Jaci Russell, a local hairstylist and mother of three, triples as one of Frederick High School football’s greatest supporters.
“I have been the ‘team mom’ for football for the past three years,” said Russell, whose son, Ryder Russell, plays football and basketball and powerlifts for the Bombers. “We do weekly themes for the boys and decorate locker rooms and the school hallways each week before Fridays. We do a goody bag and drinks for each of them and the coaches.”
Jaci and her husband, Joe Van Russell, have three children: Ryder, 18; Aspen, 12; and Boston, 9.
Ryder also plays competitive baseball year-round. Aspen cheers competitively and plays basketball and softball. Boston plays three sports, too. Jaci said “it’s another job.” She was inspired to involve herself with the football team by her mother-in-law, who supported her husband in similar fashion when he played sports.
“Once my son was a freshman, I felt like it was now my duty to put forth the effort to show these boys how much love and support they have,” Russell said. “They give their everything all week on the practice field and, come Friday, they need to be celebrated and shown that the town, family and friends are there for them.
“It’s a small thing but every week, these kids are excited to see what we did on Friday mornings.”
Frederick (pop. ~3,500) fits the old adage, “it takes a village,” and Russell said she couldn’t do it without the support and cooperation of the other team moms.
“There are many wonderful moms who help do things and I am so appreciative,” Russell said. “It definitely takes us all to come together and help. It has been a fast and furious last four years of high school. . . There are so many times I have to ask other parents to help me get one or more to a ball field or to watch one so I can run another one somewhere.”
With Aspen graduating middle school in 2024 and Boston following not too far behind her, Russell will continue to have her hands full.
“It is what fills my heart with joy. I have spent more birthdays, anniversaries and more at ball fields than not,” Russell said. “Keeping these kids involved is something that is important to us. We know that they grow up fast and as long as they are enjoying it, that’s right where we will be. We wouldn’t change it for anything!”
