Rediscovering Athletic Identity Through Mommy and Me Tennis

Ruby Griffin, the family’s most experienced tennis player, confidently shares her skills at the Burbank Tennis Center. At 5 years old, Ruby teaches her mom, Castro, the proper forehand stance, imitating a surfer’s balance. Castro, 42, from Toluca Lake, remarks, ‘She’s the tennis girly,’ indicating that Ruby leads the way while she follows.

The new Mommy and Me tennis class encourages caregivers to actively join the game, moving beyond being mere spectators. Castro, previously a dancer and cheerleader, adjusted her identity when Ruby arrived. Now, she’s slowly reclaiming her sense of self. Warm-up drills are part of the process, as Castro states, ‘Here I am,’ embracing small steps toward personal revival.

In this class, vibrant attire features Hello Kitty shirts and small Dodgers hats. Young participants, some only 3 years old, sometimes find the net’s height daunting. Coach Chessa Mehlman offers a laid-back environment where the focus is on fun rather than formality, much like Wimbledon. Mothers, including Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, competed in this year’s singles draw, emphasizing the shared pursuit of expanding athletic identities.

Williams, inspired by motherhood, aimed to share her Wimbledon return with her children as she expressed in an essay. Her journey prompts caregivers to ponder how they can sustain or revive their athletic endeavors post-children. For many, the desire is strong but hindered by childcare, time, financial constraints, recovery, and a supportive environment.

During her match, Williams delivered powerful serves while her daughters watched. A knee injury shortened her Wimbledon stint, yet she hinted at a future comeback.

Kimberly Foon, a passionate tennis enthusiast, paused her involvement due to family and career commitments. She views the Mommy and Me class as an ideal compromise for reconnecting with the sport. As Foon, 49, from Pasadena, engages in water balloon play with her son Ian, drenching bursts of joy mark their day.

Coach Mehlman designed the tennis class to offer mothers a chance to reclaim their athletic space. She aims to make it a monthly event, encouraging mothers to RSVP via Instagram. High-fives and hairstyling tips balance tennis ball smashes, with moms sharing stories of dancing and dining out amid varied skill levels.

The importance of the class lies beyond its casual tone. Victoria L. Jackson, a sports historian, points out that societal expectations can diminish a mother’s primary role in her narrative. This stems from long-held beliefs that athletic identities expire upon motherhood, a notion Williams publicly challenged in her 2022 announcement.

Jackson emphasizes the historical journey of mothers asserting their rightful place in sports before larger systems accommodate them. Local initiatives like this class initiate change, offering potential solutions over time. Alysia Montaño, a champion racer, advocates for viewing pregnancy and motherhood as integral to a woman’s professional journey. Her nonprofit, For All Mothers+, supports moms through research and services like childcare grants.

The next grant recipients, announced on July 20, will receive childcare funding, gear, and resources. Over the past two years, 75 mothers benefited from these grants, enhancing their capacity to be whole.

Research indicates that women still bear most childcare responsibilities. For mothers to train and compete, childcare support is crucial. Johannesmeyer, navigating challenges, values fitness time for personal and family growth. With her daughter Athena cheering, she finds balance between a hectic routine and chronic illness.

Across parenting classes, moms affirm that personal time makes them better parents. Nicole LeVine records her son Roman, 7, energetically swinging at a water balloon. Roman’s private tennis lessons complement the Mommy and Me class, helping him carve out his athletic identity.

Nicole, seeking her own sense of athletic identity, dedicates weekly time to tennis with friends. Her shift from theater kid to athlete recently surprised her, as acknowledged by a coach.

The class showcases the ongoing evolution of societal norms and expectations, encouraging mothers like Castro, Foon, and Johannesmeyer to redefine their narratives.