SLV’s Mama Bears: A Growing Community of Empowered, Athletic Moms
By Mary Andersen
In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, a unique group of San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School moms came together in the middle of the pandemic to form Team Mama Bear — a volunteer-led triathlon club for local moms who want to challenge themselves and connect with one another. Founded in 2022, by Anne Less, Jackie Fogerty, Laura Hull, and Aimee Zygmonski, Team Mama Bear began as a small, 16-member group with a homegrown triathlon hosted out of Anne’s backyard in Felton. Since then, the group has grown to include over 50 participants who train together year-round. According to Anne, the team members “have a shared interest in maintaining both fitness and social connection.”
A triathlon is a multisport endurance race that includes swimming, cycling, and running segments. The term “triathlon” comes from the Greek words treis and athlos, meaning “three competitions.”
While some team members had athletic experience, many had little to no background in endurance sports or fitness. During the pandemic, exercise became a stress-reliever for these moms, with some trying new activities like running, cycling, or swimming for the first time. For Anne and the group, these interests evolved into a shared goal: to complete a triathlon. What started as an idea soon turned into a reality with the help of Kurt Edwards, founder of Cougar Swim School at San Lorenzo Valley High School, who allowed the group to use the school pool. Their original route included a swim at the high school pool, a bike ride through Felton, and a run through Fall Creek State Park.
The group’s popularity grew, and in the fall of 2023, Team Mama Bear held its second homegrown triathlon, doubling its participants to 32 moms. The event was a success, not only for its athletic challenges but for the bonds it fostered among participants. “It has become something incredibly meaningful for all of us, and inspiring to our families too!” said Patti Petroff, a dedicated member. In fact, the positive impact extended to family members, with kids proudly cheering on their moms at the finish line, flipping the usual roles of family support.
This October, Team Mama Bear took on a bigger challenge by participating in the Mermaid Triathlon in Capitola. This established event included a 600-meter ocean swim, a 10.5-mile bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run. For many of the moms, it was their first time swimming in open water, so they spent the summer training at local beaches to prepare. The hard work paid off — Team Mama Bear had the largest team presence at the event, with matching team shirts designed by co-founder Jackie Fogerty. Two team members, Jackie Fogerty and Hollie Terrell, placed in the top three in their age group.
Photo left: Patti Petroff, Andy Petroff, Veeda Petroff | Photo center: Pattri Petroff, Stacy Home | Photo right: Patti Petroff
Team Mama Bear maintains a welcoming and inclusive philosophy. “We’re not trying to be competitive,” Anne explains. “We just want to offer something that allows moms the opportunity to feel empowered and connected to one another and the community.” The club has attracted moms of all fitness levels, from beginners to those who were competitive in high school. Their fitness journeys vary, but their goal is unified: to empower each other through movement, camaraderie, and mutual support.
Team Mama Bear’s next steps include continuing to participate in larger organized events, like the Mermaid Triathlon, while still hosting local meetups and training sessions. The group stays connected via a Slack app, where members can coordinate informal runs, bike rides, and swims, and where friendships continue to blossom. Anne says that the Mama Bears are excited to welcome new members and inspire even more families in the San Lorenzo Valley.
For more information or to join Team Mama Bear, contact them at mamabeartri@gmail.com or visit their website at sites.google.com/view/mama-bear-tri/home.
Learn more about the The Mermaid Triathlon/Duathlon at: mermaidseries.com/mermaid-tri-du-capitola
Featured photo above: 2024 Team Mama Bear – Mermaid Triathletes: Front row (L to R): Patti Petroff, Laura Hull, Susie Geiss, Tas Castro, Jessica Judson, Marie Carrington, Leslie Ruble, Anne Goodrich; Middle row (L to R): Hollie Terrell, Meg Lentz, Kate Turpin, Sarina King, Megan Shell, Anne Less; Back row (L to R): Melissa Harrell, Kate Kelsey, Natalie Tan, Jackie Fogerty, Stacy Horne, Emily Greenberg, Liza-Jane Capatos, Kayla Catalano, Laura Prisbe, Kathy Ross.
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Mary Andersen lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains with her family. With a deep-rooted connection to the community, she writes about the region's people, politics, and cultures. Her observations and passion for storytelling illuminate the special character of the area, giving voice to its residents and shining light on issues that shape their lives.
