By Derrick Smith

When their child is involved in sports, it can become a part of the parent’s life as well. Between making sure their kid is at practice, games, and has what they need to compete, the parent takes on a big role. Rachelle Franz says that sports have been a part of her life for so long that she would be lost without it.

“I don’t think I would know what to do if I weren’t involved,” she said. “One of the main ways I stay involved is volunteering to help with team events, fundraisers, and things like that. But I also stay involved by showing up and just talking to my kids about practices and games.”

Franz has two kids that are in the Edmond school system and a couple of “bonus daughters” who she says aren’t officially adopted but a part of their family just like blood.

“Hudson is in the eighth grade at Oakdale School and plays basketball,” she said. “Baylor is a junior at Edmond Memorial and competes in basketball and soccer. Callie is our ‘bonus daughter’ and she is a counselor at Frontier Elementary, while her husband Jacob is a teacher and coach at Edmond Memorial. They have one child, Ruby. Our other ‘bonus daughter,’ Jewel, is currently an EMT but she will soon be a paramedic in West Memphis, Arkansas. She has two little ones, Carver and Coltrane. I am so proud of my family.”

Rachelle is a professor in the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma where she teaches classes in health education.

With a family the size of Franz’s, support plays a big role in everything they do. 

“It is a core value in our family,” she said. “Supporting each other is what we do. We are always there for each other, no matter what is going on. I’ve always tried to be a member of booster clubs. It helps me stay involved with my kids and their team, and I believe it’s helpful to their coaches as well.”