Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

What happens when your soccer-obsessed child suddenly can't play? In this powerful conversation about "Sports Parent PTSD," Cari shares the raw, emotional journey of her son's devastating soccer injury that sidelined him for ten months.

From the moment she saw him go down on the field last May to his triumphant return in February, Cari reveals the unexpected emotional rollercoaster she experienced as a parent. Beyond the doctor appointments, surgeries, and physical therapy sessions lies a deeper struggle rarely discussed: the psychological toll on parents watching their children lose a piece of their identity.

"I placed a lot of blame on myself," Cari admits, describing nights spent crying herself to sleep while putting on a brave face during the day. Her candid reflection on the anxiety that gripped her when her son finally returned to play resonates with any parent who's held their breath watching their child step back into a challenging situation after injury.

Katie offers perspective from both coaching and parent viewpoints, examining how injuries impact not just the individual player but entire teams, communities, and families. Together, they explore coping mechanisms that helped them through the darkest moments – from journaling and gratitude practices to finding strength in vulnerability by sharing experiences.

As Carri prepares to face her next challenge – returning to the very tournament where her son's injury occurred – she reminds listeners that they're not alone in these struggles. This conversation opens a necessary dialogue about supporting not just injured athletes but the parents who suffer alongside them.

Have you experienced similar feelings watching your child return to sports after injury? Share your story with us at info@soccermomsunfiltered.com or message us on Instagram @soccermomsunfiltered.

Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

Soccer tournaments represent significant investments of time, money, and emotional energy for families. But what happens when illness strikes at the most inopportune moment? Parents across the country face this dilemma regularly, and their stories reveal the complex decision-making process behind whether a sick child should play or sit out.

The experiences shared on this episode range from heartbreaking to inspiring. One parent described their child who "seemed okay to play, but once he started running and breathing heavy, would start coughing non-stop, uncontrollably" becoming "more of a detriment than a help." Another recounted how half their team contracted norovirus during national quarterfinals, forcing them to play with no substitutes while several teammates competed while on medication.

Tournament travel amplifies these challenges dramatically. We hear from families who encountered fevers on airplanes, stomach bugs in hotel rooms, and viral infections at out-of-state competitions. The financial and emotional investments make these scenarios particularly difficult—like the family who traveled to Florida only to have their child play just "a few minutes" after being sidelined with flu symptoms.

Most parents emphasized letting children participate in the decision about their ability to play while sick. This collaborative approach helps young athletes develop bodily awareness while maintaining parental oversight. As one mother put it: "I kind of let him take the lead. If he felt he could play and give 100%, then he was welcome to."

Ultimately, there are no perfect solutions to sideline sickness. Each family must navigate these situations based on their specific circumstances, the nature of the illness, and their child's physical and emotional state. What's your approach when fever meets game day? We'd love to hear your stories at @SoccerMomsUnfiltered on Instagram or info@SoccerMomsUnfiltered.com.

Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

Ever checked into a tournament hotel and immediately wanted to check out? You're not alone! In this candid conversation, Katie and Cari swap hotel horror stories from their soccer parent travels that will have you double-checking your next booking.

From rooms reeking of cigarette smoke to finding someone already sleeping in an assigned room, the hosts reveal the sketchy side of "stay and play" tournament accommodations. They question how these subpar properties make it onto approved hotel lists and share the frustration of team managers who spend hours researching options only to arrive at properties that fail to meet basic standards.

Beyond accommodation nightmares, Katie opens up about the emotional realization that she's coaching her daughter's team for the last tournament season before they move up to 11v11. This bittersweet milestone resonates with any parent watching their child grow through sports, highlighting the temporary nature of our roles in their athletic journeys.

The conversation takes unexpected turns through their shared interest in true crime entertainment and the recent Christian Pulisic documentary, which reveals the enormous sacrifices required to pursue professional soccer. This leads to a thought-provoking discussion about the fundamental cultural differences between American and European soccer development – in Europe, football is life; in America, it's just entertainment.

Whether you're a soccer parent who's experienced similar travel woes or you're looking for recommendations for your next tournament trip, this episode delivers both commiseration and practical insights. Share your own hotel horror stories or recommendations with us at info@soccermomsunfiltered.com!

Follow us on Instagram @soccermomsunfiltered and @kick_it_with_katie_podcast

Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

Every soccer parent's car tells a story. From essential gear to bizarre contraptions, what we carry to games reveals our parenting style, experience level, and sometimes our slight tendency toward over-preparation.

Katie and Cari pull back the curtain on what actually lives in soccer parents' trunks across the country. The conversation moves from basic necessities like comfortable chairs with built-in shade and wheeled coolers (never carry when you can roll!) to unexpected game-changers like portable espresso machines and industrial-strength battery-powered fans. They share horror stories of forgotten cleats, sideline improvisation, and the eternal struggle to maintain order amid tournament chaos.

