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Posture Power: How To Correct Your Body’s Alignment

Posture Power: How To Correct Your Body’s Alignment

Besides your personality body alignment says a lot about how your muscles and joints are working. Learn more about assessing your postural deviations and how to fix them!

Many studies show that how you feel and look is directly linked to your posture. Even the people know how important is to have good posture, most them don�t do anything to improve it.

Many of you probably live with deformed backs and imbalanced hips, and, of course, deal with the pain that you think is normal.

How dangerous can be to live with bad posture?  It can lead to plenty of problems:

�           Chronic back, shoulder and neck pain

�           Headaches

�           Injuries to feet, knees and hips

�           Fatigue

�           Stiffness

�           Difficulty breathing

�           Muscle atrophy and weakness

�           Impingement and nerve compression

�           Digestion issues

�           Carpal tunnel syndrome

�           Sciatica

If you are suffering from any of these problems, you should understand proper posture and learn about your own postural deviations.

Correcting Your Alignment

To solve a problem, you first need to find out what causes it. Most of the postural deviations occur as the muscles that work to hold a joint in place are imbalanced.

You can correct imbalances by strengthening the underactive muscles and to stretching the overactive muscles

Standing Assessment

For you who are not sure whether your posture is good or it needs a little correction, do this standing assessment first:

�           Put on form-fitting clothes,

�           Stand shoeless, tall but comfortable, do not trying to force yourself to stay in perfect posture.

�           For an honest assessment, close your eyes and march slowly in place a few times.

�           Have a friend take a full body picture of you

Here�s what a properly postured body should look like:

�           Picture � posture

Standing Assessment Postural Deviations

I � Back, Shoulders, Hips, And Head

Here�s how you can correct these deviations:

Deviation 1: Sway Back � Hips Press Forward and Sit In Front Of the Ribs

Overactive muscles: erector spinae, gluteus maximus and medius, hamstrings and quadratus lumborum Stretches: Runner�s stretch, seated glute stretch, world�s greatest stretch, hamstring stretch, lying crossover, hamstring self-myofascial release (foam rolling)

Underactive muscles: Iliopsoas, rectus femoris (hip flexors and lower abs) and external obliques

Strengthening exercises: Cocoon, hanging leg raise, exercise ball pull-in and scissor kick

Deviation 2: Lower-Cross Syndrome 

Excessive Curve In The Low Back, Pelvis Is Tilted Forward

Overactive muscles: erector spinae (hip flexors and low back) and Iliopsoas

Stretches: quadriceps self-myofascial release, quadriceps stretch, pyramid stretch over ball, hug knees to chest and kneeling hip flexor,

Underactive muscles: gluteus maximus and abdominals

Strengthening exercises: Pelvic tilt to bridge, exercise-ball hip bridge, single-leg glute bridge, frog sit-up and leg elevated crunch,

Deviation 3: Rounded Shoulders

 Shoulders In Front Of Ears

Overactive muscles: Pectoralis minor and major (chest)

Stretches: Front deltoid stretch, chest stretch on stability ball, dynamic chest stretch, elbows-back stretch, chair upper-body stretch

Underactive muscles: Rotator cuff, serratus anterior (muscles in the back surrounding the shoulder blades and rear delts) and lower trapezius,

Strengthening exercises: Seated cable row, shoulder external rotation, back fly with band, rear- delt row

Deviation 4: Forward Head

Ears In Front Of Shoulders

Overactive muscles: Neck extensors, levator scapula (muscles behind the neck that tilt the head back) and upper trapezius,

Stretches: Neck self-myofascial release, sternocleidomastoid stretch and chin to chest,

Strengthening exercises: Isometric front-neck exercise

Underactive muscles: Neck flexors (muscles in front of the neck that tilt the head forward)

Deviation 5: Upper-Cross Syndrome

 Rounded Shoulders With An Excessive Curve

Overactive muscles: Trapezius, pectoralis major and minor, levator scapula, neck extensors (the back of your neck, upper back, traps, and chest)

Stretches: Neck self-myofascial release, front-delt stretch, chin to chest, chest stretch on stability ball, elbows-back stretch, chair upper-body stretch and dynamic chest stretch

Underactive muscles: Rotator cuff, rhomboids, lower trapezius, deep neck flexors (muscles in the back surrounding the shoulder blades, rear delts, and in front of the neck) and serratus anterior

Strengthening exercises: back fly with band, seated cable row, isometric front-neck exercise, rear-delt row and shoulder external rotation,

Deviation 6: Head Tilt

Head Tilted To One Side (Can Be Accompanied By Rotation toward That Side)

Overactive muscles: Sternocleidomastoid tilted toward the midline.

