NOTE: May and June are always big months around high schools. The games are more important and there is graduation day, and the prom. Plus, Father‘s Day comes around in June and Mother’s Day in May, which is actually Sunday.

During previous Mays and Junes, Tom Williams has turned over his column to CAL athletes for special wishes. Last year it was the Cappelletti sisters from Middle Township and OCHS baseball star Evan Taylor. in 2003. Before that, Nicholl and Abbey Fenton, Danielle and Andrew Donoghue, Stephanie Gaitley, Matt Woolley, Jeff Boyd, Allison Rinck, Erik Geisinger, Owen Ritti, Doug Colman, Allie Moreland, Tracey LeFever, the Degenhardt sisters, Chelsea Bruno, Danielle McNally, Dave & Casey Beyel, the Mensinger brothers, the Donahue sisters, the Impagliazzos, the Baruffis and Shaune McLaughlin, among others, to write about their fathers. Plus Joe Repetti to write about his mother and Tori Rolls to write about her grandfather.

21 years of them are available HERE.

This year, Gabby Henry, who will enter her senior year at Ocean City High School in September, writes about her mother, Trish. Gabby was a defensive spark for the Raiders the last two years and this season made 22 three-pointers, second on the team to junior Kaia Chew.

Gabby’s mother had a great career as a basketball player and runner at OCHS. She went on to play basketball at UMass. Trish has returned to the Cape-Atlantic League to coach at Ocean City and Oakcrest, including an extraordinary 143-8 dual meet record in cross country.

By GABBY HENRY, Guest Columnist

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate everything that makes mom’s special: their love, sacrifice, and endless support. For me, that celebration runs a little differently because my mom isn’t just my mother — she’s also my high school head coach.

That means I don’t just see her in the kitchen or cheering from the stands. I see her on the sidelines, in the locker room, and leading our practices. Growing up with a mom who loves sports is one thing. Growing up with a mom who coaches your team? That’s a whole new level of intense — but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I’ve grown up with someone who’s been around basketball her entire life. She was a standout point guard at Ocean City, made the All-State team, and went on to play at the University of Massachusetts. There aren’t many people who know the game like she does. So, getting to play under her has been an amazing experience. She teaches me and my teammates not just about basketball, but about life — teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.

As incredible as she was on the court, she’s an even more amazing mother. My mom isn’t the kind of person who looks for recognition. She doesn’t ask for thanks, and she never complains, even when she has every reason to feel tired or overwhelmed. Instead, she just keeps showing up — always remembering the little things, like the snacks I like or when I have a big test. But more than that, she remembers how I feel.

She cares in quiet, powerful ways: with her time, her heart, and her strength. I’ve never seen someone so dedicated to everything she does. She wants everyone to succeed, and that’s what makes me and my friends so excited for basketball season. She wants us to have fun and win, and she wants it just as much as we do. I think that’s why our team is so close — we’re led by someone who brings out the best in all of us.

Having my mom at school is something I feel proud of. She’s the kind of teacher who treats every student with patience and respect, just like she does at home. She makes learning fun, listens with care and always encourages people to do their best. I’ve seen how other students look up to her, and it makes me happy to know others appreciate how wonderful she is, too.

Sometimes, it’s not easy having your mom at the same school — and as your coach. I’ve worried that other kids might think it’s weird or assume I get special treatment. But over time, I’ve come to see it as a gift. It means I always have someone nearby who understands me, believes in me and sets an example I can follow. Her presence reminds me to be kind, work hard and help others — because that’s what she does every single day.

On this Mother’s Day, I want to say thank you to my mom. Thank you for being my guide, my comfort and my biggest supporter. Thank you for being an incredible teacher and coach.

In school, in sports and in life, I’m so lucky to learn from you in more ways than one.