Court-Side Moms

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. 

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

As a mother who loves basketball as much as her children do, Sanciarhea shares her joy of navigating her kids to becoming professional basketball 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/  

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/

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 !!!

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/  

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/

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/  

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

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

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/  

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. Tyrese wanted to be coached by Cal and his heart was with Kentucky.  We learn how close-knit they are as a family - the decision process in selecting team Maxey, preparing for the draft and his first year as a pro.  Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/  

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 Lakers and later making his NBA debut with the Phoenix Suns on January 2nd, 2022. Kelly talks about how special it is to see her son living out his dream playing basketball.  Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/  

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 that come with making basketball your career. Even today, Natalie is still his #1 fan - you will find her at the game rocking all the Pistons gear and cheering on her son! Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/  

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 Secondary School for allowing us to use the facilities to film. Thank you Gus Gymnopoulos. As we celebrate Women's History Month we are excited and honoured to be featured in this week's episode of Open Gym premiering on Friday, March 11th. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/  

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/  

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/  

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/  

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/  

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/  

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 Atlanta Dream. Daynia talks us through the game of basketball and what coaching is all about.  Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/  

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

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 journey, how COVID impacted Jalen's experience compared to Jaden's and how both are now in the NBA living out their dreams, and how proud she is of her two boys. Follow - https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/  

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.” This was a philosophy instilled in Talen from a very young age. An opinionated, and loving parent - Shirley never forgets that she is Talen's mom first and he is always her first priority. Shirley makes a point that a lot of mom's struggle with, and a lot of children don't always appreciate, but she will be a mom forever, it doesn't matter if her child is grown, it is still her responsibility to be there and to be a mentor, a champion and a sounding board for her child. Knowing the role has, and will continue to, change as Talen goes through different stages in his career and life, means her role as mom needs to change and look different, but doesn't mean forgetting her responsibility. Lots of great lessons to be learned, and information for our sports moms out there, make sure you tune in to this inspiring and informative episode. Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/  

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/

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.

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 wavered on his goal, staying true to what he believed in. Alissa walks us through NBA Draft night and what a roller coaster of emotions it was for everyone. They were prepared for all outcomes and everything worked out the was it was suppose to.    

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 much that meant for him and his family. Why he ultimately transferred to San Diego State and how the NBA became a realistic goal for Malachi. We take a stroll down memory lane, sharing what the draft process was like during a pandemic and her thoughts on being drafted by an NBA team in an entirely new country. Kristi relives the special moment they got the call that he was drafted and then watched it live on TV. All the hard work and time had paid off. Malachi's first season with the team down in Tampa and the transition to Toronto for the Raptors return home. Kristi is a proud mom and still can't get used to seeing her son play in the NBA – it is just an incredible feeling.

The day is finally here and basketball is back in Toronto! We're celebrating the NBA's 75th birthday and Wendy's first trip to a Raptor's game not as a visitor but as a Raptor mom. Wendy is joined by Tidal League's CEO & Founder Kurt Benson to discuss it all. We also tease what we will be doing in Toronto as we record a very special Toronto Raptor's episode at the OVO Athletic Centre. Go Raptors!  

Dwyane Wade 3x NBA Champion, 13-time NBA All-Star, 8-time member of the All-NBA Team, and Olympic Gold Medalist - the list of accolades is endless. Widely considered as one of the best guards to ever play the game, he is a future Hall of Famer. Jolinda give us a completely different perspective of who Dwyane is from "moms" eyes. The man he's become and how proud she is of him. Words from Dwyane that stuck with Jolinda "we don't live in a perfect world, but we can create perfect moments." to this day he is constantly amazing Jolinda.   

Welcome Michelle Reed! We hear about Paul's early beginnings from the onset, all Paul knew was basketball from the earliest memories of him at 3 years old watching his dad practice. His first organized basketball experiences he dominated as if he was a man amongst boys. The costs associated with sports and the investment a parent makes both time and financial. College recruitment and the ultimate deciding factor with DePaul in the Big East and the time spent working on his craft to prepare him for the next level and hearing his name called in the 2020 NBA Draft. Rookie year impacted by covid, signing a 2-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and the work Paul put in to sign his first NBA standard NBA Contract. Paul's story is about resiliency and his fight to push the boundaries, his story is just getting started.

