WNBA legend Candace Parker offered Savannah James, the wife of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, a playful yet heartfelt warning about the sacrifices and dedication involved in being a supportive volleyball mom. Savannah recently embraced this new role, cheering on her daughter Zhuri as she embarks on her volleyball journey.
Savannah James took to Instagram to share a glimpse of her weekend, highlighting the early start required for a young athlete’s tournament. The post featured a short video of Zhuri’s volleyball highlights, capturing the excitement and commitment that comes with being a sports mom. Along with the video, Savannah wrote, “Back at it, in a new way! 6 am start this beautiful Sunday. Let’s go Zhuri!”
The post resonated with many parents who have experienced the demands of supporting their children’s athletic pursuits, including Candace Parker, who chimed in with her own words of encouragement. Parker responded to Savannah’s post, writing, “Welcome to being a volleyball mom! It’s not for the weak—early starts always.” Parker’s message acknowledged the dedication required to support a young athlete, particularly in a sport like volleyball, which often demands early mornings and long weekends.
Candace Parker, herself a mother of three, knows firsthand what it takes to support a young volleyball player. Her eldest daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, has also taken up the sport, and Parker has been there to cheer her on through practices, games, and tournaments.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Parker emphasized that volleyball is more than just an individual pursuit—it’s a “family commitment,” one that involves the support, sacrifice, and dedication of everyone involved.
For Savannah James, balancing the schedules of her three children is a constant challenge. Her sons, Bronny and Bryce, are both deeply involved in basketball, each pursuing their own promising careers in the sport. Bronny, in particular, is following in his father’s footsteps, with aspirations of playing at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Bryce is honing his skills and making a name for himself in the basketball world as well. Amidst all of this, Zhuri’s passion for volleyball adds yet another layer of complexity to the James family’s already busy schedule.
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Despite the early starts and hectic weekends, Savannah James appears to be embracing her role as a volleyball mom, much like Parker has done for her own daughter.
The shared experiences between Parker and Savannah are a testament to the universal challenges and rewards of supporting young athletes—whether it’s on the basketball court or the volleyball court.
And as Savannah navigates the new territory of volleyball tournaments, early morning practices, and cheering from the sidelines, she can count on advice and encouragement from those who have walked the same path, like Candace Parker.
The camaraderie between Parker and Savannah James highlights the supportive community that exists among parents of young athletes, regardless of their own fame or backgrounds. Both women understand the importance of nurturing their children’s passions while also making time for their own careers and commitments.
For Candace Parker, that means continuing her storied WNBA career while raising her three children.
For Savannah James, it means supporting her husband’s career in the NBA while making sure that Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri have every opportunity to pursue their own dreams.
In the end, Parker’s playful but sincere warning serves as a reminder that being a volleyball mom—or any sports parent, for that matter—requires patience, early mornings, and a willingness to sacrifice.
But for parents like Savannah and Candace, the joy of watching their children grow, learn, and succeed in the sports they love makes all the effort worthwhile.
