Mothers are often the unsung heroes in the world of sports. While athletes are often celebrated for their achievements, it's important not to overlook the critical role that supportive moms play in helping their children succeed in athletics. From providing emotional support to logistical help, moms can have a tremendous impact on the success of athletes, both on and off the field.

One of the most important roles that moms play in athletics is providing emotional support. Whether it's offering words of encouragement after a tough loss or cheering on their child from the sidelines, moms can help athletes feel confident and motivated to continue pursuing their dreams. This emotional support can be particularly important for young athletes, who may face significant pressure from coaches, peers, and themselves to perform at a high level.

Related: Our Parents' 4 Key Jobs in the Athletic Recruitment Process

In addition to emotional support, moms can also provide logistical support that can be critical for athletes' success. This can include things like driving their children to practices and games, helping them pack for away games, and ensuring that they have the proper equipment and gear, and assisting them throughout their recruiting process. Without this kind of support, athletes may struggle to stay organized and focused, which can ultimately affect their performance on the field.

Professional Athletes on Their Mothers' Impact

Professional athletes often credit their mothers for the support and guidance that helped them achieve their success. From providing emotional support to pushing them to be their best, moms can have a profound impact on the lives and careers of athletes. Here are just a few quotes from professional athletes about the role that their mothers played in shaping their lives:

Acknowledging the crucial role of his mother, Wanda Pratt, in his NBA success, Kevin Durant called her the “real MVP” during his 2014 MVP award acceptance speech. Pratt, who raised Durant and his older brother as a single mom in Washington, D.C. after separating from her husband, worked tirelessly as a postal worker to provide for her family. Despite the challenges, she remained devoted to her sons, pushing Durant to realize his potential and never give up on his dream. Pratt's sacrifices and unwavering support have paved the way for Durant's meteoric rise from high school phenom to NBA superstar. As Pratt has explained, her goal was not to get her son to the NBA, but rather to support and encourage him to achieve his dreams.

Roddy White, the former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver, credits his mother, Joenethia White, for helping him regain focus during a critical period in his career. After a rocky start in the NFL, during which he was criticized for partying more than studying the playbook, Joenethia threatened to move in with him and take care of him like a baby. Her tough love, combined with the support of some of his coaches, helped White get his career back on track, leading to four Pro-Bowl selections and a record for most touchdowns in the Falcons' history. As a single mother in South Carolina, Joenethia instilled in her son a competitive spirit, challenging him to foot races and never letting him win easily. White credits those early lessons for helping him later in life when it mattered most.

Related: Diana Felici, Mother of an International College Athlete, Shares Parent's Side of Recruiting Process

Marshawn Lynch, the NFL running back, shares a close relationship with his mother, Delisa, despite their contrasting personalities. Lynch, known as “Beast Mode” for his aggressive playing style, is a man of few words, while his mother, nicknamed “Momma Lynch,” is outspoken and opinionated. Despite their differences, Lynch credits his mother's strength and support for his success. While Maurice Sapp, the father of four boys, struggled with drug addiction and serving time in prison, Delisa, their mother, raised them all on her own in Oakland, California. Football brought them closer, and Delisa even created a pre-game ritual of giving Lynch Skittles, which she called “power pellets,” to boost his energy and spirits. Delisa's unwavering support has undoubtedly contributed to her son's legendary success on the field.

Creating Sports Culture

But perhaps one of the most important ways that moms contribute to athletics is by helping to create a positive sports culture. Moms can model good sportsmanship and encourage their children to treat their teammates, opponents, and coaches with respect. They can also help to prevent toxic behavior like bullying and hazing by advocating for positive team dynamics and calling out negative behavior when they see it.

In fact, research has shown that parents, and particularly mothers, can have a significant impact on the overall culture of youth sports. A study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that moms who emphasized the importance of teamwork, effort, and enjoyment over winning and individual achievement were more likely to have children who reported high levels of sportsmanship and enjoyment in their own athletic experiences.

Related: Athlete Mothers: Changing the Game

Of course, not all moms are able to provide the same level of support for their children's athletic endeavors. Some may have work or family commitments that prevent them from attending games and practices, or may lack the financial resources to invest in expensive equipment and training. Additionally, some moms may not have had positive experiences with sports themselves and may struggle to support their children's participation.

Despite these challenges, it's important to recognize and celebrate the many ways that moms contribute to athletics. From providing emotional and logistical support to modeling positive sportsmanship, moms can have a tremendous impact on the success of athletes and the overall culture of sports. By acknowledging and valuing their contributions, we can help to create a more inclusive and supportive sports environment for all athletes, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status.

So, the next time you see a mom cheering on her child from the sidelines, or driving them to yet another practice or game, take a moment to thank her for all that she does. It may seem like a small gesture, but it can go a long way in recognizing and valuing the critical role that moms play in athletics.

Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Email us at [email protected].

* Originally published on May 12, 2023, by Kelly Wick