Momma Manning is more than just an English teacher; she is everybody’s second mom.
Momma likes to involve herself in the Woodland sports community. From leading the student
sections, to monitoring grades, she will go out of her way to make sure you’re having a good
experience and being your best self. Manning is selfless, as she will make sure everything in
your life is going well, and that all your grades are up to par
Everyone knows who Momma Manning is, but not everybody knows who she is as a
person.
“I love sports and I love my students. I lost my father when I was in high school so they were never at my games. I’m trying to give back what I didn’t have,” explained Manning.
More than just a student section leader, Manning also monitors the grades of the athletes
we see on the field.
“ I believe in you guys. There are regulations and under my watch no one has ever failed off the team,” Manning said.
This is a major accomplishment because Manning has been watching over teams for over
a decade now, and through the countless athletes she has watched over none of them have ever
failed off the team.
Coaches struggle with not being able to monitor how their athletes are behaving in
school. This could lead to issues and can lead to some athletes being ineligible to play. Manning
steps up into the role to make sure this issue doesn’t become present.
“I volunteered to do it because the coaches can’t monitor grades and behaviors,” Manning said.
She helped incorporate some policies such as progress reports. These help to make sure
that students are behaving and being their best academic self.
Just like most people, Manning has an inspiration to what she does. Pop Shortell,
Ansonia and Valley legend, was a super fan for Ansonia. He was famous for attending 578
games straight. He was well respected by the community and that’s why Manning views him as
such an inspiration.
Manning is incredibly honored for the nickname
“Momma” she views it as a sign of respect
Manning loves doing this, but her favorite part is running the student section.
“Oh that’s the best baby! ” Manning said.
She is always the loudest there and everyone at games knows
who she is because of how vocal she is.
“I usually have to save my voice on Thursdays and Friday mornings. I have no voice on the weekends,” Manning said.
Manning is overall a selfless person who cares for her students as they were her own
kids. This alone can be life changing for a student. If you ever go to a sporting event, you will be
sure to hear loud screams from Momma Manning.
Photo by: Julia Dommel