Confessions of a Basketball Mom: Much Has Changed Since 2020.

Basketball has evolved dramatically since my daughter first stepped onto the court in 2020. The game is faster, the expectations are higher, and the pathway to success is more complex. But through it all, the love for the sport remains.

The Lasting Impact of COVID on Player Development 

Starting basketball during COVID meant limited access to coaches, trainers, and even gyms. Foundational skills suffered, with many kids forced to develop their game through virtual training, driveway workouts, and YouTube tutorials. Now, those players are still catching up—learning skills today that they should have developed at 9 or 10.

Long-term planning has never been more important, as players must close developmental gaps while staying competitive with their peers. For parents, this means being strategic—choosing the right trainers, teams, and playing opportunities to support growth without burning our kids out.

 The Rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) for High School Athletes

In 2020, the idea of high school athletes making money from their personal brand was unheard of. Now, NIL deals have completely changed the game. Social media presence, highlight reels, and personal branding are just as important as stats and performance.

Players are being scouted online before they even step into a gym. The ability to market yourself now plays a huge role in recruiting. As someone with a background in marketing and global corporate partnerships, I’m excited to share insights on how athletes (and their parents) can navigate this new reality.

The Growing Focus on Mental Health

Youth sports have always been intense, but we’re finally acknowledging the mental and emotional toll on young athletes. The pressure to perform, the stress of recruiting, and the constant comparison to peers can be overwhelming.

Conversations around confidence, resilience, and overall mental well-being are gaining traction, but we still have work to do. As a mom who has seen these challenges firsthand, I want to explore how we—as a collective—can better support our kids.

The Cost of Playing Elite Basketball Has Skyrocketed

Basketball has never been cheap, but post-2020, the costs of club teams, training, travel, and showcases have surged. Families are spending thousands per season, making elite development a significant financial burden.

As a parent, I’ve explored both traditional and alternative development routes. My daughter and I are embracing a more unorthodox approach—some things will be wildly successful, while others will have us falling flat on our faces. But that’s part of the process. Agility is key.

Girls’ Basketball is Growing—But Challenges Remain

The visibility of women’s basketball has grown, thanks to increased media coverage and WNBA superstars inspiring the next generation. But disparities still exist. Elite AAU circuits are still largely dominated by boys’ teams, and resources for girls don’t always match what’s available on the boys’ side.

The good news? More organizations are stepping up to bridge the gap. My passion extends beyond just helping my daughter play the game—I want to expose her to all the adjacent opportunities that can help her grow as a person.

Recruiting Has Changed—And It’s More Competitive Than Ever 

The recruiting process has shifted dramatically. The transfer portal and NIL opportunities have led many college coaches to prioritize experienced transfers over incoming freshmen. For high school athletes, this means exposure and relationships are more critical than ever.

Attending the right camps, playing on the right circuits, and getting in front of the right coaches can make all the difference. My daughter and I have a targeted list of 2-5 D1 schools she’s passionate about, but her D3 list is twice as long. She knows she doesn’t want to play professionally, so choosing the right school and degree is just as important as her time on the court. I look forward to sharing our learnings and missteps along the way.

The Road Ahead

For parents and players navigating this world today, adaptability is key—understanding what’s changed, embracing what works, and staying patient through the ups and downs. No matter how different the landscape looks, one thing remains constant: the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.

I look forward to navigating these next four years with you.