Stretches: Side neck stretch, sternocleidomastoid stretch and neck self-myofascial release,

Underactive muscles: Sternocleidomastoid tilted away from the midline.

Strengthening exercises: Perform daily activities (e.g., chewing, pulling, lifting, carrying, and using a cell phone) evenly on both sides, isometric side-neck exercise

Deviation 7: Uneven Shoulders

One Shoulder Sits Higher Than The Other

Overactive muscle: Trapezius (muscle running from the back of the neck into the shoulder girdle) on the elevated side

Stretches: Side neck stretch, neck self-myofascial release

Underactive muscles: Serratus anterior

Strengthening exercises:  single-arm high-pulley row, perform daily activities on both sides

Deviation 8: Uneven Hips

One Hip Sits Higher Can Give The Perception Of Leg Length Discrepancy

Overactive muscles: hip abductors, internal and external obliques, erector spinae and quadratus lumborum on the raised side

Stretches: Runner�s stretch, world�s greatest stretch, IT-band stretch, IT-band self-myofascial release, seated glute stretch, lying cross-over, piriformis self-myofascial release, dancer�s stretch

Underactive muscles: Varies based on individual

Strengthening exercises: Avoid high-repetition andhigh-impact exercises until the pelvis is aligned.

II � Feet and Ankles

Like your other parts, your feet and ankles have a proper alignment.

Here are some common postural deviations for the feet and ankles:

Deviation 9: Feet Turned In

Toes Are Turned In Toward The Midline Of The Body

Overactive muscles: Tensor fasciae

Stretches: IT-band self-myofascial release and IT-band stretch,

Underactive muscles: Gluteus minimus and medius

Strengthening exercises: Bridge with band tension around thighs, squat with band tension around thighs and lateral tube walk,

Deviation 10: One Or Both Feet Turned Out � Toes Are Turned Out Away From The Midline Of The Body

Overactive muscles: deep external rotators and piriformis

Stretches: Seated glute stretch, piriformis self-myofascial release, lying cross-over, IT-band self-myofascial release, IT-band stretch and dancer�s stretch

Underactive muscles: obliques and hip flexors

Strengthening exercises: Cocoon, hanging leg raise and exercise ball pull-in,

Your Turn!

If you notice any of these imbalances, utilize the stretches and strengthening exercises.

Some examples

�           If you have the upper-cross syndrome, do the strengthening exercises (rows and shoulder rotations on your back) 3 sets of 8-12 reps.

�           Static stretching should be done at the end of your workout, holding each stretch for 15-30 seconds, and repeat a total of 3-5 sets.

Keep at it and soon you�ll notice some excellent results: You�ll look better, feel better and lift heavier!

Source, Model, Original Article : www.bodybuilding.com

Check this awesome site : www.bodybuilding.com

Pablo Mena & Son | Patient | PUSH-as-Rx �

Pablo Mena & Son | Patient | PUSH-as-Rx �

Pablo Mena and his son came to Push-as-Rx �� with a great purpose, to gain strength and physical condition. After receiving care for a back injury, Pablo Mena was recommended to begin exercising at Push as Rx. That’s when Mena’s son joined in his workouts to continue supporting him and together with the help and patience of the trainers at Push, they were encouraged to finish their workouts.

 

 

PUSH-as-Rx �� is leading the field with laser focus supporting our youth sport programs.� The PUSH-as-Rx �� System is a sport specific athletic program designed by a strength-agility coach and physiology doctor with a combined 40 years of experience working with extreme athletes. At its core, the program is the multidisciplinary study of reactive agility, body mechanics and extreme motion dynamics. Through detailed and continued assessments of the athletes in motion and under stress loads offer a clear scientific picture of body dynamics. This system also has helped many athletes come back from injury faster, stronger, and ready to safely return to their sport without losing a beat after recovery. Results demonstrate clear improved agility, speed, decreased reaction time and advantageous postural-torque mechanics.� PUSH-as-Rx �� offers specialized extreme performance enhancements to our athletes no matter the age.

