Ralph and Diane Morales of Los Gatos, Calif., attend most football games to watch their son, Mike, play linebacker for the Aggies. (Courtesy photo)
Driving the kids to yet another soccer practice, sitting through games in the heat and rain — sometimes all the involvement in your student’s sports activities during childhood is overwhelming. Then they head off to college, and you’re left on the sidelines.
To keep parents of student-athletes in the game, UC Davis recently launched Aggie Pride Parents, a parent support network.
“With more than 700 students participating in 26 sports on campus, we want to serve as a communication link to connect parents of those student-athletes with the university,” said Lorie Lindsey, program coordinator for Aggie Pride Parents. “We’re excited to see this new partnership grow.”
Information for parents
Diane and Ralph Morales of Los Altos, Calif., have traveled to nearly every football game to watch their son, Mike, a linebacker, play for the Aggies. Even though they’ve stayed involved in supporting their son’s collegiate sports, Diane said this new program will provide more accessible information for parents.
Parents not only want a schedule of games; they also want to know what the expectations are for grades and more.
“Throughout our involvement with UC Davis Athletics, we’ve been impressed with the fact that academics have first priority and athletics come second,” Diane said. “Being a student-athlete means you have two jobs, and being connected helps parents better understand that commitment.”
Aggie Linebacker Mike Morales (45) fills a gap on the defensive line in a football game against Western Washington last year. (Wayne Tilcock/Davis Enterprise)
Event before football game
The first event for Aggie Pride Parents is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, when the Aggie football team plays Portland State. Parents of student-athletes are invited to attend a reception with UC Davis nutritionist Liz Applegate, tour the UC Davis Arboretum and enjoy a pre-game barbecue. If you’re interested in attending, please contact Lindsey right away at (530) 752-0188.
Aggie Pride Parents will publish a quarterly newsletter and coordinate at least one event for parents each quarter. Topics may include NCAA Division I compliance issues, academic advising and health.
“We encourage parents to get involved and support our programs,” Lindsey said.
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