Conflict in sports is inevitable—but how we handle it makes all the difference. This week on MOMs Running Point, we're joined by Dr. Jen Fry from Jen Fry Talks to break down why conflict arises between athletes, parents, and teammates—and what we can do about it. Dr. Jen Fry (she/her) is a Sports Geographer, tech founder, TEDx speaker, and sought-after speaker and educator. She owns JenFryTalks, an organizational change firm that sits at the intersection of conflict and culture.

From sideline tensions to team dynamics, we dive into the root causes of conflict and how myths, expectations and lack of guidance can escalate situations quickly. Dr. Jen Fry shares powerful insights on how athletes can practice assertiveness, communicate effectively, and approach coaches in a way that builds understanding—not more conflict.

Learn how to:
Navigate tough conversations with confidence
why you should Support your athlete and not take over
Turn conflict into growth opportunities

This is a must-listen for every sports parent and athlete striving for healthier, stronger team environments and what every parent "says" when they sign their kid up for sports, its for personal development.

Listen now and take the first step toward better communication and stronger relationships on and off the field.

GET JEN'S BOOK HERE: https://jenfrytalks.com/book/

#MOMsRunningPoint #AthleteConflict #SportsParenting #TeamCulture #Leadership #CommunicationSkills

MOMs Running Point is back and Season 3 kicks off with Sports MOM Goals 2026. In this episode, host Tawa Dortch revisits the importance of setting goals—not just for our athletes, but for ourselves as sports moms.

Instead of covering multiple goals, Tawa dives deep into one unexpected and challenging goal: training for her first full marathon. What began as a personal challenge quickly became a powerful lesson in discipline, consistency, recovery, coachability, and grit—modeled in real time for the athlete watching from the sidelines.

Through honest stories, humor, and reflection, this episode reminds moms that our kids are watching how we handle hard things. Setting goals isn't about perfection—it's about showing up, pushing through, and leading by example.

Because the sports mom journey isn't a sprint—it's a marathon.

Somewhere between sign-ups, try outs, and endless tournaments, the fun we once felt at our kids' games can quietly slip away — and sometimes, without realizing it, we Sports MOMS help it happen.

In this episode of MOMs Running Point, I share a personal "sideline face" wake-up call, the surprising difference I felt watching a friend's child play, and why that matters for our own kids' joy.

We'll break down three ways we might be unintentionally adding pressure — turning sports into a job, showing up with unspoken expectations, and making every game feel like the "only chance" for their future. Then, we'll flip it around with three practical ways to put the fun back in the game — for them and for us. Because when joy takes the lead, everybody wins.

Thanks for listening to MOMs Running Point.

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In Part 2 of our transfer portal conversation, we dig deeper into the current experience Lisa's daughter is facing as she re-enters the portal for her final year. We talk about the process, the unknowns, and the emotional toll this journey takes on athletes and their families. Lisa shares practical advice for moms—how to support, when to step in, and how to protect your child's mental and emotional well-being in the middle of uncertainty, pressure, and change.

Please see the link below for the Boot Check in Lisa talked about in the episode:

https://jaefoundation.com/boot-check-certified-businesses/

Thanks for listening to MOMs Running Point.

Connect with MOMs Running Point:
Follow MOMs Running Point on Facebook
Follow MOM's Running Point on Instagram
Click here to sign up for the MOM's Running Point Newsletter!

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out. For immediate support, contact a crisis helpline near you. Call or text 988.

When we hear "transfer portal," we often think of athletes chasing more playing time or a better scholarship—but that's not the full story. In Part 1, Lisa Hayes shares her family's firsthand experience navigating the portal after her daughter faced a toxic team environment and coaching challenges. From the emotional decision to leave, to the unexpected blessings that came from it, Lisa's honest, empowering perspective sheds light on why transferring isn't quitting—it's choosing what's best for your athlete.

Lisa is the Admin for Baseball Moms and Softball Moms facebook pages and has created an amazing group of sports moms and experts who support, encourage and look our for one another! She does a relentless amount of work to foster a positive atmosphere and goes above and beyond for this group from finding deals and discounts to directing those in need! Well done Lisa!!!

On this episode of MOMs Running Point, we're tackling one of the most powerful relationships in youth sports — siblings as teammates. I'm joined by the incredible Svonnie Dalcourt — powerhouse event planner and proud mom of two standout basketball players who both played Division 1 Basketball ( Houston University and University of Louisiana) and now play profressionally in Europe.

We dive into the heart of the episode FAMILY: how her sons, Corey Davis Jr. and Jalen Dalcourt, built a bond that not only defied sibling rivalry but became a foundation for mutual growth, motivation, and lifelong connection.

Svonnie shares her wisdom on raising boys who sharpen each other like iron — on and off the court. We unpack how personality differences can become strengths, how to encourage sibling unity without comparison, and what it looks like to support individual paths while celebrating shared goals.

Whether you're raising one athlete or a house full of them, this conversation is packed with encouragement, truth, and tools to help you raise not just good athletes — but great teammates.

Hey sports MOMs! In this deeply honest and soul-filling episode of MOMs Running Point, host Tawa Dortch sits down with Karen Johnson — mom of three, speaker, and author of "What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up?" — to talk about something we all feel but rarely say out loud: the emotional and mental toll of being a Sports Mom and the Question Mark about our own FUTURE.

From burnout and "ghost mom" moments to identity loss and comparison traps, this episode is a powerful reminder that it's not selfish to take care of yourself — it's essential. Karen and Tawa break down the invisible load so many moms carry and share practical tools for rediscovering yourself, regaining your joy, and starting small toward what you want to be when THEY grow up.

This episode will help you laugh, reflect, maybe give practical advice to refill your cup — and definitely walk away knowing you're not alone and that it's okay to want more for yourself. Plus, don't miss the debut of "The Final Whistle" segment and a giveaway for Karen's game-changing book!

Perfect for: The mom running on fumes, the mom in the bleachers feeling lost, or the mom who just needs to hear: you matter too.

Don't miss the your chance to win Karen's Game Changing Book in our GIVEAWAY of Karen's game-changing book CLICK HERE TO ENTER!!!