Juwaan
started playing football when he was only 6 years old so we basically learned
the game together. However, he picked up the information and the plays much faster than I did. We would do conditioning
together like running and throwing the ball. I remember he would always have me
running and going long to catch the ball. In the beginning, I was clueless but as get
the opportunity to share his journey, It was all worth it.
As
Juwaan got older, at about 8 or 9 years old, we built a sand box in the
backyard so that he could do running drills in the sand box. I ran track in New
Jersey so my track coach would have me run on the beach. I incorporated my
track experience to help Juwaan get faster
on his feet. I also heard that soccer is a great sport for foot coordination
and the running drills keep you fit, so Juwaan
took up soccer as well.
Juwaan
has had several personal trainers to help him build up his speed agility and
weight training as well. Driving Juwaan from Stone Mountain to Lawrenceville
two nights a week and on Saturday
mornings during the off season to keep him tip-top shape was important. Providing
him with balance meals and non-carbonated drinks took priority as well. I can’t
even remember the last time that he had a soda other than a ginger ale to settle his stomach from being sick. When
you have athletes in the home, you try to change your eating habits as well to give
them a healthy example to follow. Healthy breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner
along with school work and training is the key.
Juwaan
was always one to be out running and conditioning while others were sleeping; some
Saturday mornings, we would run
Stone Mountain together. For the most part, when I tagalong I am probably
slowing him down but I have enjoyed every opportunity that we get to share
together, whether it's running up Stone Mountain, walking around the track, or
throwing the ball around at the park. Sometimes I've had to be the alarm clock
to make sure that he gets to workouts on time. but as a mother of a student
athlete, you put on multiple hats to ensure that they are a successful at their
school work, training and their sport. We do it all for the love of our
heartbeats!
