Sports serve as the ultimate proof of efficacy for beauty products. If a serum or gel can endure the rigors of an entire game for female athletes, it merits recognition in the hall of fame. During large-scale games such as the McDonald’s All American Games (McDAAG), it’s crucial for players that everything remains laid, especially under the scrutiny of national television.

Since its establishment in 1978, the McDAAG has celebrated the top high school athletes just before they embark on their collegiate journeys and onward. McDAAG has honored legendary athletes like Micheal Jordan, Skylar Diggins, Angel Reese, and many more. This honor illuminates the paths of these athletes early in their careers, placing them on some of the biggest courts they have ever encountered.

Spanning across the nation, 24 high school seniors were chosen for both the men’s and women’s teams to gather in Houston, Texas, to compete against the elite of their peers. To get a closer look GU caught up with three of the women from the West team, Texas Commit Justice Carlton, USC bound Kennedy Smith, and Duke’s next power forward Arianna Roberson in the final hours before the big game. Sharing a glimpse into their routines during the  jam-packed weekend and their coveted beauty moments being women in sports.

GU: What makes the Mcdonald’s All American Games different from a normal game day?  

Smith: Getting to know all these girls this past weekend has been really fun and finally getting to play with them instead of against them is something I am excited for. Then in front of everybody too.

GU: What is it like wearing your natural hair during game day and how do you maintain your hairstyles throughout an entire game? 

Carlton: Oh my God it is miserable sometimes. Especially whenever I play on TV because my edges will come up and I have to take pictures after the game and stuff like that, so a lot of gel, a lot, a lot of gel.  

Roberson: When we play frizz comes and fly aways flies out. We do what we can during half time using our hands and a little water. 

GU: Walk me through your getting ready process on a game day

Roberson: Usually before a game I eat, take a nap, shower, do my hair then do my makeup or whatever I choose to do that day. Then I listen to music from some of my favorites like Drake, Brent Faiyaz, or SZA. 

GU: What is one of your go-to products on game day? 

Smith: I like to use the Eco Booster. That is the best for my edges since I like to look pretty and play pretty too. 

GU: What has been the most rewarding part of the McDAAG weekend? 

Roberson: It was a great atmosphere. Playing with the best and playing against the best was really fun from the high intensity to the high energy. 

Photo Credits: Jasmine Kim