Diamond DeShields of the Chicago Sky was competitive from birth and had her older brother pushing her to excel. Coming from an athletic family she was naturally gifted with skill and passion. From her early love of baseball and tennis she moved to basketball at the age of 10 and excelled right from the jump. Diamond's goal and vision is to make a real impact for the next generation of young girls. We hear what it was like raising two professional athletes and the challenges that came along the way as well as get the inside scoop on Diamond being a WNBA All-Star who is now competing for a championship alongside Candace Parker.    

Fun facts with Melissa Pritchard we hear about Payton's favourite meal and more.

Melissa Pritchard talks about the amazing journey with her son, Boston Celtic Guard, Payton. From NBA Draft Night to learning from Kemba Walker and the entire Celtics organization; to his rituals, including his personal journal, we get an inside look into the life of the young rookie. We hear why his dad can't watch him shoot free throws and learn what the road ahead has in store.

With the script flipped we hear from our very own Court-side mom today in this special episode. Wendy talks us through the moment she knew Khem was signing with the Toronto Raptors to the events that followed. All the emotions, feeling, and support that she has felt. Officially dubbed the Raptor Mom from Raptor nation and having the torch passed from Kyle Lowry's mom Marie Hollaway. Wendy then answers the questions from the fans and gives us some insight of what to expect in the future.

WNBA star Megan Walker, picked up a basketball at the age of 5 and her mom Johnetta knew in that moment, basketball was her game. She enrolled Megan in a peewee league where she quickly outplayed both the boys and the other girls. Starting in 7th grade, Megan was in demand by college recruiters. Johnetta speaks on how she and the family looked at how decisions should be made and handling the stress along the way. Johnetta talks about the players who mentored Megan throughout the years, and what it was like playing at basketball powerhouse UConn. We hear about her choice to declare early for the WNBA draft and the lead up to draft night where she was chosen 9th overall by the New York Liberty.

In today's episode of Court-Side Moms, we welcome Tanya Powell-May, mother of Memphis Grizzlies forward Xavier Tillman! She tells us about his early beginnings as an athlete, what eventually led him to play for Tom Izzo at Michigan State, and all of his experiences playing college ball in his home state. She walks us through their COVID-19 NBA Draft experience, how basketball helped shape Xavier as a father and husband, and how proud she is of his progress as a man in overcoming adversity along his journey. We hear about his time with the Grizzlies, what it's been like watching him play in the NBA, and everything else that comes along with being a Court-Side Mom!

In today's episode of Court-Side Moms, we welcome Rochelle Johnson, mother of Team USA Olympian & San Antonio Spurs wing Keldon Johnson! She tells us all about the early days of Keldon's basketball career, from the first time he picked up a ball, to his time at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, and the stressful recruiting period that brought him to the Kentucky Wildcats. She walks us through Keldon's decision to leave Kentucky after one year, the emotions she had leading up to the NBA Draft, and why getting taken by the Spurs made for a perfect start to his career. We hear about Keldon's time at the Olympics with Team USA, how she dealt with him having COVID-19, and everything else that comes with being an NBA mom!

Our guest today has been described as one of the best basketball players the state of Iowa has ever seen.  Even with an outstanding career as her legacy, Kristi Hayes believes being the mom of NBA star Jaxson Hayes is the true miracle of her life.  At age 22 she survived ovarian cancer and wondered if she would ever be able to have children.  Drafted 8th Overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Kristi describes Jaxson's journey as a Cinderella story and tells us about the unlikely path he followed to make it to the NBA, from barely making it on his high school B team, through college ball, draft night, and playing with Zion Williamson. Kristi shares with us why she missed his first NBA game, what it's been like having him play for the New Orleans Pelicans, and what she's done to set the record straight about who Jaxson has inherited his talent from.

