Athletics and extracurricular activities are a big part of a student’s high school experience. It can help them grow as a person and also prepare them for their future. But Whitni Sanner says that while she enjoys her kids being involved in sports, she makes sure they know what their priorities should be.
“We are a huge sports family,” she said. “But my kids know my expectations. Their grades are always top priority, as well as being a leader and supporting their friends and siblings in whatever they do.”
Sanner is the mother of four kids, two of whom are athletes at Velma-Alma High School. Ryker is a senior who plays football, is involved in the Future Farmers of America, and shows pigs. Sophomore Jagger plays football, basketball, and golf, and is also involved in the FFA and shows pigs.
While she enjoys her kids being active, Whitni knows it is impossible to be at all their events. So, she and her husband work hard to be there as much as they can and make sure their kids know they are always cheering for them.
“The toughest part of being a parent of an athlete is having four kids playing multiple sports and trying to be everywhere all the time,” she said. “Usually, my husband and I have to go separate ways, so ensuring that they know we are both supporting them, whether it be by phone calls, texts, FaceTime, or little notes. While also having the fear of an injury happening while not being there.”
Sanner is proud to be a part of a community that is always there for the students.
“My favorite thing about our school and community is the long-standing traditions here,” she said. “From our football team getting fed breakfast every game day by men in the community, the pep rallies, send-offs, and painting the roads. Our town rallies behind our athletes, win or lose, and we are one big family.”
