Today we welcome Sheba Coffey, mother of three professional basketball players, who talks with us about life as an NBA and WNBA mom. Athletic herself, Sheba tells us how she passed the baton on to her kids and how basketball became an integral part of all three of her children’s lives. The episode is filled with stories about Sydney, Nia and Amir, their college basketball experiences, Sydney’s time playing overseas and the transition for Nia and Amir to the pro leagues. We hear about draft night...
Apr 07, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 59
For over 17 years our guest today has been in the game and sitting courtside. Stacy Adams Wright, mom of Dorell and Delon Wright, joins us to talk about her journey having two sons make it to the NBA. Starting with Dorell we hear how he was drafted right out of high school by the Miami Heat and Stacy talks about how she prepared him for the huge leap from high school to the Big Leagues and what life was like for him in the NBA and beyond. In parallel, we talk about Delon’s NBA experience, both d...
Mar 31, 2021•46 min•Ep. 58
Fans tap in with Eva Wilson mother of A'ja Wilson
Mar 28, 2021•19 min
For those who follow the WNBA it might be hard to believe that superstar A’ja Wilson didn’t really like basketball when she first started playing as a young girl. Eventually it became fun and the journey began. Today A’ja’s mom Eva joins the podcast and talks with us about her daughter. Highly sought as a college player, Eva tells us about the recruitment process, the NCAA championship, A’ja’s relationship with her grandmother and how she has been her inspiration throughout her career. We talk a...
Mar 24, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 56
Devonte’ Graham has been known to attribute his success to the strong women in his life, most significantly our guest today, his mom, Dewanna King. A second round pick in the 2018 draft by the Atlanta Hawks, he was immediately traded to the Charlotte Hornets and Dewanna tells us the unlikely and inspiring story that led her son to the NBA. Having Devonte at the age of 14, Dewanna talks about her life, how she got through the difficult times and what it has taken to get to where she is today. She...
Mar 18, 2021•52 min•Ep. 55
Q&A with Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington's mom, Sherry Washington
Mar 15, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Today we are joined by Sherry Washington, mom of NBA star forward P.J. Washington of the Charlotte Hornets. Both Sherry and P.J.’s dad Paul were college basketball stars in their own right and Sherry always knew basketball would be P.J.’s game. From his first Fisher Price basketball net to towering over his friends on the YMCA court, he was a natural from the beginning. Sherry talks about the recruitment process, how P.J. ended up at the University of Kentucky, the incredible fans and how differ...
Mar 11, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 53
Today we welcome a mom with two children who made it in the world of professional basketball. Sara Parker, mom of Chicago Sky forward Candace Parker and Anthony Parker who played in the NBA for many years and the EuroLeague, joins “Court-side moms”. Candace has had a storied career - chosen first overall in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, she’s won a WNBA championship, two WNBA MVP Awards and two Olympic Gold medals. She was also the first player to win the Rookie of the Year and ...
Mar 03, 2021•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 52
Welcome Jennifer Ivey who joins us from NYC to talk about her son, Royal Ivey. Royal, a former NBA player and current assistant coach to Steve Nash and the Brooklyn Nets, was born in Harlem and began playing organized basketball when he was 10 years old. His exceptional talent was not obvious, however, until he started playing at Cardozo High School where he led his team to its first PSAL championship. His success on the court also resulted in a basketball scholarship to U of Texas. Even then, t...
Feb 24, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 51
We welcome our second WNBA mom, Joyce Canada, mom of Jordin Canada who was selected 5th overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2018 draft. Jordin’s talent first became apparent when she was in elementary school, playing pick up in the school yard and running circles around the boys she was playing with. At 8 years old she won her first National Championship and a star was born. With so much raw talent, many schools came calling early on and Joyce talks about how they negotiated her journey from hig...
Feb 17, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 50
“Luka Magic”, “The Next Face of the NBA” - common headlines these days in NBA circles to describe young Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks and today we welcome his mom, Mirjam Poterbin, at age 13 he began playing with Real Madrid and now, at 22, when most players are just starting out, his years of experience shine through on the court as his star continues to rise in Dallas. His mom talks about letting him go at a young age, moving to Spain from Slovenia, the sacrifices made and the incredible...
