By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Behind every youth football team is a dedicated group of parents who ensure things run smoothly. For the Benson Bruins, that support system is led by Tina Leonardo, who serves as both the 13U team mom and the Managing Director of Team Moms across all age groups.
Leonardo plays a vital, often unseen role in the organization. From managing communications and registrations to organizing snacks and coordinating uniforms, Leonardo is a central figure in the day-to-day operations of the Bruins’ football season. Leonardo’s work touches all seven teams in the program.
“I’m in charge of all the team moms for all the age groups. I help with registration, rosters, certification. I make sure everybody has their books in order, make sure everybody has water for their teams, and that everyone knows the schedule,” Leonardo explained.
Leonardo uses the TeamSnap platform to distribute key information and schedules to each team mom, who then updates their individual teams. The daily workload is filled with messages, updates, and reminders, ensuring everyone is on the same page, from practices to game days.
“I’m constantly messaging the team moms if there’s anything the board needs done. So, I’m working with seven teams right now,” Leonardo said.
In addition to overseeing the entire Bruins operation, Leonardo is also team mom for the 13U squad, where Leonardo’s son plays in what will be his final year of little league football. Managing one team is a big job on its own, but Leonardo handles both roles with energy and love.
“Our 13U team uses Facebook Messenger, a Facebook page, and TeamSnap. So I’m writing messages in all three,” Leonardo said. “I’m always communicating with the head coaches — about practices, snacks, team meetings, film, games — everything. I’m also taking orders for team swag and uniforms. I’m always doing something. The job is never done.”
Outside of football, Leonardo works as a general manager and patient coordinator at an orthopedic office. Leonardo grew up in SeaTac and was first introduced to youth football when her son began playing for the Auburn Panthers at age 6. A year later, they joined the Benson Bruins. Now 14, Leonardo’s son is completing his seventh season with the program — and so is Leonardo.
“I love my son and the people involved in Benson, because it’s like a family. It’s our second family,” Leonardo said. “Honestly, we’ve been with them for almost seven years. It’s a long season, and we’re there a lot. We’ve met so many friends through football, it really is like our family. I’m willing to do anything for the babies.”
For Leonardo, football has become more than just a sport, it’s a source of emotional support and community. In a world where families are juggling work, school, and life’s stresses, Leonardo sees the Benson Bruins as a kind of therapy for many.
“Sports have been an outlet, especially football. It’s been an outlet for him, my son, and for me, for our emotions,” Leonardo said. “A lot of people go to counseling to help with emotions. I feel like sports, and football, especially Benson and the family we have within it, have helped us tremendously.”
Leonardo believes that parental involvement is the backbone of any successful youth sports program. From logistical coordination to emotional support, parents play a critical role in helping young athletes thrive.
“Without us, the kids wouldn’t have water. They wouldn’t know the schedule. The parents wouldn’t get any information. They wouldn’t get their uniforms on time,” Leonardo said. “We just want to keep all the ducks in a row. Without us, there’s nothing.”
Beyond day-to-day coordination, team moms like Leonardo also plan potlucks, help organize transportation, keep kids on schedule, and create a structure that supports safety, participation, and, above all, fun.
“We plan potlucks, just everything, trying to get the kids involved, keeping them off the streets, making sure they’re structured so they’re showing up,” Leonardo said. “If there’s no structure, they won’t show up. We just want what’s best for the kids. That’s safety and fun. Winning, of course, is nice, but that comes last. It’s all about building a family together.”
That family atmosphere is what keeps Leonardo and so many other parents coming back year after year. It’s also what keeps players returning, not just for the game, but for the relationships built on and off the field.
“Football is a huge part of our lives,” Leonardo said. “There’s nothing like seeing the kids excited, knowing someone’s cheering for them, bringing them snacks, making sure they have water, helping them through tough moments. That’s what being a team mom is about. And I’m proud to be that person for my team, and to help others do the same for theirs.”
Leonardo’s commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“I’ve had lots of people reach out to me and say, ‘We couldn’t have done this without you,’” Leonardo said. “It’s nice to hear, but I’m just happy to be here doing what I can. I love these kids.”
For Tina Leonardo, the title of “Team Mom” doesn’t just mean passing out snacks or sending reminders. It means investing in the lives of young athletes, building a community of care and accountability, and helping ensure that every player feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