Please Recommend Us: If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to recommend us. Thank You.

Recommend: PUSH-as-Rx ��915-203-8122
Facebook: www.facebook.com/crossfitelpa
PUSH-as-Rx: www.push4fitness.com/team/

Information:�Dr. Alex Jimenez � Chiropractor: 915-850-0900
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjim
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/dralexjimenez/

4 Exercises That Will Make You a Better Runner

4 Exercises That Will Make You a Better Runner

The exercises you do before your workout may matter just as much as the main event. That’s why we tapped David Reavy, founder of React Physical Therapy in Chicago, to show us the best exercises to become a better runner. According to Reavy, getting the body warmed up pre-run is key, since “your muscles aren’t elastic.” By easing into exercise, you reduce your likelihood of injury and prime your body for the activity head. The four exercises in the video above will prep your muscles so you have a better (and safer!) run.

Watch the clip above to see Reavy demo the key exercises every runner should be doing regularly, or read up on the important moves below. 

Hip flexor release: Start with your stomach on the mat, using your elbows and forearms to prop the upper body up so your chest is lifted off the floor. Bend your right leg at a 90-degree angle at your side and extend your left leg long on the floor behind you. Bend the left leg at the knee, bringing the foot toward the glutes 30 times. Switch the positioning of the legs and repeat the movement 30 times on the opposite side.

RELATED: 10 Ways to be a Better Runner for Life

Lateral quad release: Start with your stomach on the mat and use your elbows and forearms to prop the upper body up, so your chest is lifted off the floor. Place a foam roller underneath the left quad with the right leg bent at a 90-degree angle to the right side of your body on the floor. Bend the left leg at the knee, driving the foot from the floor toward the glutes 30 times. Switch the positioning of the legs and foam roller and repeat the movement 30 times on the opposite side.

Four-way lunges: Start in a lunge position with your left leg in front. First, continuously move your hands from chest-height toward the mat, moving your torso back and forth slightly with the movement. Return to a regular lunge. Next, continuously twist your torso from left to right. Return to a regular lunge. After that, raise your hands up, bending the elbows at 90-degree angles on each side. Continuously lower each elbow toward your waistline one at a time to stretch your side body on the left and right. Return to a regular lunge. Do 10 to 15 reps of a standard lunge. Repeat all four exercises in a lunge on the other side, with the right leg in front. 

Inner thigh squat: From standing, complete 10 to 15 deep squats with the toes turned slightly out to target the inner thighs. 

I Did Karlie Kloss’s Workout for One Week & Here’s What Happened

I Did Karlie Kloss’s Workout for One Week & Here’s What Happened

This article originally appeared on InStyle.com.�

When celebrity trainer Anna Kaiser calls and invites you to do a 5-day intensive workshop with her that mimics the exact workout she does on her famous clients, you don�t say no. At least�I�don�t say no. Because Kaiser, founder of�AKT In Motion, is one of the most motivating, positive, brilliant minds in the fitness industry. And she kicks major ass. This worked out perfectly since I was in the mood for a major ass-kicking.

So I said a resounding YES and shortly after found myself waiting patiently inside her Nomad studio one Monday morning a few weeks ago for day�numero uno�of the aforementioned workshop. On the agenda: 5 days of intensive classes, all led by Kaiser, that would give me a taste of the full scope of the concept behind her workout. (Her method, by the way, is an exercise routine rooted in functional movement combining circuit training with HIIT, strength, toning, dance cardio, Pilates, and yoga.) Oh, and PS,�Kelly Ripa,�Karlie Kloss,�Shakira, and other beautiful bods in Hollywood all call her on the reg to whip them into shape.

Day 1:�Happy Hour, her signature dance cardio class (below). We start with a warm up before we start rocking out to a beast of a playlist that gets us through an hour + of sweat drenching cardio. Anna (who by the way just had a baby), is working harder than any other person in the room, as revealed by all of our heart rate monitors that are displayed on a screen at the front of the studio. Her energy is palpable, and I leave the class feeling incredibly inspired and excited for the week of classes ahead of me.

