On Friday nights, there is only one place you will be able to find Team Mom Flossie Eakins; in the stands. Eakins can be counted on, home or away, to scream words of encouragement and ring her Conquerors blue cowbell as the Trinity football team battles for their next victory.
“Get low!”
“Hit somebody!”
“Go get you some!”
These are some of the phrases her son Deion, the team and everyone in the stands are accustomed to hearing as the boys block, tackle and race their way toward the end zone for a touchdown. Somehow Eakins always happens to finds herself near the videographer, so the team gets a double dose of her enthusiasm as they watch the game film afterwards.
“It is a moral builder to me,” Eakins said. “Everybody wants to be cheered and everybody wants to be appreciated, whether they do something big or small.”
Eakins has also earned herself the reputation of being known as the “treat lady.” She has a good habit of bringing the players cookies and snacks after practices and games. Whether she is being a cheerleader, bringing snacks or the giving the players rides home, Eakins feels it always a good thing when you can mentor kids and be a part of their lives.
“It is a fun part of watching your children really grow and them always coming back to you no matter where you are,” Eakins said. “You kind of touch their lives and are a part of their lives no matter what they do and they always remember that.”
Eakins’, who is a mother of four, most memorable moment of her youngest son Deion was being able to see him as a starting offensive lineman on the USA International Team where they played, and defeated, the Canadian team. Seeing her son run out on Maverick Stadium Field representing his country doing something he loved was an awesome experience for her as a mother.
Eakins feels that the coaching staff at Trinity makes the players the best that they can be with “tough love.” Head Coach Verlon Dorminey makes sure his players are equipped when it is time for them to go to the next level; whether that be in football, college or life itself, Eakins said. There will be good days, there will be bad days, but Eakins feels that it is the job of the parents and the coaches to be there and support them no matter what day it is.
“I think volunteering is just a part of me, I am always going to volunteer no matter what,” Eakins said. “As parents, we can be parents, we can be mentors, we can be instructors; it all starts with that loving person that is within you. When you have it in your heart and your spirit you just do it. You can’t replace the smiles that you see on their faces when you are there. Our children really need that.”
When asked if her Friday night plans will be changing, as Deion is soon approaching graduation, Eakins didn’t miss a beat. She is a Conquerors fan through and through. She will still be out there hollering, ringing her bell and calling out names.
“Friday nights will always be filled with the excitement of going and supporting Trinity and the team,” Eakins said.
“All I ask of Coach Dorminey is that he gives me a new roster so I can call out the right names!”
North Florida/ Special Feature/ April 2015
Flossie Eakins
Trinity Christian Academy
Jacksonville, FL.
JESSICA BABCOCK
Superfan Mom Vows to Return After Son Graduates
