Court-side moms

Court-side Moms has the pleasure of meeting Carrie Malecke mom of Brian Bowen, better known as Tugs, who plays in the NBA for the Indiana Pacers.

Carrie’s journey to the Court-side Moms studio was fraught with obstacles but her upbeat and can do attitude got her here to beautiful Nova Scotia. Joins us to hear how that same determination and resilience  helped her son overcome the disappointment of going undrafted in 2019.  “This little ball can take you thousands of miles”.  Believing in this dream her son traveled those miles back from playing for the Sydney Kings of the  Australian NBL to his high school state of Indiana for his chance at NBA stardom when 24 hours after draft day he was offered a two-way contract with the Pacers. As his “momager” Carrie talks about the challenges of playing duel roles in her sons life helping him figure out how to navigate centre court and all it entails and managing the instincts that come from always wanting to protect her son.

Court-side Moms Wendy speaks with Nicole Alexander, mother of Canadian-born NBA star Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a first round draft pick in 2019 who plays with the New Orleans Pelicans and the aunt of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a first round draft pick in 2018 who plays with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Many moms can relate to Nickeil’s start in basketball at the age of 2 when his mom bought him his first Fisher-Price Basketball and net. It was the start of a lifelong passion for Nickeil and at a young age, he declared for the draft.   Join us to hear Nicole talk about what it was like for her and her son as she discusses draft night and how hearing her son's name called was the highlight and privilege of her life.  Nicole shares with us stories of the kind young man she's raised and how that kindness has impacted the lives around him.  She also talks about the challenges she’s faced having a son and a nephew that are such public figures and how she's learned to balance the good and the bad of social media.  The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo this coming summer is another highlight of the interview and both Wendy and Nicole talk about their sons’ dream to potentially play for Team Canada.  With Canada having the highest number of NBA players of all time and the most ever for a country outside the United States the moms share their thoughts on our shot at the gold medal and the excitement of being a part of it.

Our host, Wendy Sparks, recently spent time with Ronda Burke, mother of Trey Burke,  guard in the NBA.  Join us as we hear Trey’s basketball story which began from the time he could walk, on a court in his grandfathers’ backyard, following in his father’s footsteps, who played college basketball at Northwest Missouri State.  Drafted 9th in the 2013 draft, Ronda talks about the exciting but nerve racking experience of draft night and the joy of hearing Trey’s name called out.   With so many friends and family who believed in him, Ronda tells the story of chartering a bus and naming it “Road to the NBA draft” so all could be there wearing  t-shirts with “his village runs deep” written on them and cheering him on.    Wendy explores with Ronda the perils of tuning into social media and how she and her family have learned to deal with the negativity including how Trey’s faith helps him stay focused and grounded.  We are also given the opportunity to learn more about Ronda’s launch of the “Mom Knows Best” luncheon and panel discussion.  This event brings together sports moms, dads, coaches and mentors providing them an opportunity to network, discuss challenges they have faced in raising a child in today’s sports world and gain knowledge and advice from each other.  This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

This week, Court-side Moms hosts Lisa Green, mother of Isaiah Austin, an NBA first round prospect who days before the 2014 draft was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, a rare disorder affecting his heart and instantly ending his NBA dream. In this very moving and inspiring episode we hear about this remarkable 7’1” AAU star and how he has coped with adversity in his young life. “You can make this your excuse or you can make it your story”. Join us as Lisa shares how these words from mother to son helped inspire Isaiah to make this his story, to pick himself back up, get through his darkest days and come out stronger and more determined than ever to be a success and continue to play the game he loves and be a force on the court. We hope you find this very special episode as powerful as we did – a story of perseverance, determination and a mother’s strength and unwavering love.

Court-side Moms where host, Wendy Sparks, had the opportunity to talk with Charmaine Marcial, mother of Canadian born British Basketball League star Nick Lewis of the Sheffield Sharks.  At age seven his talent was obvious but Nick’s story is not the usual road to the NBA.  From the beginning, Nick’s dream has differed from many other young basketball talents.  Hear how he chose not to declare, walked away from the NCAA and decided to go pro at the young age of 19.  Charmaine talks about the struggles as a parent between wanting to support her son’s dream while wanting what was best for him and learning to trust his instincts as he chose to represent himself for most of his pro basketball career.  We hear about the unconventional path Nick has followed and what that has meant for him and his family, the thrill of seeing her child on the big stage and the pride that comes with it both on and off the court.  Wendy explores with Charmaine Nick’s aspirations which go beyond playing basketball and talks with her about the “Make It Work” organization, a mentorship program started by Nick, that “gives youth chances in life through the guidance of those who have faced similar circumstances”.   Join us to hear more about this exceptional young man and the woman who raised him.

