Sonja Rush-Harvin named 2016 Team Mom of the Year

By Stephen Spiewak | Posted 12/28/2016

No matter the sport, the season or the weather, you can find Sonja Rush-Harvin out supporting the C.E. Murray High School (Greeleyville, S.C.) War Eagles.

She is not just a mother of three, but serves as the de facto team mom, constantly stepping up to volunteer and lend her assistances to the players and coaches at C.E. Murray.

Rush-Harvin is the 2016 USA Football Team Mom of the Year, selected from more than 2,000 women nominated for the award.

According to C.E. Murray head coach Brian Smith, Rush-Harvin has been a fixture in the program for the last four seasons.

“Anytime we need anything in our program, Ms. Rush-Harvin is always the first one to volunteer her services and provide it," Smith said. “She touches the hearts of our players every single week. She lifts them up.”

Rush-Harvin helps with organizing team meals, coordinating fundraisers and ensuring that equipment and uniforms are ready for practices and games.

She also assists the team in less obvious ways.

During Senior Night this fall, Rush-Harvin noticed that some players did not have parents who were able to attend. In true team mom fashion, Rush-Harvin stepped up and escorted those players during their introduction.

She cares deeply about the team and after being named a finalist for the Team Mom of the Year award, was hopeful that winning the grand prize would help support the football program.

“Coming from a small rural area, we do not have a lot of resources here,” Rush-Harvin said, in the finalist video she submitted. “The poverty level is 90 percent and we are unable to purchase much-needed equipment. This grant would go a long way in assisting our team.”

As the grand prize winner, Rush-Harvin has won a $5,000 equipment grant as well as an AED for C.E. Murray.

Ten other finalists from various high school and youth football organizations across the country received a $1,500 equipment grant.

USA Football recognizes that team moms like Rush-Harvin are vital to the success of football programs from coast to coast.

“So many moms work behind the scenes and selflessly put a special priority on their children’s sports and activities,” said Scott Hallenbeck, USA Football CEO and Executive Director. “We’re pleased to recognize Sonja and all Team Moms for adding to the fun and memorable moments of their kids’ football experiences.”

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