More Than Just a Game: Friendship and Motherhood Collide at NCAA Tournament
The hardwood of the NCAA Tournament is often a battlefield, a place where dreams are realized and crushed with equal measure. This Saturday, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the No. 6 Florida State Seminoles, led by Coach Brooke Wyckoff, will face the No. 11 George Mason Patriots, coached by Vanessa Blair-Lewis, in a first-round matchup. While the stakes are high, a deeper narrative exists beyond the scoreline, a story of friendship, shared challenges, and the inspiring intersection of motherhood and coaching.
This game isn’t just about surviving and advancing in the tournament; it’s about two women who understand each other’s journey, navigating the demanding worlds of competitive basketball and raising families. "She’s a friend of mine," Wyckoff said of Blair-Lewis, emphasizing the genuine connection they share. "We’ve known each other for a while, and I have so much respect for her as a person, as a mom, and as a coach."
Blair-Lewis, in her fourth season at George Mason, has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Her leadership culminated in the Patriots’ first March Madness appearance and A10 Conference Championship in program history. This achievement is especially significant considering the team won only three games the season before her arrival. Her success has earned her recognition as a finalist for the Mid-Major Coach of the Year award, cementing her reputation as a program builder and a force to be reckoned with.
Wyckoff, despite the competitive nature of the tournament, holds deep admiration for Blair-Lewis’s accomplishments. "I love what she’s done," Wyckoff stated, acknowledging Blair-Lewis’s consistent success. "She’s built a really solid basketball team and program, and she’s done that everywhere she’s been."
The bond between Wyckoff and Blair-Lewis extends beyond mutual respect for each other’s coaching abilities. It’s rooted in a shared understanding of the unique demands and rewards of being a mother in a profession that often requires relentless dedication and long hours. This understanding inspired Wyckoff to create "Moms in Coaching" in 2015, while serving as an assistant coach at Florida State. Co-founded with current North Florida head coach Erika Lambert, the organization seeks to support and connect women navigating the dual roles of coach and mother.
"Moms in Coaching" has grown exponentially since its inception. What started as a small gathering has evolved into a significant network, with annual meetings at the Final Four drawing upwards of 80 women. The organization also boasts a substantial online presence, with 1,600 followers across X and Instagram, providing a platform for connection and support beyond the annual meeting.
Wyckoff articulates the organization’s mission with passion. "This group brings together women in the coaching profession who are also mothers, or who aspire to be mothers, providing a space to discuss the unique demands and rewards of balancing these two challenging roles," she explained.
The impact of "Moms in Coaching" extends beyond its annual meeting and social media presence. Wyckoff and Lambert also host the highly-rated "Moms in Coaching" podcast, further amplifying their message and providing a platform for open and honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of being a coaching mother. Blair-Lewis herself is a regular guest on the podcast, sharing her experiences and insights with the broader community.
Blair-Lewis is a powerful voice and advocate for women in coaching and for the ability to have both a fulfilling career and a family. "We’re trying to show players that you can have it all," Blair-Lewis stated, encapsulating the core message of "Moms in Coaching." "You can be a great wife. You can be a great mom, and you can still be a great leader and a coach." Her words resonate with players and coaches alike, offering a counter-narrative to the often-perceived limitations placed on women in demanding professions.
"Moms in Coaching" fosters a crucial support network, providing a safe space for members to share their experiences, both as mothers and coaches. This shared understanding creates a foundation of respect and empathy, allowing women to connect on a deeper level. The organization recognizes that the challenges of balancing these roles are often invisible to those outside the community.
"Even when we coach against each other, you don’t see the kids there, necessarily," Wyckoff observed. "You don’t know until you really sit down and talk. You realize, Wow, there are a lot of women out there doing this." This realization fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, empowering women to navigate the demanding landscape of coaching with greater confidence and resilience.
As Wyckoff looks across the court on Saturday night, she won’t just see an opposing coach. She will see a fellow mother, a friend, and a woman who embodies the spirit of "Moms in Coaching." Wyckoff understands the dedication and sacrifice required to excel in both coaching and motherhood.
"Coaching is a very demanding job, and being a mom is also very demanding," Wyckoff explained. "How those two marry, and how those things work together, it’s an amazing thing to be a mom and a coach."
This Saturday’s game is more than just a basketball game. It’s a testament to the power of friendship, the challenges and rewards of motherhood, and the inspiring stories of women who are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to have it all. While the competition will be fierce, the underlying respect and admiration between Wyckoff and Blair-Lewis will undoubtedly be palpable, a reminder that even in the heat of battle, shared experiences and a commitment to supporting one another can transcend the game itself. The game between Florida State and George Mason offers a unique opportunity to celebrate women’s leadership, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of both professional and personal fulfillment.
