I felt like these pictures deserved their own post! Hallie (and all of our kids for that matter) has the best support system. I can’t even count how many matches she had people there cheering her on: Mostly family, friends from the neighborhood and she even had some friends from school come support. I wish I had pictures of everyone but sometimes people snuck away before I could snap a picture. Several have asked her if it makes her nervous to have people there watching her – oddly enough, I think she plays better. Evidently for her, it’s good pressure. Some of her toughest matches were played with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles cheering her on.
Hallie had the biggest cheering section on the team and it became a joke with some of the other parents of players that don’t have any family living close to come support. Luckily, Hallie’s cheering section doesn’t discriminate and they happily cheered on every one on the team.
Steve’s parents were regular supporters and we had a mixed family group each time including one match that my dad was here visiting.


Cousins came to an away match at their high school.

These two are the real troopers. They ended up at far more matches than they would have chosen. 🙂 Due to Hunter’s later school schedule I’m not sure he made it to a single match and now that I’m thinking about it, Bennett had soccer at the same time so I don’t think he was able to come either. I love for my kids to support each other and yet sometimes it just doesn’t work… there’s always next year!

This cousin stopped by matches a few times as he was making his way to and from the gym for volleyball games.

Steve’s sister came to several matches.

Steve’s sister visiting from Utah came to a match with her family and another match with her husband and sister.


This cousin used to play on the team and Hallie built a friendship with her that would be hard to duplicate due to their age difference. They love each other and she’s been so supportive.

There are countless other people that have made Hallie feel so loved by showing their support either by attending or asking about her season. I mentioned yesterday, but tennis is a lonely sport and this is one way that it doesn’t feel like you’re an island. I feel like I’ve said it a million times, but I’m grateful for our village.