Getting the lineup ready…

I’m Michaela. My husband and I, high school sweethearts, have three amazing children. We live in Hanford, a small Central Valley town where parents volunteer to coach so kids can play. When I did my daughter’s hair wrong before a cheer game, another mom jumped in to fix it. Sometimes all it takes is another mom to be your village.

I never played sports growing up, so I want my kids to try everything. Aria, 7, is shining in cheer. Alaia, 5, was made for soccer. Mason, 2, is next.

Sports have taught them teamwork, adaptability, and emotional control. When Aria’s team was about to forfeit, Alaia jumped in against older girls with her head held high, because she loves playing and loves her sister.

Sports have brought our family closer. My kids are spending these years doing what they love, and that’s all I could ask for.

We’re a family of three in the Bronx, a mom and two girls, proudly repping the Mets in Yankees territory. In May 2025, the girls’ father passed away from cancer. He loved baseball, and I know he’d be their biggest fan.

My youngest, Addisen, is 8 and full of energy and creativity. Because of ADHD and a learning disability, she’s often told her energy needs to be “controlled.” On the softball field, that energy becomes her superpower: hustle, quick thinking, teamwork, and confidence. Angelique has learned to speak up for herself and that mistakes are okay. She simply tries again.

In our apartment, softball gives them room to move, release stress, be loud, laugh, cry, and be completely themselves. Our village of grandparents, extended family, and our softball family holds us up. As a single mom, I can’t always provide everything alone. Sports have given my girls friendships, mentors, discipline, and a community that believes in them.

We’re a close-knit family in Katy, Texas. I’m from Tennessee and my husband is from Georgia, so our kids are being raised on faith, hard work, and looking out for each other. Micah is 11, and his best friend is his brother Myles, who’s 10.

Micah’s love for football started in our open field, playing with his dad and brothers. His dad taught him that talent doesn’t mean much unless you believe in yourself and put in the work.

Micah’s character is what truly makes him special. When challenged to step into the quarterback role, he chose to lead, encourage his teammates, and put the team first, even when things felt unfair. Instead of tearing others down, he continued to show respect, resilience, and a positive attitude. Micah is learning that true leadership means doing what’s right, lifting others up, and showing up even when it’s hard. We’re so proud of the young man he’s becoming…Our Playmaker!

He was just named MVP and Homecoming King. When he loses, he says, “I have another chance to do it different.” That’s Micah.

We live in Yukon, Oklahoma, with our three kids. Our girls, Teyannah (10) and Ta’Myah (9), both play softball, and Ta’Myah is the one who got her big sister into it.

Money has been tight at times, and we worried Ta’Myah wouldn’t be able to keep playing. Every Kid Sports helped make it possible. That meant she could stay on the field with her team and her sister.

Ta’Myah is usually quiet. But after a tough loss, she stood up and told her team, “We get better and better each and every day!” We didn’t see that coming.

Teyannah had an unexpected seizure and was diagnosed with epilepsy. It was scary for all of us, but it never took away her love for the game. She still shows up, works hard, and shakes off her mistakes.

One found her voice. The other kept going when things got hard. They’re both our Playmakers.

My daughter is 12 and has hit eight home runs this season between her travel and rec softball teams. She’s a catcher and outfielder, but she’ll play wherever the team needs her.

What I’m proudest of, though, is how she treats people. She’s loud in the dugout, she cheers for everyone, and she’s usually the one comforting a teammate after a bad play. She helps the other catchers too, lends them her gear, and even tells them her “secrets.” She figures if they get better, the whole team gets better.

She plays volleyball and runs track. She’s the second-fastest girl around here, and the girl in first is one of her friends. She wants that spot, but she’s happy for her friend too.

I’m a single mom, so her shoes and gear aren’t always new. She’s never complained. She just puts them on and plays hard.

She’s my Player of the Year.