Erika Kirk and Dr. Steve Cohen Discuss Basketball, Game Face, and Building Lasting Relationships

A Relationship Built Over Decades

Erika Kirk joins Dr. Steve Cohen, her eye doctor and friend, for an intimate conversation about their long-standing relationship. Dr. Cohen has been in practice since 1985, building his career on the foundation of meaningful patient relationships. As he sits with Erika, he expresses his excitement about being part of her journey and watching her grow over the years.

"I'm so excited to be sitting here with you because when I think about the relationships over time that I've been able to build up with many patients, you're right at the top of the list," Dr. Cohen shares. "It's incredibly exciting to see what's going on with you and everything that's happening. I'm so proud, so happy for you, and to have been a part of that and to have known you for so long."

From Basketball Beast to Elegant Grace

Dr. Cohen recalls a side of Erika that many might not expect when they see her today. While she now carries herself with grace and elegance, there was a time when she was an intense, formidable presence on the basketball court.

"I think back to looking at you now and seeing the grace and the elegance and how beautiful you are, and thinking back to what a beast you were on a basketball court," Dr. Cohen says with admiration. "This is an incredible basketball player right here. With all that you look at and see—how she looks in her gowns and dressed up—nothing compared to what she looked like on a basketball court in her sneakers and the intensity she played with, because nobody played defense like you."

The Legendary Game Face

One of Dr. Cohen's most vivid memories involves what he calls Erika's "game face"—a transformation that would occur whenever she stepped onto the basketball court. This wasn't just focus or concentration; it was a complete shift in demeanor that signaled she was ready for battle.

"She had a game face that was scary," Dr. Cohen recalls. "She would get this sort of scowl that she looked, and it was almost as if there was an alter ego to Erika when she played basketball. It was game time. You had to bring it out, and you brought it out better than anyone."

Dr. Cohen and Erika developed a routine during her basketball days. From his seat in the stands, he would make eye contact with her near the sidelines, and they would exchange "the look"—a silent acknowledgment of the game face. It became their special moment of connection during competitions.

The Same Drive, Different Arena

While Erika no longer wears basketball sneakers, Dr. Cohen sees the same determination and work ethic that defined her athletic career carrying over into her current pursuits. The intensity hasn't disappeared; it has simply evolved.

"What's obvious is that from your days of playing basketball and the things that you learned about yourself and the hard work and everything has transferred over," Dr. Cohen observes. "I know even what you're doing now, as easy as you make this look, this is hard work. But that game face was there."

Erika confirms that she still has that game face—she just wears it differently now, "with heels," as she puts it. The competitive spirit that once dominated the basketball court has found new expression in her current endeavors, proving that the qualities that make someone exceptional in one arena can translate to success in entirely different fields.

Their conversation serves as a reminder that the relationships we build, the character we develop, and the intensity we bring to our passions remain with us even as our circumstances change. Whether in sneakers or heels, Erika Kirk's game face endures.