Enid High alumna and “Mom of the Month” Jennifer Sullivan may not have played sports in high school, but she has always enjoyed cheering on the Plainsmen and Pacers.
“I was very involved in show choir and every choir they had available,” Sullivan said of her high school years. “I was a fan of Enid High sports, but did not play any myself. Once I married a coach (Dennom Sullivan), I found myself enjoying and cheering on every sport they offer at EHS.”
Born and raised in Enid, Sullivan has a big heart for the community.
“With my husband being a coach for 24 years at Enid, it has been such a blessing to come back to my old high school, working side-by-side with him, and getting to watch what God is doing through FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) in the high school,” she said.
Sullivan’s son Brock graduated from Enid in 2024 and is now playing football at Missouri Western State University. Her daughter Emma is a senior in high school and is a captain of the volleyball team. Pacers volleyball coach Valerie Francisco says the recognition for Jennifer is well-deserved.
“She goes above and beyond for our team—always the first to volunteer, organize team meals, help with transportation, and cheer loudly from the stands” said Francisco. “Whether it’s coordinating behind-the-scenes or just being a constant positive presence, Jenn’s support means the world to our program. We’re so thankful for everything she does to keep things running smoothly and to make our team feel like a family.”
There are many memories to look back on throughout years of athletics for each of her children, but Sullivan says the ones that stand out the most are the times her kids fought through adversity.
“My daughter was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. It can affect the way her joints and body feel while doing sports. My favorite moments with Emma are definitely watching her spike and block the ball, despite how she’s feeling that day,” said Sullivan. “She was recently offered a volleyball scholarship to play college volleyball at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. That moment, knowing everything she fights through, was so special to see her hard work being rewarded!
Sullivan had a similar recollection about how her son fought back from injury, surgery, and physical rehabilitation to get back on the field and eventually receive a football scholarship.
Sullivan says that, as a parent, it’s important to prioritize anything your kids do, whether it be sports, music, drama, etc.
“We only have kids for such a short period of time under our roof, and embracing it to the fullest is one of the best parts of being a mom! Being involved in your kids activities also helps you know them better, allows you to be in their world, and understand the things they’re going through on a deeper level,” she said.
