Post Game:

From Basketball Dreams to Big Ten Football

Running with Change

(Moms’ Playbook Podcast ft. Sheree Ellison — mom of Justice Ellison, Wake Forest and Indiana football)

Estimated read time: 5 minutes

Season 1, Episode 3: Moms’ Playbook – “The Football Journey with Sheree Ellison”

Description

Sheree Ellison shares her journey raising a Division I football player who started as a basketball athlete. Learn about late recruiting, position changes, the transfer portal, academic credits, mental health, and why being all in as a parent matters.

Where It All Started

Football wasn’t the plan.

Justice started sports young: • Basketball was his first love

• Played travel basketball, middle school and high school basketball

• Football came later and in short bursts

The turning point: Entering high school, Justice chose football full-time

It was exciting and terrifying. He hadn’t played football as long as many of his peers. But he loved it.

A Family of Athletes

Sheree is a mom of three: 

• Oldest daughter played Division I volleyball at American University

• Justice is the middle child

• Youngest son is an artist headed to college

Sports were part of the family culture:

• Dad played football at Virginia Tech

• Sheree did not play sports herself

• Support and structure came from teamwork as parents

Key Takeaways for Sports Moms

• Late starts do not end dreams

• Camps matter for football exposure

• Position changes can unlock opportunity

• Recruiting requires research and patience

• Academics and credits matter more than parents realize

• Transfers are about fit, not failure

• Being all in as a parent makes a difference

The Reality of Football Recruiting

Justice was not heavily recruited early.

Why: • Played slot receiver, not running back

• Size didn’t match Power Five expectations at the time

What they did: • Nike Elite Camps

• College camps (Duke, Rutgers, UNC Charlotte)

• Performance testing and evaluations

Exposure finally came when:  

Wake Forest coaches saw him at camps and high school

The Position Change That Changed Everything

Justice was recruited to Wake Forest as an athlete.

Then came the question: 

What if you moved to running back?

The shift: • Slot receiver to running back

• New skill set

• New learning curve

Justice embraced it. He earned respect quickly through preparation and work ethic.

Recruiting Isn’t Instant

The process included: 

• Years of camps

• Disappointments

• Verbal interest without offers

• Being overlooked

Then suddenly: 

Wake Forest offered

Other schools followed

Lesson learned: If they wanted you earlier, they would have shown it.

Doing the Homework

Sheree was intentional: 

• Researched rosters

• Studied depth charts

• Tracked graduating players

• Built spreadsheets

They looked at: • Position needs

• Scholarships available

• Coaching styles

• Academic fit

“You can’t just take what a coach says at face value.”

Wake Forest: Growth and Loyalty

Wake Forest provided: 

• Strong academics

• Small class sizes

• Deep academic support

• Tight-knit football culture

Justice stayed four years: 

• Loyal to teammates

• Loyal to coaches

• Played through injuries

But there was one concern.

The Offensive Fit Reality

Wake Forest’s slow mesh offense: • Worked well early

• Limited running back development

• Drew concern from NFL evaluators

Advice Justice received: To reach the next level, you need a pro-style system

Entering the Transfer Portal

The decision came after: • Playing injured

• Honest family conversations

• Long-term goals

Portal reality: • Stressful

• Competitive

• Uncertain

What surprised Sheree: Academic credits determine where you can actually go

Some schools required: • 30+ credit hours

• Delayed eligibility

Indiana required: • A manageable credit load

• Immediate eligibility

Wake Forest vs Indiana Academics

Key difference: • Wake Forest offered intense academic support

• Indiana required more independence

Transition challenges: • Larger classes

• Less hands-on guidance

Lesson: Academic support systems matter just as much as coursework

Indiana: The Right Fit at the Right Time

Why Indiana worked: • Coaches already knew Justice

• Clear role and opportunity

• Pro-style offense

Highlights: • Team captain

• Big Ten Media Day representative

• Strong on-field performance

• National recognition

“It felt like the icing on the cake.”

Handling Pressure and Social Media

Football pressure is constant: • Wins and losses

• Fan expectations

• Gambling-related messages

Sheree’s rule: Protect your child from social media noise

She often stepped in to: • Block negativity

• Shield Justice mentally

• Let him process games on his timeline

The Emotional Side Parents Don’t See

One mistake can linger.

Justice had: 

• Zero fumbles his entire career

• One fumble late in college

Impact: Nightmares afterward

Reminder: These athletes carry mistakes far longer than fans realize.

The Biggest Challenge

Feeling like:  Always on the outside looking in

Both children had to: • Work harder to be noticed

• Earn every opportunity

• Push through doubt

In hindsight: “That struggle built them.”

The Secret Sauce

Sheree’s answer was clear: Know your child

For Justice: • Internal motivation

• Relentless work ethic

For her daughter: • Needed encouragement and structure

Talent matters. But drive matters more.

Life After Football

Justice chose not to pursue the NFL.

Instead: 

• Finished training

• Reflected deeply

• Chose longevity and health

Next step: Graduate Assistant Running Backs Coach at Indiana

A rare opportunity. A respected decision.

A New Perspective as a Coach

Justice learned:

• Coaches advocate for players behind closed doors

• Tough coaching often means belief

• Silence means lack of investment

Perspective shift: What players feel isn’t always what’s happening.

What Moms Need to Hear

Sheree’s biggest advice: 

1. Don’t lock into one outcome

2. Enjoy the moment you’re in

3. Stay balanced through highs and lows

4. Support your child’s final decision

“This is their life.”

What’s in Mom’s Clear Bag?

Game day staples: • Lip gloss

• Pom poms

• Hand warmers

• Paper tickets (saved every one)

Bonus: • Same earrings

• Same outfit

• Every game

Because superstition is real.

Final Word from a Football Mom

“Be all in — no matter what your child chooses.”