Editor’s Note: This story is part of a series of features on women leaders in Western Massachusetts high school athletics. UMass journalism students wrote the stories as part of a semester-long project in their sports writing class in partnership with MassLive.
As Tammy Jones stood on the sidelines of Central’s 46-8 win over Longmeadow on Oct. 20, one thing stood out over the cheering and celebrations. No matter where she walked along the sidelines, whether it be a player or an alumni in the stands, she could be seen hugging them like she was welcoming them home after a long day. But what stood out over the embracements was what you could hear being said to Jones through the hug.
“Hey Ma, how’re you doin’?”
Jones isn’t just a “team” mom to these individuals. For her, it has less to do with the team, and more about being there for the kids.
The Golden Eagles have become a powerhouse in the realm of Massachusetts high school football. Winning state titles in 2018, 2019 and 2021, and coming painstakingly close to another in 2022, their success has made them the home for some of the best players in the state. For every player standing on those sidelines, one individual has become a shoulder to lean on whenever needed – Ma Jones.
“The term ‘team mom’ I kind of hate,” said Jones when asked about what it meant to her. “It almost puts me in a box where I am just there for the team. But for me, these kids that come through this program and the ones that have gone beyond this program, are truly family to me.
“And so is this team.”
Jones’s time with Central’s football team began when her son played during his high school years. From there, Jones joined in on the team’s organization, helping with fundraisers and running concessions, and keeping the flow of the team constant. But her drive to help students and the youth started long before that. Jones earned her bachelor’s in psychology in 1992 and has been within the Springfield educational community since.
“I check in on them all the time,” said Jones with a smile. “It isn’t just about how their game or practice went. It’s about school, or home, or just anything in general. I find joy knowing that they know they can come to me about anything.”
This has allowed Jones to create special bonds with students at Central, especially those who play for the football team so proudly. Some are missing parental figures and Jones steps in as best as she can to fill that role, even if slightly. She is the first face they see at any special event, and she even goes as far as meal prepping to make sure they are eating enough.
“The amount of times I get asked for baked ziti or chili,” laughed Jones. “You would not believe it.”
This connection is most visible during a Central football game.
She floats between the sidelines and the bleachers, seemingly hugging the entire Springfield community with each step. Players come up and put their arms around her, making sure Ma isn’t too cold from the rain. Students lean over the bleachers to tell Ma about the littlest thing in their day. Players don’t celebrate with players first after a big play. No, they come and dance with Ma while harnessing the biggest smile. You get the sense that Jones is not the only one who thinks this is a family – the students do too.
“I always say it is my last year,” said Jones. “But then I feel the need to watch this upcoming class graduate. I’ve watched them grow up so I want to see them succeed. I want to make sure they do. Because they all deserve it.”
And just like any mom, Jones never forgets about her kids. She maintains contact with every single player who moves on to play at the collegiate level. Every Saturday, she finds joy in watching every college game that has a former Golden Eagle on its roster.
“I have a group chat with almost all of them,” Jones said when talking about those who have graduated and played at the next level. “I’ll send a ‘Go get em’ text in the morning and make sure they know I’m watching. And I’m the first to text them when the game is over.”
Jones has retired from teaching and has ushered into a success coach role within Springfield Central High School, making sure that struggling students are on track to graduate and maintain a path to their success. She has become such an asset to students and players alike that the Golden Eagle’s head football coach, Bill Watson, makes sure she’s around during basketball season, a team he also coaches and also has several of the same players. Just like football season, Jones is still the first to be seen.
Jones’s life has been devoted to not only football, but to Springfield Central and her found family. Her generosity extends beyond the classroom and into her community. She gives her all into seeing the youth of Springfield succeed, and upon one glance, her impact cannot be described in words or a profile piece.
She is not just a “team mom” – she is a mom. And the students and players within Springfield Central would echo the same.