Court-side Moms, host Wendy Sparks chats with Georgia Mitrou, mother of Canadian NBA star Naz Mitrou-Long who is on a two way contract with the Indiana Pacers. As a young boy playing basketball against boys twice his size, his parents saw his talent and gave Naz the opportunity to see what might happen.  What happened was a lifelong fascination with the sport and Georgia shares how this love of the game has guided his career.  Georgia talks about the power of college basketball and the fame and adoration that comes with playing in the NCAA. Going undrafted on draft night was exceptionally disappointing and we hear how her son handled it with grace and the determination to keep going and pursue his dream to make it to the NBA.  We also hear about Georgia’s other son, Elijah, who plays for University of Nevada, Las Vegas and how the competitive nature of the two brothers has inspired them to achieve great “heights” while always standing by one another.    Tune in to hear Wendy explore with Georgia how she has guided and supported her sons through this extraordinary journey. Fun fact – Naz and Elijah are two of ten siblings!

Produced by Tidal League

Court-side Moms, Wendy hosts Monica Baldwin, mother of Vanderbilt star and current EuroLeague guard Wade Baldwin IV.  Monica, a former FBI agent, shares her experiences and insights from the time Wade was a child playing at the local YMCA to NBA draft night - the emotion of seeing her son on the draft stage – waiting to see if and when he would get picked and the unbelievable moment when his name was called and he walked across the stage.  Wendy explores with Monica the wide range of emotions experienced from  the excitement of playing in the NBA, the disappointment of being sent down to the G League, being traded to three teams in two days and then released and the impact this has on an athlete’s psyche and self-worth.  Now playing in Greece, Monica shares her hopes and dreams for her son and his future in the NBA and beyond. “Everyone is wowed by the allure of fame and fortune” – hear how her son has stayed grounded and how they have negotiated the business of basketball while helping Wade find his place within it.  

Produced by Tidal League

Court-side Moms comes live from Centre Court at Amway Centre, home of the Orlando Magic.  Today, host Wendy Sparks interviews Shelly Davis Gordon, mother of the Magic’s Aaron Gordon, along with Aaron’s sister, Elise Gordon who plays the important role of his brand manager and agent. Hear Shelly share stories of her “ball obsessed” child and how Aaron’s determination, grit and passion for the game led him to the NBA.   Shelly and Elise talk about their experiences in the world of professional sports and the emotional roller coaster of the highs of draft night and lows of career threatening injuries and everything in between.  We explore what this has meant for them and how their desire to give back has led to the establishment of the Gordon Family Giving Foundation and Aaron’s ultimate desire to run his own school based on the LeBron James “I Can” Academy.  As his agent, Elise talks about the challenges in filtering out the negative distractions which come with the star power of being a professional athlete.  As his “groupie blocker” she sees herself as his number one protector.   Stay tuned for this “Magic” moment!

Leisa Washington, shares what it’s like to be a female agent in the male dominated world of professional basketball.  Leisa,  Canada’s first NBA/WNBA player agent talks about the adversity she faces and the fine line she walks, striving to be true to herself and prove she is an equal in a playing field dominated by men.  She shares her insights into what it takes to succeed in such an environment, the importance of authenticity and how the agency she serves as Vice President of, Serving Athletes with Integrity Sports Management, helps their clients reach their potential both on and off the court.    While Leisa entered into this journey to become a WNBA agent, because of her daughter Dakota’s talent on the court, she explores with host Wendy Sparks, how her goals have grown and evolved  and how she has become a champion for increased equality and equity for women in sports. 

Welcome to Court-side Moms, we meet Edith Bennett, the mom of 2013 first overall draft pick Anthony Bennett.  The 6’8” superstar had the world at his feet the night of June 27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.  He was the first Canadian to be drafted number one overall and his future in basketball seemed secure.  What followed were years of disappointments, multiple trades and one last chance with the Houston Rockets.  Tune in to hear about Anthony’s incredible journey from the perspective of his mother and how she has managed to cope with highs and lows of her son’s career while raising her three children as a single mother working two jobs.  We also hear about the origins of MOPAA – Mothers of Professional Athletes Association, established to provide support and encouragement to other mothers and their children as they travel into the world of professional sports.