Kathy Caldwell, now McVey, and I were teammates and friends growing up in Aurora. We played softball and volleyball together. We were both setters, short and scrappy and willing to do whatever it took to win.

Now she's a teacher in Bentonville, Arkansas, a mother of two girls and married to her high school sweetheart, Eric. They have been together for more than 20 years, married for 14, and now they raise their family about an hour and a half from our hometown, where her parents still live. 

I was grateful to get to talk with Kathy about how growing up in athletics shaped both of us, and how the pursuit of sporting excellence continues to play a large part of her family's life. I also got to hear how our terrible behavior during our fourth grade year influences how she is a fourth grade teacher today.

Each week, I make a donation to a nonprofit of choice selected by the student, and this week, that organization is Bright Futures Aurora, a program that helps the Aurora School District support low income families with things like clothing, school supplies and toiletries. You can find out more at facebook.com/BrightFutures.Aurora.

This week’s episode is sponsored by The Feminist Kitchen on Substack, a weekly newsletter from me, Addie Broyles. I write a little about everything, parenting, travel, my tarot work and becoming an entrepreneur, and yes, food. You can read sample posts and sign up at thefeministkitchen.substack.com/subscribe. 

Do you want to sponsor an upcoming episode of “Class Reunion”? Individual and business sponsorships are available at [email protected]. 

Don’t forget that I’ll be giving away two tasting kits from Askinosie Chocolates at the end of August, so hop on over to the Patreon page to sign up at patreon.com/classreunionpodcast.