Published
From cheering in the bleachers at games and tournaments to giving words of encouragement, watching grandchildren pursue sports has been a treasured pastime for many grandparents. Keiro interviewed grandparents about the joys of supporting their grandchildren in playing sports.
Kirk

Growing up, Kirk played basketball with the Penthouse Lakers in the Nisei Athletic Union (NAU) leagues since he was 16 years old. He also played baseball as the pitcher for the Maryknoll Angels as well as football, basketball, and track and field in high school. To no surprise, Kirk’s love of sports was passed down to his children, and now his three grandchildren have excelled in various sports. “I could talk for hours about my grandchildren!” Kirk excitedly shared when he began to talk about his grandchildren, Keira (softball and volleyball), Noah (basketball and volleyball), and Leah (softball).
Kirk is grateful that his retirement allowed him to play golf every week and gave him and his wife time to attend all of their grandchildren’s games. “It is a very proud moment for me to see my grandkids excel in the sports that I love.” Sports are one of the strongest connections he has with his grandchildren, so he loves to talk about it with them, providing his personal insights while also giving them recognition for how well they did in their sports and their academic successes.
Kirk recounted that his favorite memories with his grandkids have been traveling to Japan with Noah for Yonsei basketball and to Oregon with Keira for the National Softball Championships. Kirk shared, “To see your grandkids grow, I think that is what grandparenting is all about. It is watching your family grow and being close to them.”


Jan

Although Jan did not play growing up, sports have had a big part in connecting her family for as long as she can remember. Her oldest granddaughter, Avery, has taken on gymnastics and basketball. Jan goes to most of Avery’s basketball games and tournaments and, on occasion, has taken her to gymnastics practice, per Avery’s request. Jan commented that she enjoys watching Avery and her basketball team develop their skills over time. Still, she particularly loves to see her granddaughter become more confident, socialize, and learn how to be a part of a team. Jan added, “When we are at her games, she gets a little smile on her face. I am hoping that makes her happy and will motivate her.”
Watching Avery participate in these sports has motivated Jan to stay active as well. She shared, “It gives me purpose to get up every day and go out and exercise to stay healthy so that I can continue to support them.” Being a part of her grandkids’ lives, especially through sports, has brought Jan much joy and happiness, and she loves learning new things from her grandkids every day.
Hisamori
Born in the post-war era and raised in a rural part of Japan, Hisamori said that his generation did not grow up with television or video games, but going outside and coming up with their games was how they played. He enjoyed playing softball and ping pong in elementary school, joined a tennis team in junior high, and then baseball in high school. “Of course, sports have this side of competing and improving ourselves, but rather than that, sports for me was about enjoying it with others.”
Hisamori’s love for sports remained constant even after he moved to the United States. He found his social circle through baseball, creating a team with his friends. “I was rather lonely when I came here, so I played baseball all weekend for ten years,” shared Hisamori.


He currently has three grandchildren, two of whom are high school students who play various sports, including volleyball, track, soccer, and basketball. Unlike Japan, where students typically play one sport throughout the year, he finds it nice that his grandchildren can experience different sports depending on the season. “I envy that about them,” he chuckled.
Hisamori goes to cheer on his grandchildren at least once a month. “I think being present and cheering them on is the best support I can provide.” He finds joy in seeing his grandchildren play sports, but it also brings back nostalgic memories for him. “I love sports. Actually, I wouldn’t say I liked watching sports, as I had fun playing them myself. But as I age, I now appreciate watching them. [As I watch my grandchildren,] I remember how I used to play these sports and have emotions that well up from deep inside me. So, I hope they can enjoy playing it as long as possible.”
Regardless of age, the level of the grandchild’s experience, or how many sports they play, all three grandparents agreed that supporting their grandchildren and watching them grow has brought them great joy and purpose.