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When Texas Wesleyan soccer player Danielle Parks and volleyball player Evoni Darling win a match, their night doesn’t consist of going out to celebrate.
Parks rushes home to her 7-month-old daughter Kacelynn, and Darling can’t wait to pick up 2-year-old Cheyenne. Being a student-athlete in college comes with enough responsibility, but for a few, being a parent-student-athlete is even more challenging and makes every moment even more valuable.
“I quickly had to learn how to manage my time better,” Darling said. “It’s all about fitting more in with less time.”
Having the job of parent, student and athlete can add up. As involved parents, Park’s and Darling’s days involve class, diaper changing, homework and practice.
For Parks, a senior defender on the women’s soccer team, college life suddenly changed from revolving around her to revolving around blue-eyed baby Kacelynn.
“Before Kacelynn, I would just get up and go to class or practice,” she said. “Now I have to pack both our bags the night before. It’s all about what’s best for her.”
If the baby is up at 4 a.m., so is the star player.
“Without a doubt, Kacelynn always wakes up at least twice a night, usually at 1 [a.m.] and 4 [a.m.],” Parks said. “It’s definitely challenging, especially when I have a test or game the next day.”
The women’s soccer coach, Josh Gibbs, witnesses Danielle’s perseverance and accomplishments as a mother, athlete and student. Gibbs has coached Parks since 2006 and has seen her excel as a new mother.
“Danielle is a great asset to our team and motivation for all of us to stay positive in life,” he said. “She has a tough situation, but she’s excellent at what she does, on and off the field.”
Many times, Parks will bring Kacelynn to soccer practice when she can’t find a sitter or Grandma has to go to work.
“I have to plan at least one day in advance,” she said. “Sometimes my only option is to bring Kacelynn to practice,” she said. “If coach didn’t let me bring her to practice some days, I don’t know what I would do.”
At practice, one of the trainers or injured players will play with Kacelynn until practice is over.
Parks’ teammates enjoy seeing Kacelynn’s precious smile and vibrant eyes; some even buy outfits for her.
“Next to buy are toddler soccer cleats, so she can be just like her mom,” teammate Heather Pagano said.
Juggling parenthood along with athletics and college is not easy. Darling, a junior, understands.
Breaks don’t come too often for Darling. She is enrolled in 15 hours this semester and practices from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with matches running through December.
“I had to learn how to fit in all my homework and still have quality time to spend with Cheyenne,” she said. “My life has definitely become more schedule-oriented and filled with more responsibility.”
Grandma Darling cares for Cheyenne during the day while Evoni is in class and practice. Cheyenne is often present at Darling’s matches. Her grandparents bring her out to support her hardworking mom.
Head Volleyball Coach Christy Clawson knows Darling’s situation is a difficult one, as it is for any parent-athlete. But, Darling has managed to maintain a 3.5 GPA and was voted co-captain by her peers.
“She has done a great job of balancing academics, athletics and being the best mom she can be,” Clawson said.
With great support, Darling has made the best of her difficult situation.
“No matter how you look at it, a child is a blessing,” Clawson said. “Evoni is blessed to have a beautiful child, teammates that are supportive of her and a family that has been her rock.”
When Darling told her teammates that she was pregnant, they were surprised and even thought she was joking, but now it’s certainly reality.
“My teammates are very supportive and they love Cheyenne,” Darling said. “She is like an extra person on our team.”
Spending as much time as possible with their precious little ones are always top priority for Parks and Darling. After this semester, the little girls can expect to spend more time with their mothers.
Offseason brings the possibility of a little more free time. Parks will earn her degree in kinesiology this December, and Darling will return for her senior year next fall.
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