It was a beautiful day in Tempe, Arizona. It was a dreamy 75 degrees, sunny and with a slight breeze. A perfect day to be at the ballpark. It’s also a great day for camaraderie.
As parents of Division I student-athletes, Sun Devil Softball families have formed a community of their own, one that is bonded by the nearly indescribable feeling of seeing their daughters live out their lifelong dreams.
“This was always the goal when she was a kid growing up, said Gilbert Saenz, father of Sydney Saenz, a utility player and transfer student from Oregon State. “It is so special that she has the talent and ability to play at a school like this, especially at Arizona State.”
What makes ASU unique?
There are many things to choose from, but today, it’s the support system of student-athletes in other sports. For this game in particular, the women’s soccer and lacrosse teams were in attendance to cheer on Sun Devil Softball.
“It's pretty cool that everybody gets involved with the different sports programs,” says Gilbert. “That gives you a perception of how this university works — and that's how it should be.”
“Sydney is always telling us how she is going to help support the swim team, or is going to go support the volleyball team,” added Denise Saenz, Sydney’s mother. “At Sydney’s other college, the teams would hang out within their groups. But here, they make friends across all the different sports. It’s really neat.”
And it’s not just girls supporting girls.
“I get football players up in the stands,” Mike Windle said with excitement. His daughter, Tanya Windle, is an outfielder who transferred to ASU from Utah Tech. “Those are my boys, I call them the four horsemen and it’s huge that they come out and get the crowd going. We do a lot of fun, crazy stuff.”
Mike has become a staple at Farrington Stadium games. He a personality that the hometown crowd has come to know and love. He seems to be always having fun and cheering on the entire team from the front row. And, as a bonus, he takes his home field advantage a step beyond, throwing pregame tailgates on his own dime.
“At Utah Tech, I would throw tailgates and I was by myself. Parents didn't show up,” Windle explains. “This year, I put everybody into a group thread and said, ‘This is what we're doing.’ I even went out and got big inflatables for photo ops and all kinds of crazy stuff. I went a little overboard, but it’s worth it.”
Since then, these tailgates have become a tradition, generating buzz in the stands among the players, parents, staff, and other fans. In addition to having fun, they are an excellent way for parents to connect with other parents, share stories and make plans for future games.
“At Mike’s tailgate last weekend, it was really neat to meet everybody and put faces with names,” noted Denise.
“I just want everyone to have fun and enjoy it,” Windle said. “Because when the parents are happy, the kids are happy. When the kids are happy, winning happens. When winning happens, championships happen. That's all it is. It's just that simple.”
While a championship run is yet to be seen, one thing is sure: The Sun Devil Softball girls are in the middle of running down lifelong dreams and preparing for a bright future.
“We've all worked hard, not only to support her as a student-athlete but also as parents, to give her the assets required to get to this level,” said Gilbert.
“We just love that Sydney comes out and signs autographs for all the younger softball players,” Denise smiled.
“This is what it’s all about, inspiring the next generation,” added Windle.
No matter the player or the outcome of the games, Sun Devil Softball parents recognize that this is a special place and time for their families.
“When it comes to people who want excellence, those who are striving for something better, to always better themselves or better others, that’s something I take pride in,” says Windle. “Coach Bartlett, she's creating a culture with that same mindset, and it's pretty awesome to be a part of it.”