Amira: A Warrior’s Heart

Amira is why we all wish we were California girls (photo via: Warriors)

“I Wish They All Could Be California Girls.” You heard it first from Brian, Davis, Mike, Bruce and Al who sang that same phrase over radio waves for decades. The Beach Boys sang it back in the ’60s (long before Amira was born), but one can’t help wonder if a beautiful brunette just like her was inspiration for such a catchy and flattering song. Because once you meet Amira and get a feel for her positive attitude and good vibes, we’re all going to wish we were California girls!

She’s beautiful, she’s grounded, she’s enthusiastic and she likes to pretend she’s a drummer while stuck in traffic in her beautiful city.

Amira has been a member of the Warriors Dance Team for four seasons and the 2014-2015 season marked her first as the captain. Those are big dancing shoes to fill, but she does it perfectly. Just ask any Golden State fan or her teammates.

Man Cave Daily: Where are you from?

Amira Danville, California

MCD: Occupation or School? Give me details about your day-to-day life:

A: Being a marketing professional, Warriors Dance Team member and outdoor lover means my day-to-day life varies constantly!

I am the Northern California Field Marketing Manager for ZICO Coconut Water. My average day consists of conference calls, meetings (which is usually working out with our gym partners/studios) and managing a team of eight part-time ZICO staff. We support various events throughout the Bay Area so I spend a large amount of time in the car traveling around the Bay in my ZICO truck!

I studied Nutrition and Healthy Living in school so making sure I eat well and exercise during the day is an essential part of my daily routine. I love to walk or hike with my dog Shya and explore new places.

MCD: Years on team?

A: This is my fourth season with the Warriors Dance Team, my first as team captain. Previously, I danced for the Phoenix Suns for one year during the 2010-11 season.

MCD: Tell me about your dance background?

A: I have been dancing since I was three years old. I started out as a studio dancer, taking multiple dance classes during the week and also competing. I was also part of my high school dance program and Pom Squad. Afterwards, I attended Arizona State and danced on their Spirit Squad.

MCD: Hardest part about being an NBA Dancer?

A: Time management is critical to be a successful NBA dancer. There is a lot more work that goes into being an NBA dancer than just showing up and dancing. We practice three times a week, have multiple games depending on the week, and also participate in community events and promotional appearances throughout the month that keep us busy. On top of that, many of us either work or go to school full time. Then to have a social life or spend time with loved ones, your days run away from you very quickly if you don’t stay on top of your schedule.

MCD: Have you ever gone onto the court and forgotten your routine?

A: No! Thank goodness. There are definitely times when you run out and you have a constant conversation in your head about what’s going on, and sometimes it’s not perfect but your body knows what it is doing and you just have to trust that all your hard work and practice has paid off.

MCD: Favorite NBA player?

A: We have such an amazing roster this season that it’s hard to pick one Warriors player. Our team plays as a unit and it shows on the court so I would have to say the entire Warriors basketball team.

MCD: Best part about basketball?

A: Our game is played at a fast pace — I tend to move quickly and get distracted/bored easily, but NBA basketball moves so quickly, you are constantly engaged in the game. Especially watching this Warriors, if you look away for a second you’re going to miss an amazing three-point shot!

MCD: What’s the coolest part of Oracle Arena?

A: Also known as Roaracle–can get pretty crazy, and that’s during the regular season. Playoff games at our arena take the atmosphere and intensity to a whole other level. What I love about Warriors fans is that they are loyal and have supported our team through the tough times and now the really amazing times. I think we have the best fans in the NBA because no other arena has as much energy every night as ours.

MCD: If you had a Real Housewives intro, what would yours be?

All smiles for Amira (Photo via Warriors)

A: I’m not really the Housewife type.

MCD: I think every man everywhere just fell a little more in love with you for that answer. Ok, next question — Miley or Taylor?

A: Taylor Swift all the way. I love country music!

MCD: Biggest misconception about NBA dancers?

A: That we don’t do anything but dance. It is very much our love and passion to dance, but all of us keep ourselves busy with work or school, and are very involved with team activities off the court.

MCD: Favorite music to dance to?

A: I can dance to just about anything with a good beat!

MCD: What song instantly puts you in a good mood?

A: “Ants Marching” by Dave Matthews Band — I like to pretend I am an amazing drummer in the car!

MCD: Dream vacation?

A: Any beach I’ve never been to before, I love traveling and seeing new places and exploring. I don’t get to travel often, but when I do I love it!

MCD: Most embarrassing thing we’d find in your Google history?

A: My computer actually just broke so I am using only my work computer, so you’ll only find links to ZICO Coconut Water and all the fun events in the Bay Area!

MCD: Look in your purse/bag right now – what’s the most random thing in there?

A: There is A LOT in there! I would say my emergency kit — it has everything you could ever need in one safe place (lip gloss, makeup wipes, protein powder and finger nail clippers).

MCD: Fan of selfies?

A: I am not a fan of selfies at all. It’s actually funny when I try to take group selfies with my teammates, even though I’m tall (5’8) and have long arms, no one wants me taking the selfie — we all get cut off!

MCD: Favorite thing about your city?

A: San Francisco is just beautiful; you get to enjoy the beach as well as the unique streets of the city. Doesn’t get much better than that! Then you can drive 45 minutes to an hour and you’re in the suburbs or at a hiking trail or in the beautiful Napa Valley.

MCD: When I say the letter “W” what’s the first word that comes to mind?

A: WARRIORS.

MCD: What app do you use most often on your phone?

A: Instagram (@amiram17)

MCD: If you could go to dinner with any celebrity/athlete in the world, who would it be?

A: The Tone it Up Girls — I love everything they do and how inspirational they are to live a healthy lifestyle.

MCD: Homebody or an adventurer?

A: Homebody — after running around all day, every day, I love coming home to relax, read blogs and hang out with my dog Shya.

MCD: Tell me something about you people would find completely out of character?

A: I cook 90% of my meals every week. Knowing what goes into my food is so important to me, so I’d rather take the time to cook everything rather than eating at a restaurant.

Follow Amira on Twitter and Instagram @amiram17. And see plenty more pictures of her in her bonus gallery!

To see the original article plus a few extra smashing photos of Amira, click here to see it on CBS Man Cave Daily. Thanks to Ideal Protein Houston for sponsoring this fun NBA Dance Series. Ideal Protein can help you with many aspects of weight loss and management, but my favorite is their weekly weight and body measurements analysis that they offer clients.