In this episode of Moms in the Huddle, Erika and Jillian sit down with special guest EJ Holland, national recruiting analyst with On3 Sports, to take a closer look at the recruiting star system.

What does it really mean to be labeled a 5-star, 4-star, or 3-star athlete? Who decides those ratings, and how much weight do they actually carry when it comes to recruiting? EJ pulls back the curtain on how the system works, where the hype comes from, and what parents and athletes need to know to keep perspective.

Together, we unpack the myths and realities of the star system, giving moms, dads, and athletes the insider knowledge to navigate recruiting with wisdom. Because at the end of the day—it’s not the stars that define your child’s future, it’s their character and work ethic.

In this episode of Moms in the Huddle, Erika and Jillian tackle one of the most talked-about topics in youth and high school sports: the recruiting star system. We’ll dive deep into what it really means when an athlete is labeled a 5-star, 4-star, or 3-star recruit—where those ratings come from, who assigns them, and how much they actually matter in the long run.

But this isn’t just about numbers and rankings. With firsthand experiences as sports moms of Division I athletes, Erika and Jillian share honest, practical insight into the realities behind the hype. You’ll hear about the pressure families face, the misconceptions surrounding stars, and how parents can keep their student-athletes grounded in character and academics —because stars don’t define destiny.

Whether you’re raising a middle schooler just starting to get noticed, or a high school athlete with recruiters calling, this conversation will give you the tools and wisdom to help your child navigate the recruiting journey with confidence, perspective, and peace of mind.

Tune in for insider advice every parent needs to hear—because raising an athlete is about so much more than stars.

In this powerful episode of Moms in the Huddle, Erika and Jillian sit down with Ishawn Stewart and his mother Sequoia Stewart, to talk about what it really means to bet on yourself.

The transfer portal has become one of the most talked-about parts of college athletics, but behind every decision is a family navigating sacrifice, and uncertainty. Ishawn opens up about his personal journey through the transfer process, while Sequoia shares the mother’s perspective—covering the challenges, the emotions, and the courage it takes to stand behind your child’s dreams.

Together, this family’s story is a reminder that while the path may not always be straight, trusting yourself and moving forward with resilience can open doors to new opportunities and greater purpose.

In this special episode of Moms in the Huddle, Erika and Jillian invite their very first guests—their sons—to share the mic. Joining the conversation are John Blackwell, Division I basketball player at the University of Wisconsin, and Semaj Morgan, Division I football player at the University of Michigan.

Together, this mother–son huddle dives into how the journey began. From early practices to game-day memories, John and Semaj reflect on their paths to becoming student-athletes at two of the nation’s top programs. Erika and Jillian open up about the sacrifices, prayers, and lessons learned along the way—revealing what it means to raise athletes while shaping young men of character, faith, and grit.

This episode is about more than sports—it’s about family, faith, perseverance, and the powerful bond between moms and their boys.

In our very first episode, The Beginning Discussions, Erika and Jillian sit down to share the heart behind Moms in the Huddle. This is more than a podcast—it’s a space where sports, motherhood, faith, and real life intersect.

Join us as we talk about the genesis of this journey—how two sports moms, navigating the ups and downs of raising athletes, felt called to create a platform for authentic conversation, encouragement, and community. We open up about why we started this podcast, what we hope it brings to other moms, and the vision we have for every huddle moving forward.

Whether you’re a mom in the bleachers, a parent navigating college recruitment, or just someone who needs encouragement for the road ahead, this first episode sets the tone for everything to come. Welcome to the huddle—you belong here.