Christie Rampone, with husband, Chris, and their two daughters
As the US Women’s National Team attempts to win its third World Cup, a trio of dads do their part to help the US’s Soccer Moms chase their dreams.
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To most, they just look like fans in the stands. Another parent taking their child to watch the World Cup. If the U.S. hoist the championship trophy on July 5th, their names won’t be mentioned. Ask Christie Rampone, Amy Rodriguez or Shannon Boxx and they’ll tell you America’s run for the Cup would not be possible without them.
Rampone, Rodriguez, and Boxx are gaining headlines for being true “soccer moms,” but today we’re focusing on the dads.
A look inside the mind of an elite athlete can be insight into the architecture of an elaborate labyrinth. Stories of Tiger Woods’ mental training are legendary and tiptoe on the verge of sadistic. Michael Jordan beat many basketball players before ever making his first basket. These men’s mental toughness is unique and unmatched. Now tack on playing in a tournament that is held once every four years, against elite athletes from all over the world. Add to that the hopes and hearts of a country relying on your every step and misstep. Don’t forget you’re playing with 22 other teammates who rely on you to be the best at every waking and sleeping moment. Now, for the coup de grace, not only are you playing for your teammates, your country and a chance at a championship held every four years, you’re playing for your children.
“When you’re constantly away from her, constantly coming back and leaving again and she’s like, ‘Hi! Bye! Hi! Bye!’ Those are the moments that have been pretty hard,” said midfielder Shannon Boxx, mom of 15-month-old Zoe.
What has made it easier is the support and love from Boxx’s husband, Aaron Spearman. Spearman is the PGA Tour’s Director of ShotLink Productions and has taken time away from his busy schedule to hold down the fort while Boxx chases her dreams.
Christie Rampone is the last remaining member of the famed 1999 World Cup Title team. She has two daughters Rylie, 9 and Reece, 5. Her husband since 2001, Chris, understands the responsibilities of having an elite athlete for a wife.
“I think it’s like being married to any successful professional female figure,” said Rampone. “You are proud of their accomplishments and success. And you marvel at what they’re able to do especially while being a mom, wife and leader for their peers.”
When Amy Rodriguez finally got the go ahead to begin working out after having Ryan 6 weeks earlier, there were times when she wondered if she could get back to that elite level.
“I thought I was gonna die,” Rodriguez said. “I was like this is so much harder than I thought it was going to be. I remember crying.
“My breakdown got me here (to the World Cup) I guess.”
Rodriguez and husband, Adam Shilling have learned to balance her drive to return to that level with his job as well as being present parents for son, Ryan.
During their run for the cup, the dad’s have taken on the role of support system for both mom to continue their own personal goal, but also for their respective children. Those acts of sacrifice have given Rodriguez, Boxx and Rampone a chance to concentrate solely on the task at hand.
“Everybody is missing their husband, significant others,” said Boxx. We’re doing what we really love and our significant others really support that, I know my husband does, he wants me to finish on a high note. He knows it’s worth it.
“To know that your husband supports everything is everything.”
For Dad’s Shilling, Spearman and Rampone, their everything is on the pitch and right there next to them in the stands.
Anything else really is nothing.
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Photo: Associated Press/File
