For several years, Teresa Kickhaefer has been involved with the boys’ basketball and baseball teams. Her two sons, Ethan and Caden, both came through the Central High School program. Eldest son Ethan is a junior playing baseball at Kansas Wesleyan University, while Caden is a senior at Salina Central and has signed to play baseball at Butler Junior College next fall.

“I started volunteering for the teams during the 2014 school year. I became the parent liaison for both teams a couple of years after that,” said Kickhaefer.

Depending on the coach and the program, Kickhaefer has served in many roles and continues to help organize and plan events.

“Sometimes I provide weekly communication to parents on schedules. Parents can ask me questions about the programs instead of bombarding the coaches with 20 questions. I help organize parents for volunteer opportunities to run fundraisers like golf tournaments, and MAYB basketball tournaments. I also do signups for team meals before COVID, picking up sandwiches for away games, organizing parents to take snacks and Gatorade to games. Organizing end of year banquets. But I don’t do this alone. I have lots of parents who step up and help and make it all work. You can’t do this alone,” said Kickhaefer.

The mother of two feels it is important for parents to be involved in their kids’ activities.

“Programs need parent volunteers to support coaches and players. Coaches have a lot on their plates. It is important for players to see parents supporting their coaches and programs. I have noticed that the stronger the support from parents the better the programs do,” said Kickhaefer. “I love being involved. I enjoy being around the boys. If there is something I can do to support someone else and make their job easier, then I’m happy to help.”

There is very little free time for Kickhaefer, but when she does find the time, you can usually catch her spending it with family or reading a good book.