Courtside Forever Episode 23 | Tanya Hayles - Storyteller and founder of Black Moms Connection

In this episode, I sit down with Tanya Hayles—a community builder, digital strategist, and former Digital Strategy and Development Manager for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment—for a conversation that goes way beyond the scoreboard.

We talk about what it really takes to build community through sports, the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed, and the emotional toll of trades—not just on the players, but their families too. Tanya also shares the unique challenges Black mothers face, the rising costs of youth sports, and what it means to build a legacy that lasts.

If you’ve ever been part of a team, raised a kid in sports, or just love the game, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we get into:

• Why community is everything—on and off the court

• The sacrifices parents make for their kids’ sports dreams

• The reality of player trades and how they impact families

• The importance of representation in both media and motherhood

• What it looks like to build a legacy through intentional work

This one’s honest, reflective, and full of real talk. I’m grateful for Tanya’s voice in this space—and I hope it encourages you to look at sports, parenting, and purpose a little differently.

Visit Black Moms Connection: https://www.blackmomsconnection.com/

Watch Tanya's TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/IAxjdSDXvCc?si=sKF83JDoAd8rzpLb