When it comes to being a parent to young athletes, there are no shortcuts—just long hours, early mornings, and a commitment to supporting your child’s dreams. WNBA legend Candace Parker recently took to social media to offer a playful yet heartfelt warning to Savannah James, the wife of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, about the realities of becoming a “volleyball mom.” As Savannah embraces this new chapter of her life, Parker’s advice hits close to home for any parent juggling multiple sports schedules and the sacrifices that come with it.
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A New Role for Savannah James
Savannah James, who is known for her strong family values and unwavering support of her husband’s basketball career, has always been active in her children’s lives. Now, with her daughter Zhuri showing a passion for volleyball, Savannah is stepping into a new role as a “volleyball mom.” The transformation, while exciting, comes with its own set of challenges that require a shift in her daily routine.
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In an Instagram post shared by Savannah James, she gave fans a glimpse of her weekend experience at one of Zhuri’s volleyball tournaments. The post, featuring a video of Zhuri’s impressive volleyball highlights, showed Savannah cheering on her daughter at the crack of dawn. “Back at it, in a new way! 6 am start this beautiful Sunday. Let’s go Zhuri!” Savannah wrote, capturing the early morning hustle that many parents know all too well when their kids are involved in sports.
The post resonated with many, but none more so than Candace Parker, who knows the drill when it comes to the sacrifices and commitments required for youth sports. Parker’s response to Savannah’s post was both playful and practical, acknowledging the tough yet rewarding journey that volleyball moms face.
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Parker’s Experience with Volleyball and Parenting
Candace Parker, an icon in women’s basketball and a mother of three, knows firsthand the dedication it takes to balance family life and the pursuit of athletic excellence. Parker’s eldest daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, has followed in her mother’s footsteps in her athletic endeavors, and she, too, is a volleyball player. As a result, Parker has spent countless hours attending games, practices, and tournaments—all while managing her professional career and other family obligations.
For Parker, volleyball is not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that becomes a “family commitment.” It’s an experience that demands not just time, but energy, patience, and unwavering dedication. Reflecting on her journey as a volleyball mom, Parker shared her insights with Savannah James, saying, “Welcome to being a volleyball mom! It’s not for the weak—early starts always.” The comment struck a chord with Savannah, who is now navigating the complexities of balancing the schedules of her three children—Bronny and Bryce, who are both heavily involved in basketball, and Zhuri, whose passion for volleyball is on the rise.
“I’ve been there,” Parker continued, highlighting the sacrifices parents make to support their children’s athletic goals. “There’s a lot of early mornings and long days, but there’s also a lot of pride when you see your kid doing what they love.”
The Volleyball Mom Lifestyle: A Family Commitment
For parents like Savannah James, the demands of being a “volleyball mom” can feel overwhelming at times, but the rewards are undeniable. Watching your child’s progress and success on the court is a testament to the hard work and support that goes into their development. But volleyball, much like any other competitive sport, is a family affair—it requires more than just the child’s commitment; it requires the support of the entire family.
The “volleyball mom” lifestyle is not just about attending games and practices, it’s about sacrifice. For Savannah, it’s about making time for Zhuri’s practices and tournaments while also ensuring that her sons, Bronny and Bryce, continue to thrive in their basketball careers. As a family that is deeply involved in the world of sports, balancing these schedules requires meticulous planning and an understanding of the unique demands each child’s sport presents.
In the world of youth volleyball, early morning tournaments, long weekends, and endless car rides are just part of the package. And as Savannah has learned, the commitment is both a challenge and a gift. The life of a “volleyball mom” isn’t easy, but it is undeniably rewarding.
The Challenges of Balancing Multiple Sports
For Savannah, the challenge of balancing the different schedules of her three children is an ongoing reality. While LeBron is often busy with his own commitments as an NBA player, Savannah has taken on the responsibility of managing their children’s lives. Bronny and Bryce are both emerging basketball stars, with their own impressive schedules filled with games, practices, and travel. Meanwhile, Zhuri’s growing interest in volleyball adds another layer of complexity to the family’s already packed agenda.
This balancing act is something that many parents of young athletes can relate to. As their children become more involved in sports, parents are often faced with the task of making sacrifices in their personal lives in order to give their kids the best opportunities. For Savannah, it’s about ensuring that each of her children has the support they need to pursue their passions while also maintaining a sense of balance at home.
Savannah’s post about attending Zhuri’s volleyball tournament was a snapshot of the hustle and bustle that comes with being a parent in the world of competitive sports. While many might view these early morning commitments as a burden, for Savannah, they represent a chance to be fully present in her children’s lives—a chance to cheer them on and share in their accomplishments.
The Rewards of Being a Volleyball Mom
Despite the early mornings, long hours, and logistical challenges, there are significant rewards that come with being a “volleyball mom.” For Parker, one of the most fulfilling aspects of watching her daughter Lailaa play volleyball is seeing her grow not only as an athlete but also as a person. Sports, after all, teach invaluable life lessons—discipline, teamwork, resilience, and perseverance—that extend far beyond the court.
As for Savannah, watching Zhuri develop her skills and passion for volleyball is a source of immense pride. Being a “volleyball mom” means being an integral part of your child’s journey, supporting them through the highs and lows, and celebrating the victories, big and small. And while the journey may be demanding, the bonds that are formed through shared experiences are priceless.
In the end, the role of a “volleyball mom” is not defined by the early mornings or the long weekends spent in gymnasiums. It’s defined by the love, commitment, and dedication that a parent shows to their child’s growth and success. For Savannah James, the volleyball court is just another place where she can support her children in their pursuit of greatness—just as she has always done for her husband LeBron, and just as she will continue to do for Zhuri, Bronny, and Bryce.
As Candace Parker so aptly put it, it’s a commitment that requires strength, endurance, and a whole lot of heart—but for those who are up for the challenge, the rewards are more than worth it.