Day 2:�I leap out of bed in the morning without hesitation (this is rare. Unheard of, actually) and make my way to the studio for Sweat Dream, a cardio-strength combo class using resistance bands hung from the ceiling. This class is no joke. By the end of the hour I can barely move my arms. But just like yesterday, Anna�s energy gets me through it, no problemo.

Day 3:�I wake up this morning extremely sore, as anticipated. But I feel great. Today�s class is called Tone, which consists of 45 minutes of total body toning followed by 15 minutes of foam rolling and deep stretching. This is actually the perfect day for this class because I am in desperate need of stretching. I am 10 minutes late which puts me in a state of panic the whole subway ride uptown, but I finally make it. Bonus: My heart rate is already through the roof and I�m sweating, and I haven�t even started the workout. The first 45 minutes are a challenge (think Pilates and barre-inspired strength moves) but it�s the cool down that really throws me over the edge. Yes, the cool down. We work our fatigued muscles out on the torture device known as the foam roller and suddenly I�ve never been so desperate to get back to toning. It hurts. BAD. The best kind of pain that is so brutal yet you know is doing your body so much good. By the time 15 minutes has ended I feel like I just had a 90-minute massage. I leave class and head immediately to Paragon Sports to pick up a foam roller for my apartment. I�ve used it every day, ever since. It�s changed my life.

RELATED:�See Britney Spears Working Hard on Her Fitness (Again!) Even if She’d Rather Be Doing�This

Day 4:�Due to the aforementioned foam rolling, I feel pretty good. I am sore from head to toe but oddly also feel refreshed and renewed. I head to day 4 of class, known as 4Play. (4 exercises x 4 circuits, done through a combination of HIIT intervals and functional strength training, using weights, bands, balls, and anything else you can think of). This. Is. Hard. SO hard. I think about quitting, but then I look over at bright-eyed bushy-tailed Anna, and I instantly erase that thought from memory. As a plow through a series of weighted squats, I ponder how it is that she is pouring sweat and exerting more energy than all of us, yet doesn�t look tired in the least bit. Then I think about how she has a newborn at home and begin to wonder how many hours of sleep she got last night (Two? Three, maybe?) I decide to squat lower and suck it up because I literally have zero excuses not to.

Day 5:�The last day of the workshop! One would think I would be thrilled to be done with this journey of torture, but in actuality, I woke up this morning feeling sad. For the entire week, I committed to something that was doing my body, mind, and soul an incredible amount of good. I started each morning with one of the most positive, upbeat, inspiring woman I know. I tested my body to its limit. And I feel incredible. I go to class (a combination mixer of all of AKT�s offerings) and give it my all. I collapse into a sweaty fetal position on my mat at the end.

What did I do after? Go directly to the spa? Throw my gym shoes in the trash on the way out the door? No. I immediately went to the front desk and signed up for a double class for the next morning. Crazy? Yes. True story? Double yes.

I�ve been addicted ever since. And my body has never felt better. Karlie, I understand your obsession.

For more information about AKT In Motion,�aktinmotion.com.

Amy Schumer’s Trainer Shares Her Full-Body Workout & It’s No Joke

Amy Schumer’s Trainer Shares Her Full-Body Workout & It’s No Joke

We may know Amy Schumer as the funny girl who can crack a joke on command, but there is one thing that the star of the new movie Snatched takes seriously: her workouts.

The proof in this video, which shows�Schumer�sweating it out under the watchful eye of her trainer Harley Pasternak. Pasternak�recently posted this clip of the comedienne�performing a two-minute cardio burst on a Helix. (More on that later.)

RELATED: 24 Fat-Burning Ab Exercises (No Crunches!)

