Dream big—no dream is too big. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.
