Post Game:

The Big Move

(Moms’ Playbook Podcast ft. Teresa Parlette — mom of three Division I lacrosse players)

Estimated read time: 5 minutes

Season 1, Episode 2: Moms’ Playbook  with Teresa Parlette”

Description 

Teresa Parlette shares her journey raising three Division I lacrosse athletes, including a two-time national champion. Learn about travel teams, recruiting exposure, family sacrifices, and why work ethic matters more than anything.

Where It All Started

Lacrosse was never part of the plan.

Teresa and her husband grew up in Ohio… where lacrosse wasn’t even on the radar.

Then one opportunity changed everything:

A neighbor started a free youth lacrosse program

Her oldest son tried it.

He loved it.

And that moment sparked a journey that would lead to: 

• A Notre Dame national champion

• A Division I Air Force athlete

• A Division I Stony Brook player

Key Takeaways for Sports Moms

• Exposure matters, but work ethic matters more

• You don’t need the “perfect” path to succeed

• Travel teams can help, but they’re not required

• Family support systems make everything possible

• Every child’s journey will be different, even in the same house

• Academics are just as important as athletics

• Let your kids lead their own decisions

The Reality of Raising Three Athletes

Teresa didn’t just juggle one athlete.

She had: 

• Three sons

• Three different teams

• Three different schedules

And eventually:

Three different colleges across the country

The reality?

• Overlapping tournaments

• Multiple flights in one weekend

• Dividing and conquering as parents

• Relying on other families

“It was a crazy schedule… but the families we had around us made it possible.”

The Power of the Car Ride

One of the biggest takeaways:

 Travel time became connection time

Instead of distractions: • No headphones

• No zoning out

It was:

• Conversations

• Life talks

• Goal setting

• Problem solving

“These are the memories you never get back.”

The Club vs Exposure Reality

For lacrosse recruiting:

Exposure happens through: 

• Club tournaments

• Travel showcases

• State-level teams

Coaches show up where the competition is.

Teresa’s boys played for:

A high-level state travel program

That gave them access to:

• College coaches

• National tournaments

• Recruitment visibility

But Here’s the Truth Most Parents Don’t Hear

You don’t have to do it all.

“Yes, we spent money… but you don’t have to.”

Her honest takeaway:

If your child is good, they will be seen

A Huge Family Decision

At one point, Teresa faced a major choice:

Her oldest son was being recruited by prep schools out of state.

That meant:

• Sending a 15-year-old away

• Letting someone else raise him

• Full commitment to sport

Instead, they made a different decision:

They moved the entire family

Relocating gave their sons:

• Better competition

• Stronger programs

• More visibility

What Recruiting Really Looked Like

Unlike what many assume:

Recruiting wasn’t instant.

It involved: 

• Emails from coaches

• Watching game film

• Traveling to campuses

• Evaluating fit

The process wasn’t just about being wanted.

It was about:

Choosing the right environment

How They Chose Schools

Teresa didn’t pick schools for her kids.

Her kids chose.

She stayed in a supportive role:

1. Asked the questions

2. Helped them think through decisions

3. Let them own the process

“Every decision was theirs. I just helped them see things differently.”

Three Paths, Three Outcomes

Each son took a different route:

• Carter → Notre Dame (2x National Champion, pro lacrosse)

• Nolan → Air Force Academy

• Tanner → Stony Brook University

Same family.

Same values.

Completely different paths.

Why Fit Matters More Than Name

One of the biggest lessons:

Not every great school is the right fit

They even turned down schools where:

• Programs didn’t match ability

• Roles weren’t clear

• Environment didn’t feel right

“Happiness matters more than a name.”

The Emotional Side Parents Don’t Expect

One of the hardest realities:

Watching your kid struggle.

Going from: 

• Star player

to

• Sitting the bench

“That’s when they grow.”

The Position Difference Perspective

In lacrosse:

Not all positions feel the same to parents.

Teresa shared:

Goalie is the hardest to watch

It’s: • High pressure

• High visibility

• Solo responsibility

Sometimes so stressful…

She watched from the car

What Really Built Their Success

Teresa gave full credit to:

Her kids

Not systems. Not money. Not connections.

Her answer was simple:

• Work ethic

• Drive

• Consistency

• Competitive mindset

“They just worked… all the time.”

The Hidden Advantage

One factor that stood out:

They trained together

• Backyard reps

• Field sessions

• Weekend work

And most importantly:

They pushed each other

The Academic Reality

One of the most overlooked parts:

Grades matter

Even for elite athletes.

Coaches are watching:

• GPA

• Course difficulty

• Academic consistency

“If your grades aren’t there, you’re not getting in.”

Life After College Sports

For Carter:

• Degree from Notre Dame

• Professional lacrosse opportunity

• Full-time career in New York City

Key takeaway:

Sports open doors, but education secures the future

What Moms Need to Hear

Teresa’s biggest message:

1. You don’t have to do everything

2. Let your kids lead their journey

3. Support, don’t control

4. Trust the process

What’s in Mom’s Clear Bag?

Teresa’s staples:

• Gloves (cold weather games)

• Team roster sheet

• Lip gloss

Because:

“You’re always on camera.”

Quick Glossary for Lacrosse Moms

• Club Team: Travel-based competitive team

• Showcase Tournament: Recruiting event with college scouts

• D-Middy: Defensive midfielder

• Long Stick Defense: Position using longer stick for defense

• Faceoff Specialist: Player controlling possession starts

Final Word from a Lacrosse Mom

“If your kids are willing to work… everything else will fall into place.”