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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 fought back to make it to draft night, going 5th, and a future in the NBA including the excitement of his debut game.  Darius is represented by Clutch Sports who also manage Lebron James and Anthony Davis, and we talk about what it’s been like for Darius to be amongst the elite of the NBA.  Wendy and Felicia relive the 2020 season, the hiatus, the disappointment of not being in the bubble and her advice to other moms.    

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 inspiration as he approached the draft.  Drafted 22nd overall to the Orlando Magic, Teer takes us through all of the emotions of draft night as Courtney embarked on his NBA career, the injuries, the trades, playing for Michael Jordan, what it’s been like to work for Mark Cuban, how the Mavs have rallied in response to the pandemic and through it all what she is most grateful for and what have been her most difficult moments.

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 hilariously, by each.  This is an episode full of love and one we are very proud to share with all of you.

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 undrafted, how their faith in God has guided them and given them the strength and the belief in Matt’s talent to continue and the special relationship the two share.  Now on a two-way contract, Matt isn’t sure what the future holds but he knows as long as his love of the game continues he will keep playing and pursue his dream with everything he’s got.  

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 draft night and the dream of playing for Magic Johnson and the Lakers, watching him play in his first NBA game to the excitement and anticipation of the championship series. Karri gives us Kyle’s insights on the BLM movement, how it’s impacted him as bi-racial man and why he is so vocal in his support.   We talk Kuzmania - Kyle’s clothing line, her advice to other moms whose children have the potential to enter the world of professional sports and much more so tune in!

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.

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 basketball saved him.

Sarah Collier, mom of Minnesota Lynx WNBA star Napheesa Collier joins CSM.  A standout at UCONN, drafted sixth overall, Sarah shares what it took to get there, the inequities between the WNBA and NBA and how it reflects on society as a whole.   She talks openly about her daughter's life-her new podcast her recent engagement and what’s to come. Sarah shares what it’s like being part of a bi-racial marriage how the BLM has elevated important issues to the forefront and her fears and hopes for the future

Our guest today is Dr. Lydecia Holmes, an anointed teacher, author, playwright and the founder of "Women Destined for Greatness", a women's group which she ministers to. She is also the court-side mom of Richaun Holmes, 6’10” Centre for the Sacramento Kings. Dr. Holmes gives us a glimpse into the childhood of Richaun and what life was like raising four sons.  Richaun, an extremely competitive child, excelled at both basketball and bowling most likely making him the only NBA player to ever have to choose between those two sports. An unlikely basketball star, Richaun’s coach at Moraine Valley brought out the best in him, and sent him on his path to the NBA. No episode would be complete without the story of draft night and the unique experience that came along with it for the Holmes family. From his first game and throughout his five year journey to Sacramento join us as we sit down with the mother to one of the NBA’ most surprising breakthrough players.

Today Court-Side Moms, along with new co-host Stephanie Folahan, welcomes Daynia La-Force, a former American women's basketball coach and player with the Georgetown Hoyas and mom of Terance Mann of the L.A. Clippers  Coming from the perspective of both a mother and player/coach, Daynia tells us about the challenges she faced and what it felt like to miss big moments in her son’s life because of the commitment to her team.    One of her favorite topics is her son Terance and we hear how, from an early age, he showed a passion for the game and combined with his talent, Daynia knew that he would be someone special on the court.  She tells us about the big moment she didn’t miss, draft night, and what it was like watching her son fulfill his lifelong dream.  As the first minority woman head coach in the University of Rhode Island history, Daynia shares stories of her experiences and how she came to love the game, thoughts on where women in basketball are today and how we move towards equality with men’s leagues both professionally and at a college level.  

Join Wendy as she welcomes her new co-host, Stephanie Folahan to the show.  Stephanie is a former baller, mother of three, a rock star accountant, wife of a former professional basketball player and co-founder of a local basketball preparatory program.  We are super excited to have her join the team and hope you enjoy this bonus episode of "Court-side Moms" where we all can get to know her better.

The Portland Trail Blazers were on fire during their time in the NBA bubble and no one was  more exciting to watch than point guard Damian Lillard.  Court-Side Moms, joined by guest co-host, Amanda Mina, is excited to welcome Damian’s mom, Gina Johnson, to today’s episode.  After being named NBA Bubble MVP, a season ending injury put Damian on the bench and Gina talks about how they are coping with the many ups and downs of the past few months.  It takes a village - many of Damian’s family moved with him to Portland when he was drafted and we hear how that has changed his life and theirs.  Gina shares stories of Damian’s early years,  how his grit and determination helped him overcome challenges on the way to draft night and a career in the NBA.  She also talks about what it’s been like to be an NBA mom these past 8 years and we hear about Damian’s upcoming wedding, the Adidas endorsement and the Dame 6 sneaker deal.  An entertaining and fun filled episode you won’t want to miss.

The Portland Trail Blazers have been on fire in the NBA bubble and no one has been more exciting to watch than Damian Lillard.  Court-Side Moms, joined by new co-host Amanda Mina, is excited to welcome Damian’s mom, Gina Johnson. After being named NBA Bubble MVP, a season ending injury put Damian on the bench and Gina talks about what that’s been like.We hear about Damian’s upcoming wedding, the Adidas endorsement and the Dame 6 sneaker deal.  An entertaining and fun filled episode you won’t want to miss!

