Losing is a (Good) Life Lesson

I often refer to my athletic family which dates back to my grandfather, George Lackey (and his siblings in Lauderdale County, MS), including my mom and her sister, our many cousins, my brother, my four sisters, my own sports involvement, my son and even with my husband (former competitor, soccer/track coach). Now, the tradition continues with my nieces and nephews. I’m the oldest of my … Continue reading Losing is a (Good) Life Lesson

Building a Strong Foundation… One BRICK at a Time

I grew up in the South and I’ll be honest and admit that I was surrounded by others that were hyperfocused on football, basketball, (and maybe softball along with track and field)! Back in my high school days we didn’t even have a soccer program, but things have definitely changed over time… and for the better! I relocated to the Emerald Coast 11 years ago … Continue reading Building a Strong Foundation… One BRICK at a Time

It was 1986

Remember the sports headlines from 1986? If not, let me refresh your memory and enlighten those that have no recollection of it whatsoever because they weren’t even born yet. The year was 1986. The NCAA college football national champ was Penn State, the Mets won the world series, Boston Celtics were the NBA champs, and Becker and Navratilova took Wimbledon by storm. Ronald Reagan was … Continue reading It was 1986

Not Panicking with Hurricane Season – Mild Gusts from Week 1

Finally, after months, all the college football fans got their fix a few days ago during kickoff weekend with Week 1 (post Week Zero) of NCAA College Football. If you’re not a true fan you won’t understand, but for those of you who do, you can relate to the feeling I experienced leading up to that day…. chill bumps, hair standing up on my arms and … Continue reading Not Panicking with Hurricane Season – Mild Gusts from Week 1

Flip Flops Hole in One…

Considering football is over, along with NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball, I’ve found myself watching sporting events I don’t normally tune into… like GOLF. It’s not that I don’t like GOLF – it’s a little slow for me in the ‘action category’ and everyone speaks softly so it’s hard to hear at times, with the exception of the occasional clapping and spontaneous cheer in the … Continue reading Flip Flops Hole in One…

From Big Obstacles to Big Leagues

It could be said that Relief Pitchers need to have a short memory – to forget about what happened prior to being called from the Bullpen and instead, to concentrate on what’s ahead of them to get the win. Florida native, Zac Curtis, is making a splash in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Philadelphia Phillies as a Lefty Relief Pitcher. Ironically, it’s his obstacle-filled past … Continue reading From Big Obstacles to Big Leagues

My Coach Saved My Life

How many times do we hear athletes refer to their coaches as parent figures, role models and someone who positively impacted their entire lives? We hear that all the time because it’s true. We don’t expect to also say, ‘My Coach literally saved my life’ but that’s exactly what happened on Valentine’s Day, 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL when three … Continue reading My Coach Saved My Life

If You Ain’t 1st, You’re Last (or FIRED) in the SEC

Speaking as a Mississippi State University fan (and alum), I’ve seen my share of last place finishes, not only in the SEC West, but in the SEC as a whole. It is what it is, but my never wavering support of a college that historically has NOT been at the top of the SEC football food chain is exactly what defines me as a true State … Continue reading If You Ain’t 1st, You’re Last (or FIRED) in the SEC

One Pitch at a Time, in the Extra Innings of Life

Sports imitate life and prepare us in ways we cannot imagine. As a young boy in Florida, the now 58-year-old Bobby Pierce played whatever sport was in season, rode bikes with his friends, and went swimming at every opportunity. He believes his athletic ability and competitive nature was developed during those years. Little did he know at that time, he would emerge, not only as … Continue reading One Pitch at a Time, in the Extra Innings of Life