‘We Just Do’: Inside the Unseen Work of Raising Multiple Student-Athletes
January 27, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 27, 2026
Parenting isn’t easy, but raising multiple student-athletes is an entirely different challenge that demands countless hours of emotional and logistical work.
From organizing schedules to managing the emotional ups and downs of competition, parents of young athletes are the unseen backbone of their children’s success in sports.
Crystal Mendoza, a mother of three athletes, knows this all too well.
“The amount of coordinating it takes to make sure the kids get to practice on time, uniforms are ready, mouths are fed, fundraising asks are sent, rides are established, sign-ups are complete, equipment is purchased, and a plan is made on who will go where when multiple kids are playing at different spots… can be ‘a lot.’”
She reflects on the struggle of keeping track of all the moving parts and how it’s a daily effort to ensure her kids don’t miss out on the opportunities they love.
But for her, it’s all part of being a parent and supporting her children.
But the work doesn’t stop with logistics. The emotional support that parents provide is often what gets overlooked.
Mendoza explains the pressures kids face, from handling injuries to managing tough relationships with teammates or coaches.
These moments can be challenging for kids, and it’s up to the parents to help them navigate these difficult situations.
It’s not just about getting them to practice or the game—it’s about helping them grow through adversity, and that’s just as much a part of the process as showing up on game day.
Despite the hurdles, Mendoza says the reward is worth it.
“It means family memories combined with the ones they’re making out there with their friends. It means getting to watch them experience all the ups and downs in the sports that both feed their soul and their bank of lifelong lessons.”
When people ask her how she manages it all, Mendoza responds simply, “We just do it.”
She admits there are days it’s hard to keep up, but she and her family figure it out, often making adjustments and sacrifices, but always putting their children first.
Other parents, like Alan Klein, who’s a single parent managing a two-sport athlete, echo these sentiments.
He says, “With weights, baseball, and football, it might as well be year-round! It’s a part of life, you make it work for your kids regardless along with school activities.”
Stephanie Hulsey, another parent, reflects on how quickly time passes.
“It’s what you do for your kids. My husband and I did the same. Cherish the moments, good and bad, they fly by. Now we watch our grandkids and help when we can,” she says, showing how support spans generations.
The work parents put in is something that often goes unnoticed.
Carol Weel Orlando’s simple but powerful response, “Good job Mom and Dad,” speaks to the importance of recognizing the unseen efforts that make it all happen.
Ultimately, raising student-athletes is about embracing the beautiful chaos.
As Sara Stub puts it:
“It goes by so quickly! Enjoying the last of every chaotic second!” The hustle, the chaos, the logistical juggling—all of it adds up to unforgettable memories and lifelong lessons for both parents and athletes alike.
And despite all the hard work, Mendoza concludes, “Every. Last. Second. Of the beautiful chaos!”
At the end of the day, parents of student-athletes do what they do because they know how important it is for their children to pursue their passions.
They’re the ones working tirelessly behind the scenes, making sure their kids can shine in sports and life. And even though the work is often invisible, it’s this commitment that shapes their children’s journey.
After all, as Mendoza so simply puts it, “We just do it.”
Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.
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