Motherhood is without a doubt a full time job. A mother’s attention is required 24 hours a day from their children, and it often leaves little time for leisure. There are some, however, that choose to buck that trend. They combine full time parenting with jobs and sporting careers. Numerous teams in the WSBL have at least one player wearing their colours who is not only an athlete, but also a mother.

Last season’s WSBL Most Valuable Player, Casey Mihovilovich of the Mandurah Magic, is one of the most experienced players in the league. She is also about to become a more experienced mother. Mihovilovich and fellow Magic player Ben Caporn are parents to almost three year old Brock, and in June this year they will welcome another son. As a result, she will sit out the 2012 season.

Along with winning last season’s highest individual honour, Mihovilovich has played many games for the West Coast Waves and last season, led the Magic to a finals appearance, bowing out in the first round to the Wanneroo Wolves.

Having both herself and Caporn playing and training full time proved no problems for Mihovilovich, with both sides of her family being of great help and support.

“We are very lucky to have both sets of parents support us in doing what we love. They come to games and watch Brock while we train which is great,” Casey said.

“We also both work full time and I am doing my Masters so it is very hard work that’s for sure,” she added.

Despite sitting out this season, Mihovilovich also plans to take some time away from the game and concentrate on her career.

“I want to finish my Masters, that’s really important to me,” Casey said.

“I’m going to take some time out to enjoy my kids and enjoy my time with them. Basketball is so important to me but I also want to have an aim in my life, and that’s really important to me.”

“But once next season begins, I’ll be awake early and dragging coach Utley with me to the 5.30am training sessions getting ready to play again.”

One of the stalwarts of the SBL is Wanneroo Wolves leader Sue Williams. A veteran of many years in the league, Williams is also a mother of many years. Her eldest is Roosevelt Junior, who is nine and Monique who is five. Williams has been married to husband Roosevelt for 14 years and credits both him and her family for her longevity in the league.

“Without my husband and parents I would not be able to continue playing in the SBL. They have always supported me and given me the opportunity to play the game I love.”

Despite her hectic schedule, Sue manages to plan her game day and training schedules conveniently around her family.

“My children come to training whenever possible as they love it. Otherwise they stay at home with my husband and if he is not around then my parents look after them. They all come to nearly every game and are massive Wolfpack fans,” she said.

“Game days vary, if it’s a Friday I am at work for the day, so I basically come home, eat, lay down for about twenty minutes and then head off to the game with Monique,” she said.

“Saturdays are a bit easier. We do grocery shopping and run errands, and usually have Little Ro’s basketball game to go to. Afterwards we can come home and have a nap before getting ready,” Sue said.

Sue prides herself on her fitness levels and considers that to be a major factor in her longevity in the league.

“I am definitely coming to the end of my career in the SBL. I have been playing for a very long time. Strangely enough I do not feel that old and pride myself on my fitness and ability to keep up with young-ins,” Williams explains.

“I love the game of basketball. I would dearly love to win another championship before I hang up the boots.”

Despite retirement being in her foreseeable future, Williams believes life won’t change much for her after she departs from the court.

“I will continue to spend time running around after my kids, supporting them in their sporting endeavours and schooling. I will continue teaching and keeping fit and I would love to run a marathon or perhaps do some triathlons.”

“My husband might see me more often so that will be good.”

Another veteran of the WSBL is Lakeside Lightning captain Jessica Van Schie. Lightning fans will however be without the sight of the familiar number 7 jersey directing traffic on the court.

“I will be having this year off to give birth to our second child in July, but next year I will be aiming to play my 200th game for Lakeside,” Van Schie explained.

“My son Riley is going to be three in March. My husband Jason is an organisational psychologist and travels the country a lot for work,” she said.

With her husband being away from home a lot, Van Schie relies on her family to help out with babysitting duties on training days.

“My parents are a fantastic help. They give me a huge amount of their time to take care of Riley while I go to training,” she said.

“Working for them is really beneficial as I have the flexibility to start or finish early depending on my schedule,” she added.

Van Schie’s regime on game days doesn’t change much either. Friday games involve collecting Riley from day care and dropping him off to her husband or parents.

“Saturday games are easier as my husband is home and I don't need to organize someone to take care of Riley,” Van Schie said.

“I like to get prepared either the night before or in the morning of games. I find it less stressful that way, rather than rushing in the hours leading up to the game,” she added.

Although Van Schie will not be making an appearance on the court this upcoming season, she will still play major role for the Lightning off the court as well as hoping to continue her basketball career post retirement.

“I have a big passion for developing the young women that are coming through our club on and off the court. Lakeside is a massive part of my family life, and we love being involved with every aspect of the club,” she stated.

“I would love to continue to be involved in coaching the younger teams as well as the WSBL program once I decide to leave the game as a player.”

Two of the younger mothers in the league are Rockingham Flames teammates Casey Ware (nee Haggar) and Teamo Wheki. They are two of the newest mothers in the league, with Ware giving birth to son Braxton in October of last year, while Wheki is mother to ten month old daughter Scarlett.

Both players rely heavily on their families for support when it comes to fitting in their training schedules.

“My husband Matt has Braxton on Monday nights, and my parents take him on Wednesdays. He is usually asleep by the time I get home from training,” Ware said.

“Mum and Dad are a great help and just jump at the chance to babysit when I need it. Matt has football training on Wednesdays and Fridays so Friday is my turn,” she added.

Growing up in a family of predominately females, Wheki has little trouble getting the help she needs for Scarlet.

“I live at home with my parents and three sisters, so I’m fortunate I don’t need to find a babysitter,” Teamo said.

“My grandparents live close by as well so if there happens to be a time where Scarlet’s dad’s family can’t watch her, then they are also very welcoming of her,” she added.

Both Ware and Wheki have similar preparations for game days, despite Ware not having played an SBL game at all during last season due to injury. Both players plan to bring their children along to home games and again have the support of family whilst playing.

“Mum comes along to every game with me, and depending on what night the game is, Matt comes as well,” Ware said.

“My Mum, sisters and grandparents come along to every game and their support has just been amazing. Without them I wouldn’t be able to play or train,” Wheki said.

Both players also have similar plans when it comes to their futures in motherhood and their careers. With Ware and Wheki at the respective ages of 26 and 19, they still have many years of basketball ahead of them. However their views on future children are the same.

“I don’t plan on having any more kids, I’m extremely happy with one at the moment,” Ware said.

“I hope to finish my degree and be able to provide a good life for Scarlet, as well as playing a good game of basketball for the Flames,” Wheki added.

Article by Nathan Winch
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)