�First of all, Amy’s naturally an athlete,� notes Pasternak who says Schumer has an effortless humor that lights up the room� and makes everyone around her smile. �She played sports at a high-level through high school and college, and was an aerobics instructor. So she’s very coordinated, and easy to push in the gym.�

So how exactly does Pasternak help keep Schumer looking her best? The simple seven, he says�that is, a circuit of seven strength moves that target the entire body. �The exercises sometimes vary, but I usually pick one exercise for each of the seven major body parts,� explains Pasternak who offered up the skater lunge, dumbbell stiff-leg deadlift, dumbbell curl press, single arm dumbbell row, lying dumbbell triceps extension with hip thrust, spider plank and Superman. �Sometimes I have her just pick one of these exercises and do anywhere from three to five sets with 15 to 30 reps. Other times I’ll have her do all seven exercises, doing one to three sets of 15 to 20 reps.�

RELATED: 18 Exercises to Tone Your Legs and Butt

Pasternak also has Schumer hit the Helix, a gym machine that works the body on a lateral plane. �Most of what we do is forward and back, so to find something that works us more side to side I think is really helpful for those under-worked muscles like the abductors and obliques, while still hitting the glutes and quads,� he says. �I mainly use the Helix as a cardio burst when doing a circuit, but it can easily be used for more prolonged bouts of cardio.� Don�t have access to a Helix? No worries. Pasternak, says you can put two towels underneath your feet and slide side to side on a hardwood floor to mimic the movement of the machine.

For overall wellness, though, Pasternak reminds us that walking is essential. �This is by far the most important thing that I can ever tell someone to do,� he says. �Get a Fitbit, set a daily step goal of at least 10,000, and keep moving.�

Now that you�re armed with Pasternak’s A-list tips, give Schumer�s simple seven a try:

1. Skater Lunge

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Hinge forward at waist as you raise left foot. Push off right foot and explode toward the left, landing on left foot with knees slightly bent; touch right toes to the ground behind left foot. Push off left foot and explode back toward the right, landing on right foot with left toes touching behind it. Continue, alternating back and forth. (Click here to see a photo.)

2. Dumbbell Stiff Leg Deadlift

Stand with feet hip-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand, palms face thighs. Brace core, and keeping weight in heels, hinge at hips and lower torso as you slide dumbbells down the front of thighs. Weights should only go down as far as hamstrings will allow without your back rounding. Slowly rise to standing, and then repeat.

3. Dumbbell Curl Press

Stand holding a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing out, with� hands shoulder-width apart and arms hanging in front of you. Curl the weight toward shoulders and then press weights up directly over shoulders until arms are straight. Lower back to start and then repeat.

4. Single Arm Dumbbell Row

Start from a lunge position with left leg forward and�left elbow resting on�knee. (Or, place left knee and left palm on a bench.) Grab a dumbbell with your right hand. Row the dumbbell up along your ribs, squeezing the right shoulder blade. Lower back to start and then repeat. When you switch sides, switch legs so that the right is forward.

5. Lying Dumbbell Triceps Extension With Hip Thrust

Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat and a dumbbell in each hand. Extend arms straight up; palms face each other. Hinge arms at elbows, and lower dumbbells back toward ears. Contract triceps and extend arms back up as you simultaneously engage glutes and push hips up as high as possible. As you lower hips, lower dumbbells back towards ears again; repeat.

6. Superman

Lie facedown with arms and legs fully extended and shoulder-width apart. Simultaneously lift legs and arms at least 6 inches off the floor; hold for 5 seconds, lower and then repeat.

7. Spider Plank

Get into the �up� part of a pushup. Lift right foot, bending right knee and brining it toward the outside of right elbow. Return to start, switch legs and repeat on the left side. (Click here to see a photo.)

UTEP Women�s Basketball Signs Three Student-Athletes For 2017-18

UTEP Women�s Basketball Signs Three Student-Athletes For 2017-18

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Jordan Alexander (Trinity Valley Community College), Leandra Echi (Vermont Academy/Beacon High School) and Neidy Ocuane (Seward County Community College) have each signed national letters of intent to attend UTEP and compete with the Miners starting in 2017-18, head women’s basketball coach Kevin Baker revealed Tuesday.

Alexander and Ocuane will have two years of eligibility while Echi has four.

A bio on each of them, along with a quote from Baker, follows below.

