Mothers' Love Helps Shape Razorbacks
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – There’s no questioning the love and dedication a mother has for their children. For the Razorbacks, their moms have been their biggest fans and most ardent supporters from day one and continue to be present every step of the way.
Carson Shaddy, Blaine Knight, and Grant Koch took some time to reflect on the impact their moms had on their lives and how they have shaped them into the men they are today.
Carson Shaddy grew up in Fayetteville and being able to play in Baum Stadium with his family so close was a dream come true. Having family close by while in college is convenient for any college student, but when you’re a student-athlete it makes it that much more special when family can come support you.
Shaddy didn’t waste any time in recalling his favorite memory with his mom; his first home run at Baum Stadium. Shaddy said it was special because he looked up and saw his mom crying. “It was amazing to see her showing that much emotion towards me and my home run,” Shaddy said. “No one forgets his first home run at Baum Stadium, but nothing makes it more special than getting to share it with the woman who has always been there to support your baseball career.”
Even from an early age, Grant Koch felt his mother’s influence on his career and life. Koch explained that his mother instilled in him to be the best person he could be because baseball only lasts so long, but his character will never fade.
A native of Fayetteville, Koch chose to play at Arkansas because of the opportunities that were provided for his family to come see him play in over 30 home games annually and to have the support system that he has grown accustomed to having throughout his career.
Grant’s favorite memory with his mom has been seeing her every time he rounds the bases after hitting a home run and seeing her giving high-fives to other parents while laughing and smiling.
“Every time I look up to the stands I see her smiling, she always jokes about it,” Koch said. “I always try to give them a little sign when I go around the bases if I hit a homerun or something and she hates it because she misses it because she is spinning around and giving high fives, laughing and smiling. But just seeing them happy up there is pretty cool.”
Growing up, Blaine Knight dreamed of playing college baseball and one of his biggest supporters on his journey has been his mother. During youth baseball, Knight’s mom would keep the book for his teams, offering support for her son every step of the way.
The best piece of advice the sophomore standout received from his mom was “always do what you can, as hard as you can, for as long as you can”.
The Bryant, Arkansas native draws inspiration from his family being close to Fayetteville and being able to attend a majority of his games. Knight’s favorite baseball memory with his mom came after his first collegiate start.
“She’s always one of those moms who always kept the books and always did all that stuff, Knight said. “Just her being there in support and always being behind me in everything is what has been the biggest influence on me.”
