Professional Athletes Who Are Moms (and How They Got Their Start in Sports)
At i9 Sports®, we believe every child’s journey in sports starts with a single step, or maybe a first swing, kick, or dribble. What’s inspiring is that even the world’s greatest athletes began exactly the same way: as kids trying something new, having fun, and building confidence along the way.
Today, many professional athletes are not only champions in their sport, but also champions at home as moms. Their stories are powerful reminders that youth sports can spark a lifelong love of the game and help shape strong, resilient people.
Whether they are pro athletes or sideline supporters, moms have a huge impact on kids and their love for sports and being active.
Here are a few incredible professional athletes who are moms, and how their journeys began.
Serena Williams – Tennis Legend
Few athletes have changed their sport like Serena Williams. But her journey started simply: hitting tennis balls on public courts in Compton, California with her sister Venus. Guided by her father and fueled by passion, Serena developed her skills from a young age.
Today, as a mom to her daughter Olympia, Serena often talks about balancing motherhood and competition and showing her child what strength and determination look like in real life.
Takeaway for kids: Big dreams can start on any court, field, or backyard.
Alex Morgan – Soccer Star
Alex Morgan, a World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, first fell in love with soccer as a kid in California. She didn’t join a competitive club team until her early teens, proving it’s never too late to start and a childhood without club sports can provide a great foundation.
Now a mom, Morgan has returned to elite competition after pregnancy, inspiring families everywhere with her commitment and resilience.
Takeaway for kids: Whether you start at age 5 or 14, passion and persistence matter most.
Skylar Diggins-Smith – WNBA Leader
Skylar Diggins-Smith grew up playing basketball in Indiana, where her talent and work ethic stood out early. From youth leagues to college stardom and the WNBA, her journey shows the power of consistent development.
As a mom, she’s been open about the challenges of balancing professional sports and family life while continuing to compete at a high level.
Takeaway for kids: Hard work and support systems help you grow both on and off the court.
Kerri Walsh Jennings – Beach Volleyball Champion
Kerri Walsh Jennings is one of the most decorated beach volleyball players of all time—but like many great athletes, her journey started with simply trying different sports as a kid. Growing up in California, she played a variety of sports before focusing on volleyball in high school, where her height, athleticism, and competitive spirit quickly stood out.
She went on to play indoor volleyball at Stanford University, helping lead her team to a national championship before transitioning to beach volleyball—where she became a three-time Olympic gold medalist.
What makes Walsh Jennings’ story even more inspiring is that she competed at the highest level while becoming a mom of three. In fact, she famously won an Olympic gold medal while pregnant, showing incredible determination and love for the sport.
Today, she continues to advocate for youth sports, often emphasizing the importance of letting kids explore, have fun, and develop at their own pace—values that align closely with the i9 Sports® philosophy.
Takeaway for kids: Trying multiple sports and having fun early on can help you discover what you love—and where you shine.
Candace Parker – WNBA MVP & Champion
Candace Parker was introduced to basketball at a young age, growing up in a family of athletes. She quickly stood out, becoming one of the top high school players in the country before starring at the University of Tennessee and entering the WNBA.
As a mom, Parker has continued to excel at the highest level, even bringing her daughter along for parts of her basketball journey. She often speaks about the importance of showing kids what dedication and confidence look like in action.
Takeaway for kids: Early exposure, strong role models, and love for the game can take you far.
Why These Stories Matter for Young Athletes
Every one of these athletes started where your child is now: learning the basics, making friends, and building confidence. At i9 Sports®, we focus on creating a fun, encouraging environment where kids can explore different sports without pressure.
Because the goal isn’t just to create future professionals: it’s to help kids fall in love with being active, trying new things, and growing as individuals.
And who knows? Today’s first practice could be the start of something amazing. Find a youth sports league near you and get started!
About the Author
KATHRYN MARTIN
DIRECTOR of brand marketing, communications & Enablement, i9 Sports®
Kathryn Martin serves as the Director of Brand Marketing, Communications and Enablement at i9 Sports®, where she leads initiatives that strengthen the brand, support franchisees, and connect families to youth sports.
She oversees marketing strategy, communications, and enablement programs that help ensure every community has access to high-quality, life-changing sports experiences for kids.
Kathryn grew up in Lancaster, South Carolina, where she developed a lifelong passion for working with people and supporting youth in her community.
Her commitment to helping children succeed continues to guide her work at i9 Sports®.
She earned a degree in Mass Communications from Winthrop University and completed an international internship in Dublin, Ireland, with the country’s leading multicultural newspaper, where she interviewed and wrote stories highlighting diverse individuals and communities.
Kathryn has spent several years working in marketing within the franchising industry, where she developed expertise in brand development, marketing strategy, and franchise support. She is passionate about building meaningful brands, strengthening connections with communities, and helping organizations grow through thoughtful storytelling and strategic marketing.
Outside of work, Kathryn served as a marketing board member for the Women’s Industry Network (WIN), a board member of Charlotte’s Cystic Fibrosis organization, where she was named the 2022 STANDOUT recipient, and a board member of Charlotte’s Associates Board of Ambassadors (ABOA) for the American Cancer Society.
Kathryn and her husband, a football coach, share a passion for youth development and the role sports can play in building character, confidence, and leadership in young athletes.
Publications
Kathryn’s writing was published in Metro Éireann, formerly Ireland’s leading multicultural newspaper. During her internship in Dublin, she interviewed and wrote stories highlighting diverse voices and cultural perspectives. Some of her published work includes:
- “Globetrotting Glaswegian Pauline McKerrall Doesn’t Put Boundaries on Herself”
- “Ireland Gives a Sense of Home Across the Miles”
- “Tara Flynn’s One-Woman Show Shines Light on Life’s Darkest Situations”
