Sarah Zimmerman

Bartlesville High School Mom of the Month

By Trina Walker

Having one daughter who is a basketball player allows Sarah Zimmerman to focus her full attention on being a basketball mom for the Bartlesville Lady Bruins. Her daughter, Emma, is a junior at BHS.

Sarah became an official sports mom when Emma was five and started playing basketball. She has been her daughter’s number one supporter ever since. Basketball has kept Sarah close to her daughter. “It provides an opportunity to establish an open line of communication and discuss valuable life lessons,” she says.

There is more to being a sports mom than driving kids from place to place. Involvement in a child’s life is the most valuable support a parent can give. “Being involved allows me to witness growth and development, provide support when she is facing difficult challenges, and celebrate when she overcomes difficulties,” says Sarah.

The opportunity to build relationships with others in the community is another aspect Sarah enjoys about helping with the basketball team. Just remember she says, “to always be a supportive spectator.”

Sarah is the basketball team treasurer and volunteers whenever extra hands are needed. The major fundraising event she helps with is the annual Bruin Classic. Sarah along with many other team moms, work hard to make these fundraisers a success to provide the kids with needed items.

She has valuable advice for parents wanting to be more involved in their child’s activities. “Be involved but give them space to grow independently, and always emphasize the need to have fun!” she exclaimed.

No special skills are required for parents to help with a school’s athletic program. “Do your best with the ability and gifts you have been given. Everyone has something to contribute and is a valuable member of the team,” Sarah said.

Basketball is just one activity the Zimmerman family is involved in. They also enjoy spending time together traveling, playing games, watching movies, and watching sports.