Court-side moms

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.  

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.

“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”. 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.

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.