In this episode of Moms in the Huddle, Erika and Jillian sit down with special guest EJ Holland, national recruiting analyst with On3 Sports, to take a closer look at the recruiting star system.

What does it really mean to be labeled a 5-star, 4-star, or 3-star athlete? Who decides those ratings, and how much weight do they actually carry when it comes to recruiting? EJ pulls back the curtain on how the system works, where the hype comes from, and what parents and athletes need to know to keep perspective.

Together, we unpack the myths and realities of the star system, giving moms, dads, and athletes the insider knowledge to navigate recruiting with wisdom. Because at the end of the day—it’s not the stars that define your child’s future, it’s their character and work ethic.

In this episode of Moms in the Huddle, Erika and Jillian tackle one of the most talked-about topics in youth and high school sports: the recruiting star system. We’ll dive deep into what it really means when an athlete is labeled a 5-star, 4-star, or 3-star recruit—where those ratings come from, who assigns them, and how much they actually matter in the long run.

But this isn’t just about numbers and rankings. With firsthand experiences as sports moms of Division I athletes, Erika and Jillian share honest, practical insight into the realities behind the hype. You’ll hear about the pressure families face, the misconceptions surrounding stars, and how parents can keep their student-athletes grounded in character and academics —because stars don’t define destiny.

Whether you’re raising a middle schooler just starting to get noticed, or a high school athlete with recruiters calling, this conversation will give you the tools and wisdom to help your child navigate the recruiting journey with confidence, perspective, and peace of mind.

Tune in for insider advice every parent needs to hear—because raising an athlete is about so much more than stars.

In this powerful episode of Moms in the Huddle, Erika and Jillian sit down with Ishawn Stewart and his mother Sequoia Stewart, to talk about what it really means to bet on yourself.

The transfer portal has become one of the most talked-about parts of college athletics, but behind every decision is a family navigating sacrifice, and uncertainty. Ishawn opens up about his personal journey through the transfer process, while Sequoia shares the mother’s perspective—covering the challenges, the emotions, and the courage it takes to stand behind your child’s dreams.

Together, this family’s story is a reminder that while the path may not always be straight, trusting yourself and moving forward with resilience can open doors to new opportunities and greater purpose.