Feb 10, 2021•37 min•Ep. 49
When Zanthia Reddish is asked when basketball became a part of her son, NBA star Cam Reddish’s life, she says it was from the time he was born. Basketball is part of who he is. Zanthia shares Cam’s story. From earning Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball in his senior year, to being selected to play in the 2018 McDonald's All-American Boys Game, 2018 Jordan Brand Classic and 2018 Nike Hoop Summit, Cam has had many incredible moments. Zanthia tells us what it was like behind the scenes, including teaming ...
Feb 03, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 48
As we wrap up Magic Mom Month we turn the tables and welcome Cam Reddish's mom Zanthia Reddish as our guest host interviewing our very own Magic Mom, Court-Side Moms host Wendy Sparks, mom of Khem Birch. After hearing so many stories from mom’s of NBA players, it’s special to hear Wendy’s story. Different from many, Khem didn’t actually like basketball as a young boy. Football was his game until he was about 13 when he realized basketball was his true calling. Wendy talks about the limited oppor...
Jan 31, 2021•44 min•Ep. 47
As Magic Mom Month continues we welcome Mandy Carter-Zegarowski, mom of Michael Carter-Williams of the Orlando Magic. His parents met while they both were playing basketball at Salem State University and basketball has always been a huge part of Michael’s life. Mandy talks with us about how her experiences have helped shape the choices Michael has made on his journey to the NBA. We explore how Mandy prepared mentally and emotionally during the time leading up to the draft, how she helped create ...
Jan 27, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 46
In our second episode of Magic Mom Month, we welcome best selling author and mom of NBA player Cole Anthony, Crystal McCrary McGuire. Having practiced entertainment law, she made the decision to leave it all behind and focus on her writing career. She is a television personality, producer and filmmaker and we had a great conversation about her life and what it’s been like to be an NBA mom. Crystal talks with us about Cole’s journey to the NBA, his competitive nature, how deeply passionate he’s a...
Jan 20, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 45
In 2019 Chuma Okeke was dominating during March Madness when the unthinkable happened and he found himself lying on the basketball court in agony. His mom was watching in the stands and hurried down to be by her son’s side. Wondering if his career was over before it had begun, Chuma began the long road back from an ACL injury and was rewarded for his hard work when he was drafted that same year by the Orlando Magic. Welcome our newest Court-Side Mom, Renee, who talks to us about what life has be...
Jan 13, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 44
Wendy Sparks, mom of Khem Birch of the Orlando Magic, is joined by Sue Danforth, mom of Toronto Raptors’ Fred VanVleet, Michelle Riddick, mom of Damion Lee of the Golden State Warriors and Kennie Crawford, mom of Orlando Magic Dwayne Bacon to talk about the highs and lows of 2020. In a year unlike any other, NBA fans and beyond were shocked by the tragic loss of one of the NBA’s greatest stars with Kobe Bryant and the impact he had on the League and their sons. The conversation turns to the All ...
Dec 29, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 43
Today we have the pleasure of welcoming Mary Turner, mom of Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers. Entering his sixth season in the NBA, Mary shares Myles’ story from a young age playing YMCA ball to playing college ball at the University of Texas to draft night in 2015 where he was selected 11th overall by the Pacers and everything in between. From his first NBA game to playing in the bubble in Orlando, Mary gives us insights into her experience as his mom. She talks about everything it took to ge...
Dec 21, 2020•46 min•Ep. 42
Today we welcome Darlyn Brooks, mom of MarShon Brooks currently playing for the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Associati o n . Living in China during the outbreak of COVID, Darlyn talks about MarShon’s experience during this time including having tested positive himself and the start of their new season which began in October. Coming from a basketball family, it was natural for him to gravitate towards the game almost from the time he could walk. The one who was always overl...
Dec 16, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 41
Welcome to Court-Side Moms where NBA mom Wendy Sparks gives you a courtside seat outside of the arena.
Dec 10, 2020•1 min
For Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, NBA star who recently signed with the New York Knicks, watching the movie The Lion King is his way of staying connected to the father he lost as a result of gun violence before his third birthday. Today we welcome Michael’s mom, Cynthia Kidd-Gilchrist Richardson who talks about how this loss has shaped Michael’s life and shares with us the highs and lows of watching her son make it to the NBA. From the time he was 5 years old, basketball was Michael’s passion. As a mo...
