Celebrating Sports Moms WRITTEN BY Lori Fuller Most mothers would agree that being a parent is the most challenging, yet rewarding, experience of their lifetime. They also would agree that being a “sports-mom” is truly a unique parenting adventure. From frilly tutus, pompoms and leotards to smelly uniforms, permanent grass stains and athlete’s foot, being a sports-mom is an experience that all mothers should embrace and enjoy if given the opportunity. Similar to riding a roller coaster, sports-moms never know what’s around the bend or at the bottom of each hill. Sometimes it’s the feeling of exhilaration while cheering for your son as he hits his first homerun. Other times, it’s feeling that your heart will burst with pride as your daughter scores a perfect 10 on the balance beam. And you’ll never forget the mixed emotions for your son’s broken heart because he didn’t make the All-Star team but his best friends did. Or the anger you felt when your daughter came home crying because a teammate said it was her fault they lost the game. Perhaps it’s the terrifying time you had to be tough (while you really wanted to faint) as you rushed your son from the practice field to the emergency room— your business suit permanently stained by your child’s blood. “About 90 percent of the parents who bring their children to the Sports Academy are mothers,” said Mark Fuller, co-owner of the indoor, sports training and conditioning facility. “Sports-moms sacrifice everything they have so their child can play. If it wasn’t for the dedication of mothers, most kids wouldn’t be able to play sports at all.” Kristy Howell is a mother of one daughter and three boys that play multiple youth sports, and whose husband is an assistant football coach at Faulkner University. “I love being a sports-wife and mom. It’s so rewarding to see your parenting skills pay off when you watch your son encourage his teammate, show respect to his coaches or be a leader on his team,” Howell said. “Vital life lessons that team sports teach them such as sportsmanship, selflessness, winning and losing, really can’t be learned anywhere else.” According to Dennis Rainey, executive director of Family Life ministries, “60 percent of all children born in your community today will spend at least part of the first 18 years of life without a father in their lives.” This startling statistic demonstrates the dedication of not just sports-moms, but also of single, sports-moms. “It’s hard to balance your time between job, household responsibilities, homework, practices and games,” commented Darcy Caldwell, whose son plays football, basketball and baseball. “Being a single mother, I make it a priority for my son to be around positive, male role models. It’s worth the extra effort because it’s so important for boys to learn from their coaches certain things that moms sometimes can’t teach in the same way.” There are many highs and lows for sports-moms each season, but most would agree that the benefits of their children playing youth sports far outweigh the challenges. So, cherish these special times, and hold on tight for the thrilling ride of a lifetime. It will be worth every stain, sprain, tear and cheer! And, congratulations on being the most important coach your child will ever have. You are your child’s All-Star and MVP! Need Help? Just Ask! “I had a single mom ask me if her son needed to wear a protective cup for his first baseball game … I’m glad she felt comfortable enough to ask me,” said Mark Fuller, co-owner of the Sports Academy. • Sports Academy is East Alabama’s only indoor, sports training and conditioning facility that offers batting cages, private baseball and softball lessons and strength/conditioning programs for all sports. They also offer sports-themed birthday parties. Located in Midway Plaza at 3768 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika. For more information, call 334.749.4040 or visit them on-line at www.SportsAcademyAuburn.com • Kids Clothes Connection is a local, twice-a-year consignment sale that often sells used sporting equipment at discounted prices. For more information call Debby Harper at 334.524.0606 or visit the Website at www.kidsclothesconnection.com • www.Momsteam.com is an informative Website and e-newsletter dedicated to educating and supporting sports-moms. • Local Parks & Recreation Departments are wonderful resources for sports-moms. To contact the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, call 334.501.2930. The Opelika Parks and Recreation Department can be reached at 334.705.5560. Ultimate Sports-Mom Contest: The Sports Academy is taking nominations for the “Ultimate Sports-Mom” contest. Nominate yourself or a friend! The winner will be treated to an evening of luxury including relaxing spa treatments, a gourmet dinner and “Hollywood-style” limo service to your child’s sporting event! For details, visit www.SportsAcademyAuburn.com or call 334.749.4040.