Our guest today has juggled many roles including the wife of former Utah Senator Al Jackson, mentor to moms everywhere on how to be leaders in their own home, and mother to Detroit Pistons point guard Frank Jackson. Juleen Jackson has many great stories to tell and Wendy digs in to learn more about her life, the journey her family has been on, the impact on their family as Frank made his way to the NBA, and who her son is both on and off the basketball court. From his decision to play college ball at Duke, how they chose an agent and why Frank made the choice to enter the NBA draft only one year later, to draft night and being selected 31st Overall by the Charlotte Hornets and quickly being traded to the Pelicans, Juleen tells us about the role of prayer and God in their family.  We talk about life in New Orleans, overcoming injury, recovering from surgery, watching him make his NBA debut, his fashion sense, and how his faith and upbringing have given him the strength to manage adversity and success.

In 2015, Jewell Loyd was drafted 1st Overall by the Seattle Storm of the WNBA and has never looked back. Her numerous awards include two WNBA championships (2018, 2020), Rookie of the Year (2015) and she's a two-time WNBA All-Star. One of her biggest fans is her mom, Gwendolyn Loyd and Jewell has been known to say she sees the glitter before she sees her mom walk into the room. Today on Court-Side Moms, we are joined by Gwendolyn and her glitter shines throughout the show. Gwendolyn takes us through her daughter's exceptional career, what it's been like to watch her thrive and succeed, how she manages the fame and spotlight, the experience of playing overseas, the shock of the death of Jewell's mentor, Kobe Bryant, and how his nickname for her, “The Gold Mamba” still inspires her. Jewell is a woman of many talents, and her mom talks about the impact of having dyslexia has had on Jewell, how she's overcome, her shot at acting, and if there is a future for her in Hollywood. Join us to hear what it's been like to be the Court-Side Mom of a WNBA superstar! 

From age 10, Jasmine Thomas of the Connecticut Sun excelled at the game of basketball. Today her mom, Sharon Thomas, joins us to share her daughter's story.   We talk about the experience of college recruitment, playing for the Duke Blue Devils, and being drafted 12the overall in 2011 by the Seattle Storm. Prior to her rookie year, she was traded to Washington, playing for the Mystics, the Atlanta Dream, and Connecticut where she's been since 2015.  We hear about the basketball journey that has taken her daughter around the world, from Russia to Israel and many other countries in between.  We talk about the impact of the pandemic on Jasmine's career, how she's gotten through it and continues to cope with the changing world including creating her own lifestyle blog. Sharon tells us about her own battle with breast cancer and what it's been like to watch Jasmine use her platform to raise awareness of the disease.  She shares some fun facts about Jasmine and so much more.   As well, tune in to the Tidal League Podcast wherever you listen to hear our episode with Jasmine herself.

Our guest today, Lolita Ariza, mother of NBA veteran, Trevor Ariza, joins the show to talk about her son's journey through the NBA.  She tells us about the first time Trevor picked up a basketball, why he chose UCLA during his college recruitment and takes us through a number of his stops around the NBA. She tells us why he doesn't get enough credit for his play during the Los Angeles Lakers' 2008-09 Championship run.  We talk about how she prioritized her and her son's careers, and why she's always pursuing new opportunities like writing a book and opening a restaurant. We go through the Court-Side Moms fun facts and she tells us all about being a Court-Side Mom.

We The North! Raptor fans tap in with Freddie Gillespie's mom, Alberder Gillespie on Locker Room App!

It's been said that Toronto Raptor Freddie Gillespie did the impossible going from Division III basketball to the NBA. His mom, Alberder Gillespie, says it's all about faith, and today she joins Court-Side Moms to tell us about his incredible journey, her belief in her son, and his future in the NBA.   Freddie began as a football player, falling in love with basketball in junior high.  Starting out in Division III ball at Carleton, his determination and talent led him to Baylor College and Alberder tells us how he achieved success, the disappointments along the way, including not hearing his name called as he went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, the impact of the pandemic on his career and his life and how he went from playing for the Memphis Hustle in the G League to a contract with the Toronto Raptors in 2021. We talk about lessons learned when choosing an agent, how she's shared her experiences with other parents, why she's thrilled his NBA experience is beginning with the Raptors, and what she'd like Raptor fans to know about her and Freddie.  We hear about Alberder's involvement in politics, and how the murder of George Floyd was the catalyst that pushed her to up her game in her fight against racism.

