Newsletter March 2026
Dear friends,
Glorious spring time is fast upon us, so what better time to ask you for a small favor than when the magnolias are blooming in Golden Gate Park. Here’s a one-minute pitch reel created by the talented Hélène Goupil, where I introduce my book Little Teazen: The Search for the Missing Ingredient and the entire 18 book series (yes, one book for every city that hosts a WNBA team!). Since It Takes a Villageand we all know that connections matter more than anything, I’m asking the tiniest of favors: please take a moment to watch it, and if someone comes to mind who might be connected with the publishing world (even in the slightest way), share it with them. Should this work, you will be rewarded 1,000 fold :)
Ultimately, I feel this is the kind of connection that could lead to the book deal of my dreams. Like many writers, I’m balancing this creative work alongside a full-time job, so I’m putting it out into the world and trusting that the right person might see it through a friend, colleague, or kind introduction. Human connections make my heart sing, and ultimately, are my greatest joy burst.
Above is a picture of Raina and I at Rikki’s Women’s Sports Bar in SF leading a letter writing campaign to amplify the WNBA players’ voices and show our support for these incredible athletes as they fought for pay equity. I am so pleased to report that the players have clinched a historic win!
Included is also a little light reading below—some recent pieces I wrote that were published over the past month or so.
On the picket line, I rediscovered the San Francisco that I love Op-Ed for BAS- 2/17/26
I’m an S.F. public school teacher. Here’s why a strike may be needed Op-Ed for SF Chronicle- 1/29/26
Columbia Felt “Unforgettable” for This WNBA Podcast Host Interview by Columbia University (my alma mater)- 3/6/26
Wishing you a fabulous spring!
Take care,
Vanessa
P.S. Join me on my 47th birthday at Rikki’s for a “Valkyries, Say Less” watch party for the Valkyries’ season opener on Friday, May 8! We’re also hosting a cleanup with Refuse Refuse before the first home game on Sunday, May 10. Hope to see you there!
P.P.S. A couple of months ago, inspired by the solidarity in Minnesota during the recent ICE turmoil and wondering how I could support my community, I started hosting Instagram Lives on my @BigBellyBreathing account at 8am, Monday–Friday, called “Breathe With Me.” It’s a simple 5–10 minute moment to connect, breathe, and be in community before launching into our busy days. Thank you to those who join, it’s truly heartwarming to connect more.
That’s it for now!
Thank you for your enthusiasm, in whatever form it has taken.
Here to boost joie and
spread the word about meditation & the WNBA :)
Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely 🏀💜✌️
Hostess of Big Belly Breathing and Valkyries, Say Less