“Andre is a person (who) does his homework, when he commits to something, he is committed whole heartedly” so says Linda J. Shanklin, mother to 3 time NBA Champion and All-Star Andre Iguodala currently of the Miami Heat.   In front of the “more than an athlete” movement since his early days he is now not only an athlete, but an entrepreneur, an investor, and a three time NBA Champion with “the Cinderella” Golden State Warriors.   

Fred VanVleet heard three words from his agent on the night he went undrafted - “Bet on Yourself”. In our Season 2 opener, we are excited to welcome our first Toronto Raptor mom, Susan Danforth, who tells us Fred’s story and how these three words helped motivate him to where he is today and why this is only the beginning. From his early days and the tragedies he faced as a young child, losing his dad at age 5, to the night of June 13 2019 when the Raptors won the NBA championship, Sue shares what it’s been like raising her son and how he has overcome the many challenges and obstacles thrown his way on the road to victory. After a great NCAA showing, Fred declared for the 2016 draft. Sue takes us through that experience, how they coped when he went undrafted and how they went from that night to the signing of a two-year contract with Toronto Raptors and then in 2018 signing a second two year contract worth $18 million. Wendy and Sue relive the Raptors 2019 playoff run, Fred’s incredible performance off the bench and how his superstitions kept his family away from the final game of the season when the Raptors won the championship. Our podcast wraps up with Wendy and Sue sharing their views on the impact of the Black Lives Movement and COVID19 on the resumption of the NBA season and on both of their sons. Tune in for a great episode to kick off our new season. Short intro: Fred VanVleet heard three words from his agent on the night he went undrafted “Bet on Yourself”. In our Season 2 opener, we are excited to welcome our first Toronto Raptor mom, Sue Danforth, who tells us Fred’s story and how these three words helped motivate him and why this is only the beginning. Wendy and Sue relive the Raptors 2019 playoff run, Fred’s incredible performance off the bench and the impact of the Black Lives Movement and COVID19 on the resumption of the NBA season and on their sons.

Host Wendy sparks reflects on how Court-side Moms was started, the friendships she has made along the way, what it means to be the mother of two young black men, and the importance of “Black Lives Matter” in this in depth and personal season finale.

In this week's episode with Michelle Riddick, mom of Golden State Warriors Damion Lee, we hear about Damion’s story. A loving, compassionate and kind boy, Damion often credits his mom and his family for the man he has become. Michelle talks about the life lessons she instilled in her son growing up and the positive influences that surrounded him, including their strong faith in God. We hear how basketball became a refuge for Damion during the difficult times in his life, his journey to the NBA, and the challenges he overcame, including multiple injuries, along the way. Michelle shares the experience of Damion going undrafted and the unique way their family celebrated that night. She gives her opinion on what it takes to make it to the NBA and why her son has succeeded in such a competitive sport. Our interview wraps up with a discussion about the L.E.E. Way Foundation “Using Basketball as a Tool” to help youth become the best versions of themselves. Join us for the conclusion of another great episode. Michelle Riddick mom of Golden State Warriors Damion Lee, continues her conversation with us and shares Damion’s story. Damion often credits his mom and his family for the man he has become and Michelle talks about the life lessons she instilled in her son growing up. We hear how basketball became a refuge for Damion, his journey to the NBA and the challenges he overcame. We end with a discussion of the L.E.E. Way Foundation created to help youth succeed. Join us for the conclusion of another great episode

On today’s episode we are joined by Michelle Riddick mom of Golden State Warriors Damion Lee. Given the events of this past week, Wendy and Michelle talk about racial injustice and the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement. In an open and honest conversation they share what it feels like to be black in today’s society, the fear and anxiety that exists just living day to day and the feeling we are on the cusp of a changing world, with the millions of protesters worldwide fighting for racial justice.

(PART 2) When her son was baptized, Iris James remembers something miraculous happened and she had a feeling that he was destined to do something special. Evan Turner, small forward with the Minnesota Timberwolves, certainly fulfilled that prophecy and today Evan’s mom, Iris, joins us to talk about him and his incredible journey. As a young child Evan faced many health issues. He fought back, worked hard and persevered and in his junior year at Ohio State he won every national player of the year award on his way to the NBA and stardom. Iris talks about the experiences she’s shared with her son including the many accolades he’s been awarded, the excitement of draft night, his first NBA game on his 22 birthday, and the Rising Stars Game at the NBA All Star weekend in his rookie year. As well, she gives her thoughts on coping with the many critics that come with the fame and some advice for other moms of elite athletes. Iris is a fascinating woman and she ends our podcast telling us about her hopes for the future and the new organization she’s started “Woman Orchestrating Wealth – WOW” to help women recognize their strengths and become who they want to be. We loved having her and we know you will love hearing her story.

When her son was baptized, Iris James remembers something miraculous happened and she had a feeling that he was destined to do something special. Evan Turner, small forward with the Minnesota Timberwolves, certainly fulfilled that prophecy and today Evan’s mom, Iris, joins us to talk about him and his incredible journey. As a young child Evan faced many health issues. He fought back, worked hard and persevered and in his junior year at Ohio State he won every national player of the year award on his way to the NBA and stardom. Iris talks about the experiences she’s shared with her son including the many accolades he’s been awarded, the excitement of draft night, his first NBA game on his 22 birthday, and the Rising Stars Game at the NBA All Star weekend in his rookie year. As well, she gives her thoughts on coping with the many critics that come with the fame and some advice for other moms of elite athletes. Iris is a fascinating woman and she ends our podcast telling us about her hopes for the future and the new organization she’s started “Woman Orchestrating Wealth – WOW” to help women recognize their strengths and become who they want to be. We loved having her and we know you will love hearing her story.