Pryor High School’s Carson Pendley is a three-sport student-athlete and the son of the Pryor Area Mom of the Month Kristie Pendley.

A mother of four; Pendley spends a lot of time supporting her kids at various functions. You can usually find her in the stands or passing our snacks.

“I’m a team parent who joins with other parents who cheer and encourage by screaming really loud and individually giving hugs and words of support. Anytime the team needs help with travel snacks or dinners we pack bags and plan meals. Anything we can do to make them feel special and supported,” said Pendley.

Carson is the last of the four kids to go through high school.

“They’ve all ran cross country, and track as well as played soccer. Through the years I’ve driven all over the state trying to make multiple sporting events, sometimes all in one day. My husband and I have helped raise money for the teams by volunteering for fundraising events from washing cars to flipping pancakes. I’ve packed snack bags, helped make fat heads to wave around at games, and ordered special shirts when our teams have made playoffs or state. My oldest three children have graduated high school and  Carson is the only one left in the house, so he gets both of our undivided support,” said Pendley.

Pendley believes parent involvement plays an important role in the lives of the student-athletes.

“It’s so important for kids to know that they always have a fan in the crowd. They can sometimes get lost in the crowd of competition, always trying to measure up and be the best. That’s a lot of pressure to put on themselves. Just being able to talk and break down games and strategies at home gives opportunities to talk and share in the excitement when there are wins and empathize with the loses, said Pendley.

The Pendley family has little free time, but when they do it usually involves something outside.

“We’re usually so busy running to sports events that we very rarely have free time, but when we do we love to sit outside and enjoy time with family visiting, making food on the grill, or watching the kids play games,” said Pendley.