Jordan Alexander Forward 5-11

Trinity Valley Community College | Skyline High School Dallas, Texas

“Jordan will be a strong presence on both ends of the floor for us this season. She can play the stretch 4 position which means she can step out and make the three point shot. She also has the ability to score inside and post with effectiveness. Jordan’s biggest strength is her ability to rebound the ball on offense or the defensive end of the floor. Also, Jordan can defend a smaller guard and out work a larger post player in the paint. Jordan will be able to help our team immediately.” UTEP head coach Kevin Baker

Will have two years of eligibility with the Miners after playing one season each with Trinity Valley Community College (2016-17) and Louisiana (2015-16) … last year helped TVCC qualify for its 10th straight trip to the national tournament and finish with an overall record of 30-6 … put up 6.5 points/game while also grabbing 2.5 rebounds/game … played in 35 contests, including 12 starts … reached double figures in scoring in eight games, including tallying 18 points in a home triumph against Panola College (1/11/17) … was 6-6 from the floor and 4-4 at the free-throw line in the contest … as a freshman with ULL appeared in 27 games, including eight starts, for a team that finished 25-10 … earned 10.1 minutes/game, pitching in 2.4 points/game and 1.7 rebounds/game … nailed 43.0 percent (23-53) of her shots from the floor and 87.0 percent (14-16) from the charity stripe … four-year letter winner at Dallas Skyline High School (2011-15) under head coach Cassandra McCurdy … the team won the district championship all four years of her career … as a senior the squad earned runner-up honors in the state … daughter of Patricia and Bobby Alexander … has three siblings … her sister (Ratysha) and cousin (Khamra Echols) both played basketball at Sam Houston State.

**

Leandra Echi Guard 5-8

Vermont Academy | Beacon High School Beacon, N.Y.

“Leandra is a guard who can do it all. She has the ability to play the point guard position as well as shooting guard. She is extremely athletic and has a unique ability to make plays and scoring opportunities for others. She plays extremely hard at all times and has a motor that never stops running. She will help our team on the defensive end as well because she plays with so much energy. UTEP head coach Kevin Baker

Led the Vermont Academy Varsity Girls’ Basketball team to its first New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class D Championship … named the NEPSAC tournament’s MVP … posted a huge double-double (19 points, 21 rebounds) in the championship game victory against Southfield (3/6/17) … aided team to 17-6 regular-season record to earn the top seed in the tournament … joined the academy for a postgrad year while also reclassifying into the class of 2017 …also helped the Vermont Academy soccer team claim a league title, scoring the lone goal in the NEPSAC Championship victory against Hebron Academy (11/21/16) …  prior to her time at Vermont Academy had been a standout guard at Beacon High School … accounted for 20+ points/game, 10 rebounds/game and five assists/game as a senior with Beacon HS … poured in 28 points while securing 18 rebounds in a 60-49 road win at Fox Lane (12/18/15) … effort allowed her to reach 1,000 points for her high school career … sustained a torn ACL during her junior season, which made her numbers the ensuing year even more impressive … paced the team in points (16) and rebounds (five) in a 52-49 road win at Our Lady of Lourdes (1/12/14), which was believed to be Beacon’s first win in the series in at least 30 years … member of National Honor Society.

***

Neidy Ocuane Guard 5-5

Seward County Community College | CFP Dom Bosco Maputo, Mozambique

“Neidy is a solid point guard who plays the position the right way. She looks to run the offense smoothly and makes very few mistakes that result in turnovers. She can score the ball a variety of ways. She can really shoot the ball from the perimeter, drive to the paint to draw a foul, and has tremendous vision in the open floor. Neidy is the complete package at her position and will help our team the minute she steps on to the floor.”- UTEP head coach Kevin Baker

