As a proud soccer mom, I’m not alone in this wild ride. My friend Lisa coaches a football team, my neighbor Tom is all about lacrosse, and my kid’s preschool instructor, Sarah, is a cheerleading aficionado. What unites us? We’re all a bit unhinged. Yes, we’ve embraced the crazy. If you’re reading this while perched in a gymnastics studio, peering through a glass wall at your little one mastering the art of the somersault, then you might just be experiencing a touch of the madness too. Still skeptical? Here are five unmistakable signs that sports moms are slightly out of their minds.
1. The Financial Drain
Engaging in sports isn’t just a pastime; it’s a financial commitment. You’re not only shelling out cash for coaching, training sessions, and referee fees, but there are also uniforms and gear to think about. “Wait, I have to fork over $70 for a team-branded soccer bag from a vendor three hours away, and I need to have little Alex’s name stitched on it too?” Ridiculous, right? But we do it anyway. “Hop in the car, Alex! We need to get there before they close!”
2. The Time Investment
My child’s team practices twice a week and competes every weekend. I can’t count the number of evenings I’ve spent tossing animal crackers and fruit snacks to a hyper toddler while he’s glued to surprise egg videos on the chilly sidelines. Each minute drags on, and I find myself daydreaming of a million other activities (like doing laundry).
3. The Travel Circus
Next week, we’re off to a tournament. Yes, our family of five, who hasn’t had a vacation in a decade, is hitting the road for soccer competitions. Ever attempted to put three kids to sleep in one hotel room? You should try it—it’s an experience, to say the least.
4. The People
Nothing reveals a person’s true nature faster than a critique of their child. Even the most valid observations, especially when voiced by referees, often lead to chaos. I’ve seen grown-ups bickering with teenage officials, parents throwing punches on the sidelines, and an entire group of adults harassing a 10-year-old goalie until he was in tears. While I’m grateful not to be part of that crowd, it’s clear that these types of sports parents are not as rare as you might hope. They’re known as the unicorns of the sports world, mythical creatures that seem to appear in viral videos, but sadly, they’re more common than you think.
5. The Injuries
Kids can manage to hurt themselves in mundane ways—my four-year-old once got hurt while eating raspberries! When you introduce them to competitive sports, the chances of injury skyrocket. Time and again, we put our kids at risk, and it’s a little bonkers. Why do we keep doing this? Because they genuinely love it. Their passion for the game is what drives our own obsession. It starts with those adorable little cleats or a sparkly new leotard. When the coach praises Tommy as a “natural,” we’re hooked. We’re all in: mentally, physically, financially, and temporally. And it doesn’t hit you until you’re sweating in the blazing sun with a four-week-old baby, watching a tournament, and realizing, “Only a crazy person would do this.” And you know what? You’re spot on—sports moms are a little loco.
So, let’s raise a toast to our shared insanity.
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Summary
Sports moms often find themselves caught in a whirlwind of expenses, time commitments, travel chaos, intense rivalries, and the risk of injuries—all for the love of their children and their sports. Despite the craziness, these experiences are a testament to their dedication and passion.