What a High School Coach’s Surprise Teaches Us About Fertility—And the Unexpected Power of Hope
Posted on 26 June 2025 by Marcus Williams — 4 min
Ever see someone get the surprise of a lifetime and think, “Why can’t that be me?” Maybe you—like me—just watched Pryor High School’s legendary coach Lori Martin get whisked away with NBA Finals tickets (yes, you read that right!) on ABC News and felt your heart do a little warm-and-fuzzy somersault. Sure, it’s fun to daydream about surprise courtside seats… but for those on a fertility journey, what would your version of this headline-making surprise look like?
Let’s get real: the path to parenthood isn’t always a slam dunk. Actually, some days it feels a lot more like a never-ending overtime game, with wild buzzer beaters, mystery fouls, and the occasional Gatorade shower of tears. But Coach Lori’s story offers us more than feel-good sports vibes. If you squint (or, hey, just read this post), you’ll spot a treasure trove of lessons for anyone hoping for their own miracle moment.
Everybody Needs a Team (Cheesy, but True)
When Lori Martin’s students and colleagues pulled off their big surprise, it wasn’t just about the tickets. It was about every practice, every pep talk, every late-night message that said: “You matter. We’re rooting for you.”
Sound familiar? Anyone facing fertility challenges knows the value of having a reliable team—whether that’s your partner, best friend, or digital squad on Reddit. But sometimes, the most crucial team member is the one you least expect: the right information or the perfect tool arriving just when you need it, no mascot required.
Surprises Aren’t Always Grand Gestures (But They Matter)
Coach Lori’s NBA tickets made for a viral headline—but for many, those “surprise” moments are smaller: a friend texting to check in after a tough appointment, or a partner leaving a snack at your bedside when you’re too drained for words.
In the fertility world, little surprises add up—like realizing there’s a way to feel more in control of your conception journey. Maybe you stumble onto a support group that “gets it.” Or, for the go-getters and privacy-lovers out there, you discover there are at-home options for insemination that don’t require a single awkward waiting room magazine.
Hope Isn’t a Guarantee—But It’s a Game-Changer
Let’s face it: even with a 67% success rate, the future isn’t guaranteed (if it was, I’d already own a flying car and a stress-free uterus). But what is guaranteed is the power of hope. Hope keeps you showing up, cycle after cycle, trying new things, and believing the next “surprise” could be yours.
Remember how Coach Lori kept pouring her energy into her students, day after day, never knowing she’d end up with NBA Finals tickets? That’s the kind of stubborn optimism every fertility journey needs. You don’t know when—or how—the win will come, but you keep stepping onto that court.
Tools That Turn Hope Into Action
Okay, let’s talk tools. Because hope plus action is what turns obstacles into opportunities (look at me, channeling my inner life coach). If you’re longing for more agency in your conception story, take note of evolving technologies that put the power back in your hands—literally.
Companies like MakeAMom are changing the at-home insemination game with reusable, affordable kits designed for all kinds of unique journeys: whether you’re working with low-volume sperm, battling sensitivities, or just want the comfort of doing it your way (bonus points for zero cartoon stork packaging and total shipping discretion). For so many, options like these offer a kind of secret weapon: the chance to take action—on your terms—while the world keeps spinning.
So, What’s Your “Finals Ticket”?
Honestly, you don’t need a viral news crew, a gym full of adoring teens, or even NBA-level swag to change your game. Sometimes, your “finals ticket” is knowing you have choices, community, and maybe, just maybe, a renewed sense of hope in your back pocket.
Here’s my challenge: Who is on your team? What small surprise can you offer—or be open to—in your fertility journey this week? And what step might help you feel a little more like Coach Lori, walking into your own headline-worthy moment?
Leave us a comment below—share your team wins, secret weapons, or the unexpectedly heartwarming gestures that kept you in the game. Because hope, like basketball, is better when you play together.