Our guest today, Lynnita Bazley, mother of Darius Bazley, forward with the Oklahoma City Thunder, joins the show to talk about her son's unorthodox journey to the NBA, including a decision to pursue the NBA G League instead of college, and an internship with one of the most iconic shoe brands, New Balance.  She talks about the first time Darius picked up a basketball and how that turned into a realization that he could one day turn professional. She takes us through Darius' abnormal career path, including the process of committing and de-committing to colleges, his intentions to play in the NBA G League instead, and an internship with New Balance.  We talk about ‘Swish', the book she wrote about raising Darius, her experience at the NBA Draft Night, his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder organization, and what life is like for her as a Court-Side Mom!

Pregnant at 19, our guest today, Tyneeha Rivers, mother of Mikal Bridges, starting guard with the Phoenix Suns, talks about what it was like to face motherhood at such a young age, how her determination to be a success changed her life and what she's done to ensure her son had what it took to also be successful, overcoming the negativity and the challenges to rise to the top in the world of elite athletes.   As a Chief Human Resources officer for over 20 years, her focus now is player recruitment and Tyneeha describes herself as a “culture builder” creating an environment where employees thrive and can be their best authentic selves.  She talks about how her skillset helped her and Mikal decide on a college career with the Villanova Wildcats, where he won two national championships, before declaring and being chosen 10th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the 76ers, their home team, and the emotional rollercoaster when he was traded to the Suns that same night. We talk about when Mikal redshirted in college through to the excitement and drama of draft night and now seeing him play in the NBA, guarding players like Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James.  Wendy and Tyneeha talk about their sisterhood of NBA moms, the support they give to one another, and what it's like to be a Court-Side Mom.

Today we are joined by Cecelia Powers, mom of WNBA star Aerial Powers of the Minnesota Lynx. From age 3, Aerial had a passion for basketball and success has followed her throughout her career. She led her high school, Detroit Country Day, to four consecutive regional championships, had an outstanding college career playing for the Spartans at Michigan State University, and was chosen by the Dallas Wings as the fifth overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft.  Throughout it all, Cecelia talks about the injuries, the highlights, and challenges, how her daughter remains strong both physically and mentally.  She shares with us the excitement of draft night when Aerial’s dream came true and she began her professional career, receiving her jersey from the Wings, her deal with Nike, the trade to Washington, and the road to the WNBA Championship in 2019. We talk about playing overseas in the off-season, and as an unrestricted free agent, why she chose to sign with the Minnesota Lynx.   Cecelia talks about her daughter’s love of gaming and her involvement in e-sports, signing with Team Liquid, becoming their Streamer and Diversity Ambassador, and her goal to empower women as streamers within this platform. 

When our guest today’s son, Orlando Magic shooting guard Gary Harris, was 9 years old he had a sign in his bedroom that said “What did you do to make it to the NBA today?”. Former WNBA player Joy Harris joins our podcast and tells us how this inspiration led Gary on his journey to the NBA and we talk about her own basketball career and what it’s been like having her son follow in her footsteps.   Athletics are in his genes and Gary excelled in both football and basketball. Joy shares with us how the decision was made to focus on basketball, his high school years, college recruitment, playing for Michigan State and Spartan Nation, being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and at 19-years-old, declaring after only two years in college. Joy tells us about NBA draft night where Gary was selected in the first round by the Chicago Bulls and then traded to the Denver Nuggets, as well as the challenges he faced in his rookie season.  We talk about the difference between her career and her son’s and the lessons she’s learned and shared with Gary.