Christine Ellis, "We are our own mini team" www.donarbasketbal.nl GasTerra Flames

Christine Ellis, "We are our own mini team" - Jun 17, 2010 (by Fred Roggen)

I had a conversation with Christine Ellis, wife of GasTerra Flames player Jason Ellis. I was curious how she view her life with a basketball pro, living in foreign countries and cities, never knowing where they ends up the next season. It seems to me a difficult life for a woman with young children, far away from family and friends.
Christine shares her life as a basketball wife with me.

What's it like being married to a basketball pro?
I love being married to Jason. As far as being a professional basketball player's wife it is good for the most part. Basketball is Jason's career and I try to be as supportive as possible.

How did you meet Jason?
Jason and I met on the campus of Boise State University where we both are now graduates of.

Love at first sight?
Of course!

Jason comes home from a bad loss. Do you give him his space or do you talk about it?
Maybe I should give him space but I talk to him about it. I think Jason might like to reflect in silence but I am the big talker of the family.

Is the GasTerra Flames team part of your family?
This is the first team of Jason's where I honestly like all the players. The guys on this team are great guys and I consider every one of them a good friend. So yes they are my Holland family for sure.

Do players ever show up at your house?
Yes. We had some nights where we would play cards or have one or two of the guys over for dinner. One night we had everyone over for Thanksgiving and that was a FULL house.

You're not married to a guy who works 9-5. You have to be pretty understanding.
I think if Jason worked a 9-5 job I would go crazy. As it is now he is in and out during the day and has a pretty flexable schedule. He is home more than he is away and for that we are thankful.

What type of fan are you at the games?
I yell. I get really upset when Jason messes up but then get really excited when he is playing well. I can never just sit and watch a game in silence. Even when I watch on TV I yell at the TV.

What makes you laugh out loud?
Lots of things. My son Quincy is funny and believe it or not Jason has his really funny moments. We laugh a lot at the dinner table.

The most memorable moment of this year, is of course the birth of your son Cooper. In a foreign country, far away from your family.
I think this was an emotionally difficult time?
It was difficult because I wanted to show off Cooper to all my family and friends. But we are home now and he is getting lots of attention.

What did your oldest son Quincy liked the most of his stay in Groningen?
He really liked his school. He made lots of friends there.

How difficult is it not knowing where you ends up next season?
That is the hardest part about this life.

Jason has renewed his contract with the Flames. Such a decision you make together?
Yes. Jason would never agree to something if I didn't agree. We are our own mini team.

Coming back to Groningen with your two sons, an bigger appartment. Is it easier than last season?
I sure hope so. Our little apartment worked out great last season but now that we have added to the family I think it is just too small. We were a little cramped that last month we were there.

So you will be reunited with the 'Kaap Hoorn Ladies'.
I have met some really great ladies that I am honored to call my friends. I am looking forward to making great memories with them this coming season.

Thanks for the interview Christine, and have a great summer with Jason and the kids.