My Indiana Pacers are in the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years! The night they clinched the Eastern Conference Finals Championship over the New York Knicks, our family celebrated and I told my girls to cherish this moment because you never know if or when it will happen again.

I’m big on living in the moment. As a parent, you kinda have to be. However, at times, it’s difficult to appreciate the moments you’re in as there’s always something else to look forward to. Sometimes, it’s the end of the school year, and sometimes, it’s the end of the night, but one thing is clear: over and over, you’ll find people who raised kids decades ago, long for the days when their kids were little.

Last year, I wrote a piece called When You’re In The Golden Days about appreciating this season of life. My dogs are getting older, as are my girls, and there’s something special about sitting in a season that you know will be the best days of your life.

Cheers! And, of course, Go Pacers!

In this episode of Courtside Forever, Rae and Si join me as I take a moment to honor two names that should be etched into the heart of every Indiana Pacers fan: Slick and Nancy Leonard. This episode isn't just for Pacers fans, it's for everyone.

If you're a Pacers fan, you may know Slick’s legendary “Boom Baby!” call, or the unforgettable players he coached in the ABA days—but behind every big moment in Pacers history is a deeper story of grit, love, and community. In 1977, with the franchise on the verge of collapse, the Leonards led a telethon that didn’t just sell season tickets—it saved professional basketball in Indiana. One phone call at a time.

We walk through what happened after that emotional night, from Slick’s transition to the broadcast booth to Nancy’s enduring presence courtside—cheering for Reggie, Paul George, Tyrese, and now Caitlin Clark. I talk about the Simons' purchase of the team, the $2.9 billion valuation today, and how the Noblesville Boom G-League rebrand in 2025 pays tribute to the couple that gave everything for this team.

This 2024-25 Pacers squad deserves their praise—Haliburton’s vision, Siakam’s playstyle, Turner's versatility, Nembhard’s defense, and Nesmith’s hustle have the Fieldhouse rocking. But every time I watch this team, I find myself thinking about Nancy’s perseverance and Slick’s passion and how one couple saved a team and inspired a city.

If you love a good story of perseverance, or especially if you love Indiana Pacers basketball like us, this episode is for you.

Watch the documentary, Slick, Nancy, and The Telethon on Disney+

In this episode of Courtside Forever, I sit down with Casey Lewis—soccer mom, former player, coach, team manager, and founder of Soccer Unleashed—for a conversation every parent in youth sports needs to hear.

We dive into the big question: How do you know when your kid is truly ready for travel or competitive soccer? Casey shares what to look for in terms of interest, skill, and commitment—and how to evaluate if your family is ready for the time and financial investment that comes with it.

We also talk about:

• How to make competitive soccer more affordable (yes, she’s got serious points-hacking advice!)

• Why comparing your kid’s journey to others can backfire

• The growing intensity in youth sports and what it’s doing to kids

• How to keep soccer fun—even at a high level

• And the heart behind Soccer Unleashed, her platform helping players of all levels find opportunities

Casey’s insight as a mom of three soccer-playing kids, plus her experience across every level of the game, makes this a must-listen for any parent trying to navigate youth sports with intention.

Whether your kid just picked up a ball or is eyeing the college level—this one’s for you.

Visit Soccer Unleashed: https://www.soccerunleashed.com/

Follow Soccer Unleashed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soccer_opportunities_unleashed/