Cooper Flagg’s Mom Reveals the Unexpected Pressures on Parents During March Madness (Exclusive) …

Cooper Flagg’s Mom Reveals the Unexpected Pressures on Parents During March Madness (Exclusive)

 

As March Madness ramps up each year, the spotlight shines brightly on college basketball’s top athletes. But for families of rising stars like Cooper Flagg — one of the most highly anticipated recruits in recent NCAA history — the glare of the national stage brings its own unique set of pressures. In an exclusive interview, Flagg’s mother, Kelly Flagg, opened up about the lesser-known emotional toll that March Madness can take on the parents behind the scenes.

“It’s exciting, of course,” Kelly said, speaking candidly. “You watch your child living out their dream on national television. But there’s also this incredible pressure that people don’t see — the pressure to be perfect, to represent well, and to shield your child from the weight of all the attention.”

Cooper Flagg, an elite prospect out of Maine who committed to Duke, has been a standout talent since his high school days. His soaring reputation has brought not just media scrutiny, but also sky-high expectations from fans and critics alike. For Kelly, that meant learning how to navigate everything from national media appearances to social media storms — all while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for her son.

“Everyone wants a piece of him — and by extension, a piece of us,” she said. “We’ve had to learn to protect our boundaries while still letting Cooper shine.”

While the Flagg family is no stranger to basketball — Kelly herself was a college athlete — she noted that the modern era of viral highlights and 24/7 sports coverage has changed the game for families.

“When I played, it was your school newspaper and maybe a local write-up. Now, it’s ESPN clips, social media debates, and rankings. You’re constantly aware that one comment, one bad photo, or even one off night could be magnified to millions of people.”

The emotional pressure intensifies during March Madness, where every game is a high-stakes event watched by millions. For parents, it’s a blend of pride and anxiety.

“You’re cheering like any parent would, but there’s always this low hum of worry — will he live up to expectations? Will people judge him harshly if he doesn’t have a perfect game? That’s not easy to carry.”

Despite the challenges, Kelly remains fiercely proud of her son and how he’s handled the attention with maturity and grace.

“Cooper’s focus is always on the game and the team. That’s what grounds us too,” she said. “But as parents, we’re constantly working to stay centered — for him and for ourselves.”

With March Madness continuing to dominate headlines and Cooper Flagg’s future in basketball looking brighter than ever, Kelly hopes that more conversations will open up around the emotional reality for families.

“People see the highlights,” she said. “But behind every athlete is a family holding their breath, just trying to keep it all together.”