The discussion reveals how sideline gear varies dramatically by region - Florida parents prioritize rain ponchos and cooling solutions, while those in colder climates maintain supplies of hand warmers and blankets. Community members chime in with their must-haves, from double-decker wagons to specialized mesh laundry bags for team travel. Each item serves the dual purpose of supporting young athletes while making the sideline experience bearable (sometimes even enjoyable) for parents.

Between laughter about finding strangers' abandoned water bottles and serious discussions about first aid preparedness, Katie and Cari uncover the deeper meaning behind our sideline gear - the shared experience of supporting our children's passions while building community with other parents. Their practical insights will help new soccer families prepare for their first seasons while giving veterans fresh ideas to upgrade their sideline game.

What's in your trunk? Join the conversation by messaging us at info@SoccerMomsUnfiltered.com or following us on Instagram @SoccerMomsUnfiltered to share your essential gear and sideline stories!

Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

Listener be advised, you may hear some expletives and scary moments from on the field. May not be suitable for young ears.

Ever been at a youth soccer match where the parents were more dramatic than the game itself? Katie and Cari take you behind the scenes of the wildest sideline behavior they've witnessed and collected from listeners across the country.

From F-bombs being hurled at 12-year-olds during a consolation game to a Spanish-speaking mom who didn't realize Cari could understand every insult she was muttering, the stories range from cringe-worthy to genuinely concerning. One particularly powerful moment came when a referee stopped an entire game to address disruptive parents: "If any of you want to come out on this field in 90-degree weather and do what we do, please go sign up, otherwise keep your mouth shut."

The hosts explore the varying rules about where parents should sit during games—some regions have strict protocols while others are a free-for-all, often contributing to unnecessary conflict. They share listener-submitted sideline comments that'll make you laugh and wince: "Soccer isn't a contact sport—", "Your toe hurts because you dribble too much. Pass the ball," and perhaps most disturbing, "I'll give you $100 to take her out."

The conversation takes a serious turn when Katie recounts a local incident where a parent argument led to false rumors of an active shooter at a tournament, causing panic with children dropping to the ground and climbing fences to escape. This sobering story underscores their central message: adults need to remember why they're at these games—for the kids. Whatever happens during the match should stay on the field, not follow players and families into the parking lot or beyond.

Share your own sideline stories or questions with us at info@SoccerMomsUnfiltered.com or find us on Instagram @SoccerMomsUnfiltered and @Kick_It_With_Katie_Podcast. We'd love to feature your experiences in an upcoming episode!

Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

Every sports parent has faced that moment of dread—your child wakes up sick on game day or during a tournament. The internal debate begins: Are they too sick to play? Will they get others sick? Will their performance suffer? And the bigger question—what's the right decision as a parent?

Katie and Cari dive into this universal parenting challenge, sharing their recent experiences with illness sweeping through their families. Cari reveals the heartbreaking dilemma she faced when her son—after ten grueling months of injury recovery—woke up sick on the very day he was finally cleared to play again. The mixture of excitement, anticipation, and then the crushing possibility of delaying his return created a parental decision point many can relate to.

The hosts explore how different sports create unique challenges during illness. Team sports might have substitutes available, but what about the goalkeeper with no backup? Individual sports like tennis or track offer no alternatives—the athlete competes or withdraws entirely. These situations force complicated decisions, especially when families have invested in tournament fees, travel arrangements, and hotel bookings.

Katie and Cari balance the conversation between competitive realities and responsible parenting. They acknowledge the importance of keeping contagious children away from teammates while also recognizing the mental and emotional impact of missing important competitions. The discussion touches on knowing your child well enough to distinguish between legitimate illness and potential avoidance behaviors, plus strategies for communicating with coaches about a player's condition.

Whether you've cleaned vomit from car upholstery after a tournament, administered family remedies before competitions, or made those tough calls about participation, this episode validates your experience while offering practical perspectives. Share your own stories and home remedies at info@soccermomsunfiltered.com—we're building this community together!

Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆

It's finally here- our very first episode of Soccer Moms Unfiltered! Get to know your hosts, Cari Gonzalez and Katie Koelliker, two moms from opposite sides of the country who have seen it all when it comes to youth sports. We're diving into why we started this podcast, what you can expect in future episodes, and sharing some relatable moments.

From sideline chaos to tournament disasters, we're bringing the laughs, the rants, and the real talk. So grab your coffee (or wine), buckle up for the ride, and let's kick off this wild journey together!

Subscribe now and let's get unfiltered!

Email us at info@soccermomsunfiltered.com

Follow on Instagram @soccermomsunfiltered

Listen to Kick It With Katie Here

Shoot us a text, just like your kid shoots for the goal!" ⚽🏆