Will have two years of eligibility at UTEP after earning a pair of letters at Seward County Community College … squad went a combined 57-10 in those two season and in 2017 won the program’s first conference title in eight years … burst into the starting line-up as a sophomore (2016-17) … started 34 contests, pacing the team in assists/game (4.7) and steals/game (2.4) while ranking fourth in scoring (11.2) … her 82 total steals ranked 37th nationally, an even more impressive feat considering she was called for a total of 35 fouls on the year … nailed 39.0 percent (130-333) from the floor, including 34.3 percent (60-175) from distance … also connected on 76.9 percent (60-78) at the charity stripe … hit double figures in scoring in 22 games, including a career-high 24 points in an 83-78 win at Cloud County Community College (1/25/17) … credited with at least five assists in 18 contests, including a career-best 11 against Cowley College (2/4/17) … named the Jayhawk Conference Player of the Week (1/6/17) after averaging 15.5 points, 6.5 assists and 4.5 steals in a pair of wins … appeared in all 33 games as a freshman (2015-16), earning 13.9 minutes/contest off the bench … chipped in 3.9 points per game and 1.5 assists per game … tallied a season-best 14 points in only 16 minutes in a romp against Pratt Community College (12/12/15) … drilled 4-6 from distance in the game … dished out seven assists vs. North Central Missouri College (10/31/15) … hails from Maputo, Mozambique … put up 10.1 points/game, 5.4 rebounds/game and 3.3 assists/game for Mozambique at the 2014 Afrobasket U18 Women’s Championships … accounted for 14.7 points/game, 3.5 rebounds/game an 2.0 assists per game with Mozambique in the2013 FIBA Africa U16 Championship for Women … played for Clube de Desportes do Costa do Sol under the direction of coach Calos Dezanove … selected as the team MVP after averaging 16 points and three assists … effort helped team post its fourth consecutive top-five finish … has two siblings.

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UTEP Softball’s Ryder, Sargent & Smith Named to All-C-USA Team

UTEP Softball’s Ryder, Sargent & Smith Named to All-C-USA Team

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IRVING, Texas � �For the first time since 2008 and second time in program history, a trio of UTEP softball players were named to the All-Conference USA team.

Utility player Kaitlin Ryder, and infielders Taylor Sargent and Cortney Smith were announced to the second team as voted by the league�s 12 head coaches on Tuesday.

Ryder, Sargent and Smith each established career highs in respective categories during the 2017 campaign. Ryder set her career best with a .354 batting average, which ranked second on the team, while Smith led the Miners with career highs in batting average (.364), home runs (eight), slugging (.636) and on-base percentage (.438). Sargent led the squad with a career-high three triples, ranked fourth on the team with a career-best .326 average and recorded a career-high 19 RBI.

Ryder came up with big moments during the season as the junior racked up a career-high five RBI during UTEP�s 12-2 (5) triumph against Southern Miss. She also connected on a career-high two home runs at Incarnate Word to lead the Miners in an 11-3 (5) victory. The Chatsworth, Calif., native ranked second on the team in long balls (five) and RBI (28). She added 22 runs, seven doubles and a triple. Ryder played 31 contests in the outfield and 16 games behind the plate.

Sargent, who was hitting .250 after March 26, picked up the pace and finished with that career-high .326 average. The Albuquerque, N.M., native lit up the stat sheet the last 17 games of the season by hitting .429 (24-56) with 12 RBI, seven doubles, three triples, two stolen bags and eight runs. The junior set a career high with three RBI at UTSA (April 2) and crossed the dish a career-most three times during a 10-2 (6) win against WKU.

During UTEP�s epic 10-inning victory at UTSA, Sargent finished the 3-for-6 with a double and a RBI, along with 11 putouts at first base.

Smith returned her sophomore season, providing power to the lineup with her team-leading eight dingers. The Moreno Valley, Calif., native also established career marks in runs (26), hits (47), doubles (nine), triples (one) and RBI (22). Smith led the Miners past powerful Utah State, 8-5, when she connected on a career-best two home runs, a pair of solo shots. Smith recorded a career high three hits two times during the season, the first came on a 3-for-4 outing, while also tying her career most with three RBI at UC Riverside, and the second came on a 3-for-3 effort with a career-best three runs during a 12-2 (5) victory against Southern Miss.

Sargent and Smith were the backbone behind UTEP�s 30 double plays turned in 2017. Sargent led the team with 15 double play, while Smith ranked tied second with 12. Ryder contributed to one of the double plays behind the plate. The Miners� 30 double plays led C-USA and ranks tied third nationally. UTEP�s .63 double plays turned per game ranks second in the nation.

For Sargent and Smith, it�s their first accolade as Ryder was named to the All-C-USA Preseason team on Jan. 18. Ryder was also named the team�s MVP at Dinner with the Miners on April 27. The 2008 squad saw two first teamers in Camilla Carrera and Stacie Townsend, and second team pick Amber Bennett.

In 2015, a trio of Miners earned postseason awards as Kawehiokalani Netane was named first team, Ashley Eldridge was recognized to the second team and Courtney Clayton was named to the C-USA All-Freshman team.

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