Community Voices for Health

By: Carolyn Coleman

A father’s pride and a mother’s joy. The birth a male child speaks to lineage, longevity and perceived success. As soon as he breaks the womb into this world the dreams start to rise.

Sometimes I don’t think people realize the dedication it takes from a parent and child to raise a student athlete. My son is now 15-years-old and will be a sophomore in high school this fall. He has been playing organized sports since the age of 5. My husband and I put in countless hours traveling with him, bringing him to practice, and making sure he understands that his education comes first.

Playing sports requires a commitment of time and energy, but the benefits far exceed the disadvantages. Playing sports will teach my son commitment, dependability, motivation, and teamwork. He will also gain a wealth of knowledge about his overall physical health.

I feel as though the last two months has been a whirlwind of traveling for basketball. My son has been to Providence, New Jersey, Virginia and, most recently, to Pennsylvania twice. I welcome the break from basketball for a few weeks.

Basketball gives a mother a chance to scream from the stands and a father a chance to raise a man. As I watch my son approach each and every game with such determination to help his team to a victory, it brings me joy to know that we are raising such an amazing young man.

As I close, I’d like to remind you to help your child balance life as a student-athlete. Be sure they find time to unwind, stay focused, socialize, and remember that school always comes first.

I welcome your thoughts on the student athlete, artist, dancer, etc. you are raising.