For most collegiate athletes, parents are their biggest fans, but for some Skidmore College teams they provide much more.
Over the years, parent support groups for some of Skidmore’s intercollegiate teams have been providing student-athletes with postgame meals, both at home and on the road, help with fundraising, a supportive fan base wherever they play, and a chance to develop relationships within the program.
While most parents do whatever they can to support their children, it is not always easy. Parents of athletes give up a lot of time for their children’s programs, but are also able to enjoy many benefits of their own and appreciation from the athletes. One of the toughest jobs is keeping in touch with all the parents and making sure everybody is in the loop. “I think the biggest benefit is establishing a camaraderie among the parents and particularly making sure the new parents feel welcome,” said Ken and Julie Webb, parents of hockey senior Chris Webb. “With such a diverse group, it makes the season much more enjoyable when everyone is on the same page.”
The appreciation these parents have for the bonds they’ve formed with each other is clear to see. “Our initial experience as parents of a college athlete gave us an appreciation for any and all efforts that were made to help families not only connect with one another but get to know our son’s friends and teammates,” said Tom and Joanne Levesque, parents of lacrosse junior Matt Levesque and 2009 graduate Tom Levesque.
Women’s soccer representative Tracy Anderson believes the gatherings are important for many reasons. “The organization becomes self-rewarding through the bonds and relationships that are established from everyone participating and assisting with the experience, both on and off the field,” said Anderson, mother of soccer junior Lindsay Schmitt. “Each gathering helps players and families feel more and more welcome, and the team truly grows as an extended family as a result.”
The “family” aspect of a team can be an essential part of its ability to succeed. “We consider the team and all those associated with it to be part of the Skidmore women’s soccer family, and the parents’ group has helped to create that family,” said Coach Sarah Cooper Raymond.
The players are grateful for all the parents do for them—and not just the free food. “It’s a great feeling to know that a large group of parents will be there supporting the team and me at almost every game,” senior lacrosse player Alex Giaimo said. “When parents drive three-plus hours to come watch our games, we know that all the sacrifice we put into lacrosse is well worth it.” And when parents travel to away games, they can help eliminate the opponent’s home-field advantage. “I truly believe that at times we have more fans on the road than the home team does,” said men’s lacrosse coach Jack Sandler. “Our parents have traveled great distances even for midweek games to support their student-athletes.”
Skidmore teams owe a large part of their successes to the players’ parents who volunteer their time, services and support. No wonder Thoroughbred coaches are looking to expand parent support groups to all teams in the future, and to continue to strengthen the existing groups.