Dec 09, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 40
Today CSM welcomes Vanessa Waters, mom of Tremont Waters, on a two way contract with the Maine Red Claws and the Boston Celtics. Smaller than the average point guard, many doubted his ability which only made him more determined. With much adversity thrown his way, Tremont stayed the course and Vanessa shares with us how they’ve dealt with life head on and come out the other side. Wendy and Vanessa talk about the challenges and opportunities Tremont has faced including the excitement of draft nig...
Dec 02, 2020•27 min•Ep. 39
Today we welcome Felicia Garland, mom of NBA superstar Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavs whose dad is former NBA player Winston Garland. Darius has always loved the game and we talk about his rise to fame. The “ Tennessee Mr. Basketball ” winner was a five-star recruit , ranked among the best point guards in the 2018 class, and a McDonald's All-American , recruited by Vanderbilt after high school. After an injury cut short his college career, Felicia tells us how things played out and how he ...
Nov 25, 2020•32 min•Ep. 38
Today we welcome Teer Butler, mom of Courtney Lee of the Dallas Mavericks who starts us off with some quick thoughts on the history making 2020 US election. As a single mom, raising three sons, she shares some of the challenges she faced as she helped her sons avoid the fate of many of their friends. Always pushing them towards an education, she talks about what it took to see them all graduate college, how Courtney’s college experience shaped him and how the death of his roommate became his ins...
Nov 18, 2020•56 min•Ep. 37
Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder is one of the leading point guards in the NBA and a superstar in the NBA world.and today we are joined by his mom Robin Paul. After 15 years watching her son play professional basketball, Robin talks about the stress she still feels during a close game and what it’s been like watching her son’s career take off. Drafted by Oklahoma City, Chris has come full circle and Robin shares stories throughout his time in the League including the many trades and how h...
Nov 11, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 36
In this special episode of “Court-side Moms” our host Wendy Sparks, sits down with the pro-athlete who started her on this journey; her son, Orlando Magic starting Center, Khem Birch. Join them for a heartfelt, and entertaining conversation that follows their journey together from that first shot at a basketball net, to the determination to bring home Canada’s first Olympic Gold medal in the sport. As with most mothers and sons there are a few memories shared that are remembered differently, and...
Nov 06, 2020•43 min•Ep. 35
In a special episode of CSMs we welcome Angela Mooney and her son Matt who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two-way contract with the Canton Charge of the NBA G League. Matt’s journey hasn’t been easy and his dream has been plagued with injuries and other challenges. As a mother of 5 (3 of whom play professional sports) and Director of Communications at West 40 School in Hillside, Illinois, Angie talks about how she’s kept her children the priority. We hear about the experience of going un...
Nov 04, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 34
Today CSMs welcomes Karri Kuzma, mom of Kyle Kuzma of the 2020 NBA Champion LA Lakers. Raising her children in Flint Michigan, Karri and her family were faced with many challenges and she talks about how this shaped Kyle’s life, both as a person and a basketball player. Karri talks about her son’s journey - from his first Fisher Price basketball net, to playing for the “Flintstones” as a teenager, basketball was his safe haven and what he loved doing most. Drafted 27th overall, we hear about dra...
Oct 28, 2020•41 min•Ep. 33
How do you survive the worst tragedy a mother can face? We welcome Essence Bembry mother of DeAndre’ Bembry of the Atlanta Hawks and hear their story of loss, grief and making meaning of that loss. A few weeks before the draft, Essence’s youngest son Adrian was shot and killed. She shares how they got through that time, burying one son and preparing her other son for the chance of a lifetime. Essence tells us about her passion, AP World, helping victims of gun violence started in honor of Adrian...
Oct 21, 2020•41 min•Ep. 32
Today we welcome Gina Tucker mom of Terry Rozier III of the Charlotte Hornets. Their story is a difficult one. When Terry was young his father was imprisoned and he was sent to live with his grandmother. Gina shares the stories that shaped his life and gave him the will to succeed. Drafted 16th overall by the Celtics we talk about what it takes to make it to the NBA. Gina shares her gratitude for where life has taken Terry recognizing how different things could have been for her son and how bask...
Oct 14, 2020•40 min•Ep. 31
