By Derrick Smith

Parents can play a big role in the activities that their child experiences. For some, it can be overwhelming, but for Wendy Landes and her family, they have grown accustomed to it and have made it part of their life. 

“My son AJ is busy year-round,” she said. “He is always playing something. We have made it a lifestyle for so long that prioritizing is of utmost importance. We have to juggle  schedules and still maintain grades and downtimes. And when you add my coaching schedule onto it, it gets crazy.”

AJ is a freshman at Ponca City. He plays football, basketball, and baseball for the Wildcats. Wendy says that with him always competing, watching his games is second nature.

“AJ has been active in sports for so long I’ve grown accustomed to watching him year-round,” she said. “It’s one of my favorite things to do. I support all of his friends and we all travel together. Because I love watching AJ compete and also watching sports, being able to see him play is a highlight for me.”

Along with being a parent and a coach, Wendy is also a member of the Tip-Off Club and the Dugout Club at school. She says that being part of the community and school in Ponca City is the best for her and her family.

“I love that Ponca City allows AJ to play all the sports he enjoys without a conflict,” she said. “The coaches work with other schedules and teachers are understanding.”

Wendy has her own busy life as well. She is a teacher at Ponca City High School and also coaches cross country, basketball, and golf. If her schedule was not full enough, she also does some personal training. When she has downtime, she likes to run, exercise, paint, and draw.