Court-side moms - podcast cover

Court-side moms

Tidal Leaguewww.tidalleague.com
Bright lights, centre court, multimillion dollar contracts and adoring fans. That’s what most of us imagine when we think of the world of professional athletes. But what is the story behind the images? What does the road to stardom look like? What does it take to get there? Who better to answer these questions and many more, than the moms who were there every step of the way.“Court-Side Moms” is the first of its kind to focus solely on the experiences of professional basketball player’s mothers, giving us a new perspective on the lives of some of our favorite athletes. We explore the thoughts, feelings and experiences of those moms who have watched their children join the elite world of pro sports. The joys, the challenges, the heart aches, the big and small moments that transformed their lives and those of their children. No one understands this better than Wendy Sparks, the mother of Toronto Raptors Center, Khem Birch and the host of Court-side Moms. Wendy will sit down with other basketball moms to hear their stories, creating the first platform for moms to kick back and chat about their kids, and to discuss the reality of raising high performance athletes.
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Episodes

Janie Williams, Mother of Patrick Williams

Wendy sits down with Janie Williams, mother of Patrick Williams to discuss his rise to a professional athlete! From North Carolina, to Florida State to the NBA with the Chicago Bulls.

Jun 08, 20221 hr 7 minEp. 117

Changing the Culture of Sports

Physical and Psychological abuse is real amongst athletes and it is time to stand up and be fearless and change the culture. In this episode Wendy shares examples of how athletes are being bullied and abused and talks about how this must change

May 17, 202212 minEp. 116

Fans and Families of Professional Players

Security at games needs to tighten up more for families of professional players. Wendy shares her thoughts about a recent incident and about making a change. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

May 10, 20226 minEp. 114

The Offseason

What does an offseason look like for these athletes once they’re done? For some it’s a way to get away from the travel and craziness of the life of pro basketball. Also we give you some insight into Wendy’s life! Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

May 04, 20226 minEp. 113

Reflecting on Game 6, The Season and Reading Twitter Responses

In today's recap, Wendy reflects on the series with the Sixers and what it was like watching the Raptors and Khem in the playoffs. She also gets on Twitter and responds to some of you lovely people. Shoutout to Scottie for winning Rookie of the Year !!!

Apr 29, 20229 minEp. 112

Lance Stephenson's mom, Bernadette Stephenson

From playing in the NBA to overseas and then the g-league , Bernadette walks us through her family’s journey of navigating Lance’s career and talks about his recent return to the Indiana Pacers. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Apr 27, 20221 hr 20 minEp. 111

Game 3: We Almost Had Them

Wendy talks about her return to Toronto for game three in the Raptors-76ers series and addresses the part time fans. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Apr 21, 20228 minEp. 110

Rhyne Howard's mom, Rhvonja "RJ" Avery

The Atlanta Dream got the night started by selecting Rhyne Howard out of Kentucky with the No. 1 overall pick - just a little over a week ago at the 2022 WNBA Draft. RJ is still trying to take it all in, the emotions are running high and she talks us through the journey and what is next for Rhyne. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Apr 20, 20221 hr 17 minEp. 109

Game 1: Was it really fair?

Wendy shares her reaction to Game 1 of the Raptors - 76ers playoff series. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Apr 18, 20229 minEp. 108

The WNBA! How can you not love it?

Wendy talks about the WNBA draft and her love for the league. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Apr 14, 202210 minEp. 107

Twitter Q&A, Let's Discuss All Things Raps!

Join Wendy on our new segment where we ask the questions fans and discuss all things around Court-side Moms, Raptors and a lot more! Today we discuss the Toronto Raptors season as we head into the playoffs. Let's go Raptors! #wethenorth Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Apr 08, 202211 minEp. 106

Tyrese Maxey’s mom, Denyse Maxey

A Mother of three amazing kids, a teacher, an NBA player, and a volleyball player. Denyse is passionate about the community work she’s involved with and still is very much a part of corporate America. From the time he left the hospital at birth, Tyrese has been surrounded by basketball. Dribbling a ball at 4 years old and watching his dad coach the first thing he ever wrote was X’s & O’s. The college selection process and why Kentucky? It started with Coach Calipari and his coaching style. T...

Apr 06, 20221 hr 30 minEp. 105

Paris Bass’ mom, Kelly Slaughter

Welcome Kelly, mother of four, Police Sergeant with the Detroit Police, and former basketball player at Chicago State. Kelly's earliest memories of Paris playing basketball were when he was 4 years old watching her play. Paris, a standout at Seaholm High School garnered multiple scholarships but the Detroit Mercy recruited him early and ultimately he committed to the Mercy. After six years overseas Paris decided to come home and make a push for an NBA opportunity, signing with the South Bay Lake...

Mar 23, 202243 minEp. 104

Saben Lee's mom, Natalie Williams

Saben Lee…his first word was not mom, it was not dad, it was ball! Saben always wanted to be around the game, from a young age he’s always gravitated towards basketball and has such a passion for the game. How special it was for Saben to play at Vanderbilt the same university his mom attended to declaring for the NBA Draft. Even with all the noise and doubters Natalie supported his decision to declare and go all in for the draft. How he transitioned from college to the NBA and the differences th...

Mar 16, 202259 minEp. 103

Nikki Alexander Reflecting On The Journey

A very special episode with Nikki Alexander as we sit down in the same high school gym where Nickeil Alexander-Walker started his high school career. Sitting center court reflecting on his journey, did Nikki ever think that when he left for prep school in the US it would lead to an NBA career? Nikki shares how she supports Nickeil from afar and the recent trade that sent Nickeil to Utah. Special shoutout to the Toronto Raptors for being a part of this day through Open Gym and to Hodan Nalayeh Se...

