For more than six years, our Team Parent of the Week, Tanisha Wood, of Waldorf, Maryland has been volunteering with her local sports organization. And like many team moms, she feels youth sports participation offers her children not only an outlet to have fun, but to learn long-lasting life lessons. Not to mention she enjoys the connection she gains with each of the other players - caring for them as if they were her own.
Each season with the St Charles Bears youth football team, Wood’s indulges in the opportunity to watch her young timid boys progress into aggressive and hard working players. She understands that football teaches kids teamwork and dedication. This is why she believes so strongly in the value of the fundamental skills offered in a team sports setting.
Working directly in the organized team setting herself, Wood’s realizes that she plays an important part in teaching the team these skills. That’s why she ensure she leads by example - demonstrating good values and ideals as she organizes games and other logistics. Most importantly, she knows the score doesn’t matter - always cheering on the team no matter the game day situation. Plus it doesn’t hurt to have snacks waiting when she sees the Bears feeling down after a loss - a great trick for turning frowns upside down.
Wood’s team mom skills have not only come from her many years of experience on the field, but from her every day life. When she’s not in the bleachers, you’ll find Wood’s in the special ed classroom at her local elementary school. Teaching requires patience and volunteering with the Bears is certainly no different.
Educating and working with her team is just the beginning for our Team Parent of the Week. Her husband, Damien Wood, coaches the St. Charles 75lb Junior boys, where their eldest son Christian plays. One division down, son Shane plays for the St. Charles 75lb Juniors. Plus the Wood’s family schedule just got a whole lot busier since welcoming their newest addition to the family two months ago, just in time for the pre-season.
But a new family member and hard-pressed fall sports season won’t keep Wood’s down. Her enthusiasm is stronger than ever. “I am always up for a good challenge,” wrote Woods. “I’m looking forward to having fun, learning new things, and doing our best for the rest of the season!”
The Bears are lucky to have such a strong team parent like Woods. Her strength and commitment to the team has already been a great example of character for the team this year. And the Bears are off to a nice start with a couple games in the books and a 1-1 record.
Tanisha Wood’s Recommendations for Fellow Team Mom’s:
Keep parents informed on a weekly basis
Praise the kids as much as possible with special incentives
Support the coaches in any way deemed necessary
