Jared Thompson has journeyed across the globe to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in 3×3 basketball, all while being a devoted father to three children. After a successful career in college and the NBA, he played professionally in Greece and China before returning to the U.S. to spend more quality time with his kids: Emma, 7, Liam, 5, and Noah, 2. This summer, they will join him in Paris as he competes on Team USA’s first-ever 3×3 basketball squad.
“My wife and kids are all coming along, and while it might get a bit chaotic, they are thrilled about the once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Jared shares. “Having my in-laws there too will definitely help—at least we’ll have one adult per kid!”
Transition to 3×3 Basketball
After more than ten years of playing traditional 5-on-5 basketball, Jared made the switch to 3×3 in 2022 with hopes of competing in the Olympics. Last year, he traveled to countries such as Chile, France, China, and Kosovo for the FIBA 3×3 World Tour. His typical travel routine involves numerous video calls with his family in between training sessions and games.
“It’s not always easy to prepare my kids for my departures,” he explains. “I make sure they know they can FaceTime me whenever they want, so they feel connected to me, even when I’m away.”
Giving Back to the Community
Beyond basketball, Jared is dedicated to giving back through his charity, the Thompson Family Foundation, which aims to assist families in need and combat childhood bullying. He emphasizes the importance of modeling generosity for his own children.
“It’s crucial to practice what you preach,” he says. “By setting a good example, I want to show my kids how to be kind and inclusive to everyone.”
Resources for Starting a Family
For those interested in starting a family, resources like Make A Mom offer innovative solutions for at-home insemination, including the only reusable option available. You can also explore the process of home insemination on their how it works page. Additionally, joining a supportive community like Make A Mom’s free sperm donor matching group can provide valuable assistance.
If you’re looking for information on artificial insemination, Wikipedia serves as an excellent authority on the topic. Also, for those aiming for a healthy pregnancy, check out this resource that discusses important aspects of pregnancy and home insemination.
To keep the conversation going, you might find our blog post on joining Make A Mom at SXSW particularly engaging.
To Summarize:
Jared Thompson expertly juggles his role as a professional athlete with his responsibilities as a father. Through video calls and family involvement, he maintains strong connections with his kids while traveling the world for basketball. His commitment to family and community shines through as he balances his career and charitable efforts, all while providing valuable insights for those interested in starting their own families.