Superheroes On and Off the Field
Moms should be celebrated every day. They are our biggest supporters, inspirations, best friends, and confidants, all in one spectacular human. Some moms, like the ones highlighted in this article, share a unique quality within motherhood - they are professional athletes.
Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan is a renowned soccer player and a superstar in her field. Having won two World Cup titles and participated in three Olympic events, including a gold medal win in 2012, she is considered one of the greatest of all time. On May 7, 2020, Alex added another title to her list of accomplishments as she became a mother, welcoming her daughter, Charlie, into the world. In 2024, Alex shared with People Magazine how Charlie has improved her life both on and off the field. In a 2024 People Magazine Article, Alex discussed how Charlie's presence brings her a sense of peace, allows her to view the sport from a different perspective, and even helps her forget about bad plays or matches. Alex's love for Charlie is evident in how she prioritizes her; she even took her along to London when she played for Tottenham. Sounds like one badass mom to me!
Allyson Felix
One woman possesses these three insane accomplishments:
Being the most decorated track and field athlete
Having seven Olympic gold medals
Breaking one of Usain Bolt's records
Her name? Allyson Felix. Throughout her entire career, Allyson proved she's a force to be reckoned with, and in 2017, she continued pushing her limits even when she became pregnant with her daughter, Camryn.
Allyson's story is one of strength, resilience, and love, as she developed pre-eclampsia and had an emergency c-section at 32 weeks. Camryn went on to spend a month in the NICU. Allyson juggled motherhood, running, and contract negotiation with Nike, who slashed her pay by 70% post-pregnancy.
In 2022, Allyson hung up her competitive shoes and focused solely on her family. Recently, Allyson welcomed her second child, Kenneth. Allyson's grit, determination, and love for herself, her family, and her sport are nothing short of inspiring!
Kerri Walsh Jennings
On the sand, Kerri is known as the most decorated Olympic beach volleyball player; off the sand, she's known as mom. Nonetheless, she's a rock star. Kerri is the mom of two boys, Joseph and Sundance, and a daughter, Scout. In her 2008 Olympic appearance, she played pregnant with Joseph, and she played pregnant with Scout during the 2012 Olympics. When Kerri welcomed her firstborn, Joseph, Kerri's priorities shifted. She shares that life became less about winning and more about doing your best and enjoying the journey. Her family, which includes her husband and coach, Casey, is everything to her. Since retiring in 2023, Kerri has enjoyed every moment with her family, both on and off the sand.
Candace Parker
Candace Parker has her own starting five - Candace, Anna, her wife, Lailaa, 14, Airr, 22 months, and another player debuting this spring! Candace and her daughter Lailaa have an extra special bond, as Candace revealed how Lailaa inspired her to live her most authentic life, becoming the inspiration behind Candace's coming out and helped her find her wife, Anna. She has discovered a source of inspiration and motivation from not only her children but also because of them. They play a crucial role in her strength, happiness, and success on the court. Candace recently announced her retirement from playing basketball, and she will soon transition from being a boss on the court to being a boss at Adidas. She will serve as Adidas' President of Women's Basketball!