The Hays Family, all packed up.

Waking up at 5:30am on a Saturday to rush around the state of Wisconsin for a game isn’t what most parents would call enjoyable. But for three proud parents of student athletes, it isn’t a chore – it’s a lifestyle. Each family endures countless miles in the car to practice on weekdays and play on weekends. They travel through winter storms and bake in the hot summer sun because of their family’s love of the game. Participating in sports helps to teach the athletes perseverance, responsibility, and respect. The Hays family lugs equipment to and from the rink several times a week. Life in the Thesing-Ritter family has revolved around various sports for the last 20 years. Finally, the Kittelson family takes on the challenge of all-day events and weekends out of town all for the love of competition.

Hays Family

The athletes: Kariana Peterson (13) – hockey, volleyball & softball • Jaleah Hays (9) – hockey & softball • Carter Hays (7) – hockey, baseball, & soccer

Time spent per week: About 25 hours

Kittelson Family

The athlete: Hailey Jo (13) - dance and volleyball

Time spent per week: 1-2 hours for practice, all day Saturday for competitions

Thesing-Ritter Family

The athletes: Miranda (20) – volleyball, basketball, softball, & was on equestrian team • Morgan (19) – soccer, volleyball, basketball, & softball • Mason (10) – basketball, football, soccer & baseball • McCabe (9)-basketball, football, & baseball

Time spent per week: Typically between 10-20 hours

Hailey Jo Kittelson

I love that my kids play sports because ...

“She loves them! Extracurricular activities are important. What is even more important is my ability to encourage her to want to dedicate her time to it while allowing her to nurture a talent and skill she enjoys developing.” –Ryan Kittelson

“It helps them to build communication skills, work ethic, confidence, goal setting, and problem solving skills. I also had the chance to build amazing relationships with my daughter’s teammates. I got to be a role model for them and help them to reach their full potential. When they all went off to college this fall, I missed them almost as much as my own daughter because I loved the chance to be an important part of their lives through their athletic pursuits during multiple sport seasons. I am starting it all over again with my sons, and I can’t wait to build those relationships with their teammates.” – Jodi Thesing-Ritter

While traveling for the season, we cannot live without:

“Movies. We have a DVD player in our truck, and the kids love to watch movies when we travel. It truly helps pass the time. We also bring lots of snacks and something small to drink (fewer bathroom breaks)!” – Quinn Hays

“Hard work and effort on the part of our athlete. If they are not working hard and maximizing the experience, it’s not fun for us.” – Jodi Thesing-Ritter

The most rewarding part of being an athlete’s parent is ...

“Getting the opportunity to spend countless hours supporting their dreams and being together as a family during the season.” –Jodi Thesing-Ritter

“Being a part in the development of Hailey’s skills and talent. Watching her grow and get better at something she loves makes it all worth it.” –Ryan Kittelson

“The way it warms my heart when they score a goal or get an assist, knowing that when their team wins or their team loses that they played really hard. The happiness on their faces makes it all worth it!” –Quinn Hays

The Thesing-Ritter Family

The most stressful part of being an athlete’s parent is:

“The change in cost based on the year she is in the sport. For both sports, each year has seen increasing costs for costumes, events, and traveling.” –Ryan Kittelson

“Making sure we don’t forget anything and get there on time, especially for games.” –Quinn Hays

“Helping them to lose with grace and win with humility. It’s also tough enduring parents who didn’t learn that lesson.” –Jodi Thesing-Ritter

If I could pass one bit of advice on to a new athlete’s parent, it would be:

“I read an article many years ago that talked about how to best support your athlete. I loved the premise of the article, which was to encourage parents not to critique every little element of the game following the game, but instead to say, ‘I LOVE watching you play!’ I started doing this and it helped me to focus on what I really love – watching my kid play – and not on my competitive spirit and my natural instinct to dissect every element of every game.” –Jodi Thesing-Ritter

“To completely invest in your child’s wants despite what you want for them. Know what you are getting yourself into before going ‘all in’ on a sport. Start small with a week-long camp or training course and, if they like it, move them up to the next level and so on.” –Quinn Hays

“To figure out the expenses and travel arrangements, but more importantly, be supportive. A child may try several sports and change their interests or find and stick with one. Go into each sport with an open mind and encourage the best out of your child. Regardless of what sport they love, if you help them, practice with them, or simply attend their events, you’ll realize you are both already winners.“ –Ryan Kittelson