My name is Jessica Cockman, and I am truly honored to serve as the Basketball Director for Sherrills Ford Optimist. This park has been part of my family’s story for nearly two decades, and it continues to be a place where lifelong memories are made.
I grew up in Nebraska, where sports were not just activities — they were the heartbeat of the community. Year-round play taught me discipline, teamwork, resilience, and the power of belonging. When I moved to Sherrills Ford in 2000 with my husband, a native of this area, we knew we had found a place to raise our family.Our three children grew up right here at Optimist Park, playing every sport offered and learning life lessons that extended far beyond the scoreboard. They went on to compete at Bandys High School, and our oldest continued as a collegiate athlete at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Like so many families, Optimist Park became our second home.When my youngest was just five years old, I joined the Optimist board — a decision that changed my life. Over the past 18 years, I’ve been blessed to serve in nearly every role, and for the last 15 years, I’ve proudly served as Basketball Director while also working as Athletic Administrator.You’ll often see my whole family involved — running the gym, keeping score, refereeing games, and cheering on our young athletes. My children now referee for SFO as well as in Mooresville and Hickory, continuing the tradition of giving back to the same community that helped shape them.While we love competition and the excitement of game day, our true mission is bigger than wins and losses. At Sherrills Ford Optimist, we are building character, confidence, leadership, and friendships that last a lifetime. We are teaching kids how to work hard, support one another, and grow into strong, respectful young people.Some of my most cherished memories were made sitting in these bleachers, watching my children play — and now I get to watch new families experience those same moments year after year. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a young athlete grow, not just in skill, but in heart.Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being part of this incredible community. I look forward to another season of learning, teamwork, growth, and unforgettable memories.Together, we are building more than athletes — we are building the future.