Mar 09, 202245 minEp. 102

Trey Murphy III mom, Albeda Murphy

Rookie small forward Trey Murphy's mom Albeda walks us through the journey Trey and the family have been on. Playing professional basketball and hearing your name called on Draft Night is special, how self-belief and family support got Trey to the NBA when he went underlooked his entire life. Now a rookie with the Pelicans the sky's the limit. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Mar 02, 20221 hr 22 minEp. 101

Jaren Jackson Jr. mom, Terri Carmichael Jackson

A woman who wears many hats, Terri is the Executive Director for the Women’s National Basketball Players Association. Her family lives basketball 24/7 from her husband who played in the NBA, to her son Jaren Jackson Jr. a young star for the Memphis Grizzlies. The only family in basketball that was in all three bubbles during the 2020 season. We get an inside family perspective on the WNBA, NBA, and G-League. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/...

Feb 23, 20221 hr 22 minEp. 100

Mario Chalmers mom, Almarie Chalmers

Almarie jokes that the earliest memories of Mario and basketball started in the womb, but in reality as early as him sitting on a potty chair. Almarie talks us through the incredible journey that basketball has taken Mario on. From two Championships in Miami to winning in Europe it is an incredible story of love and basketball. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Feb 03, 20221 hr 17 minEp. 99

Jaden Springer's mom, Barbarita Springer

From the age of 4, Jaden has been playing basketball, destined to compete at all levels. We learn about his upbringing, playing at IMG, and committing to Tennessee. The NBA Draft and the challenges Jaden has faced and overcome early in his rookie season. Only 19 years of age the future is bright for this highly talented young man. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Jan 19, 202255 minEp. 98

Derrick White's mom, Colleen White

From division two basketball to re-signing with the San Antonio Spurs this is a story about growth, belief, and determination. We hear firsthand from Colleen, the challenges along the way and the journey from childhood to the NBA. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Jan 12, 202248 minEp. 97

Daynia La-Force Winning Culture

Welcome back Daynia, mother of Terance Mann. From the second round to resigning within the Los Angeles Clippers, Daynia attributes Terance’s success to his hard work and always being surrounded by the game. Daynia highlights the keys to success in the NBA, from the distractions to the work load, she has such an appreciation for these players. From her days as a college coach to helping Terance adjust to life in the NBA, she was able to get back to coaching this past season in the WNBA with the A...

Jan 05, 202258 minEp. 96

Tamiyko Prince Paying it Forward

Welcome back Tamiyko Prince. Her son Taurean is now in his 6th year in the league and playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves. We hear about all that she's learned as an NBA mom, and hows she's paying it forward for those who come next. Court-side moms on Instagram

Dec 16, 202152 minEp. 95

Jaden and Jalen McDaniels mom, Angela Jackson

Jaden and Jalen McDaniels are two years apart and have been surrounded by sports from the start. Their mom, Angela Jackson, is Wendy’s guest today. We hear how they both attended Federal Way High School, winning a State Championship together, as teammates; how Angela’s cousin, former NBA player Juwan Howard, was a resource for the family when it came to college recruitment and the entire journey to the NBA. Angela talks us through supporting both her sons through different stages in their journe...

Dec 08, 202147 minEp. 94

Talen Horton-Tucker's mom, Shirley Horton

Wendy welcomes Laker Mom, Shirley Horton to the show to hear all about the talents and the treasures of being Talen Horton-Tucker. Starting from a strong family with fierce family values, Shirley saw his talent and love for basketball really bloom from the time he was a toddler. As an HBCU Alumni, Shirley made sure Talen always knew the importance of education, and how sacrificing one for the other was never going to be an option. “Give it to God, write it down, but you have to work on it too.” ...

Dec 01, 202155 minEp. 93

Sara Parker Returns

Fresh off of a WNBA Championship in her hometown of Chicago win for daughter Candace Parker, mom Sara Parker is back to update us on how it felt to have her baby come home and the joy the whole family felt in this celebration. Sara and Wendy look at this championship run and Sara gives us some insight into the player she has become and what the future has in store. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Nov 24, 202148 minEp. 92

Toronto Raptors with Sue Danforth - mother of Fred VanVleet

Welcome back Sue! We are are so excited to have Sue back to talk everything Raptors. Reminiscing on the strange year away in Tampa to being back in Toronto and resuming regular scheduled programming. The return home, the fan reaction, and the amazing play by our boys. The connection between Khem and Fred on the court and the potential of this bright young team.

Nov 10, 202129 minEp. 91

Brandon Boston Jr. mom, Alissa Boston

Alissa joins us today to talk about the journey in raising Brandon Boston Jr. From Norcross, Georgia to Sierra Canyon the family took a leap of faith and moved to California to help Brandon pursue his dream of playing basketball. We hear about Sierra Canyon and as Brandon describes it "a movie" - the high school team that has a busier schedule than some NBA teams, more publicity, and celebrity status. How it prepared him for the next level and dealing with the spotlight early on. Brandon never w...

Nov 03, 202152 minEp. 90

Malachi Flynn's mom, Kristi Flynn

Kristi and Wendy met at this year’s NBA Summer League. Wendy was the first Raptor mom Kristi met; here we are today with a live episode at the Toronto Raptors OVO Athletic Centre. Our first live recording since January 2020. Since birth Malachi has always been front and centre in a basketball court, sitting on his mom’s lap as a child; whether his dad was coaching a game or his siblings were lacing them up. They discuss the college recruiting process that led Malachi to Washington State and how ...

Oct 27, 202139 minEp. 89
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