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Women in Sports: Mary Conley Works Behind the Scenes

By Christian Dudley

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 12: Mike Conley Jr. (R) and Mary Conley attend The 2017 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 12: Mike Conley Jr. (R) and Mary Conley attend The 2017 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) /
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Though the Memphis Grizzlies’ Mike Conley is an NBA star, it is the woman behind the scenes that deserves much recognition. This is the case for many families within the NBA.

NBA fans idolize the league’s best players for their greatness on the court. From dunks to game-winning shots to breaking all-time records, fans begin to form a connection with their favorite players. Fans follow them and their every move — literally, with the phenomenon known as social media.

In Memphis, Mike Conley has been the all-time best NBA Draft selection by the Grizzlies. You can even call him the best Grizzly in franchise history. “Clutch Conley” is responsible for 10,255 points (including 931 made three-point baskets), 4,060 assists, and 1,607 steals through 11 NBA seasons.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 4: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on November 4, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 4: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on November 4, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Fans of the Memphis Grizzlies have formed an unbreakable bond with No. 11. Not only has he lifted the franchise to its highest points, but he has conducted many initiatives throughout the city of Memphis to strengthen the community. He has put in maximum effort and countless hours to achieve a high level of success and popularity as a star point guard.

There are a lot of external factors that play into Mike’s excellence on the hardwood. Of course coaches, teammates, trainers, and more personnel are involved in the equation. However, often forgotten is an NBA player’s spouse.

Meet Mary Conley, Mike’s wife of nearly four years.

Considering an NBA player’s long road trips, business meetings, training and practice schedules, and rest requirements, it does not sound like an easy task by any means for being an NBA wife. However, Mary has adapted smoothly.

“The only mother I know is being an NBA mother, so I have always been prepared for his schedule. It is definitely hard when there are long road trips, but knowing the schedule ahead of time allows me to get help if I need it,” explains Mary Conley.

However, do not think that Mary does all of the work around the household. When available, Mike contributes as much as he can.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 12: Mike Conley Jr. (R) and Mary Conley attend The 2017 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 12: Mike Conley Jr. (R) and Mary Conley attend The 2017 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) /

Mary states “our family is a priority, so when [Mike] is home, I’d much rather him spend time with me and the kids than unload the dishwasher, although I do love when he cleans up dinner after I cook! He by far needs his rest and I won’t let us get in the way of that. He cannot be successful without recovery and taking care of himself.”

The association has discussed the topic of shortening the regular season schedule from 82 games — which is indeed lengthy and grueling. Fewer games to be played would equal more at-home time for Mike with Mary and their two children, Myles (1) and Noah (newborn). Needless to say, Mary Conley is all for the change if it would ever be implemented.

“Absolutely. Not only would he be around for more family time, but there would be that much less physical stress on his body,” proclaims Mary.

It is a unique lifestyle that NBA families experience. It is not your typical or every day American household. Proper adjustments have to be made, and sometimes quickly. Professional athletes may have a higher pay scale than the typical American household, but these are still hard-working employees of a major company (the NBA).

Similar to NBA players having an NBA Players Association (NBPA), wives and significant others of NBA players bond together in a special way. It is like a league of its own. Times get tough, and these ladies have each other as a support system.

“I am so grateful for my NBA family,” says Mary. “I think I was very lucky to land on a team that is so down to earth and connected. A lot of the girls and I often talk about how difficult it would be if we didn’t have each other. Now that we all have kids, we are busier than before, but now our kids can play together and we know we are always there to help each other out if necessary.”

Another unique aspect of the lifestyle of being an NBA wife and mother is stepping out in public. Pictures. Autographs. Questions. Squeals. Being an NBA player, Mike Conley is a global celebrity. No matter where he goes, even outside of Memphis, Tennessee, hoops fans flock toward the Grizzlies’ starting point guard.

Though Mary plays such a vital role in enabling Mike to perform at his best, she does not get anywhere near the attention as Mike when the Conley family is out on the town.

“People usually apologize to me when they ask to take a photo with my husband, but they don’t acknowledge me on my own due to him. Occasionally, people will mention they follow my blog or Instagram, which might be because of him, but who to say?!”

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Mary’s goal for the Conley kids is to make their lives as normal as possible, even with fans flocking to their father when in a public setting.

“I do try and take [the kids] away so that they aren’t confused or too curious why people want to take pictures with their dad and we both prefer our kids not be in the photos. I want to keep their lives as normal as possible,” explains Mrs. Conley.

Speaking of Mary Conley’s blog, this incredible woman remains even busier in case her daily life is not already busy enough. She shares fashion tips relative to maternity clothing for expecting mothers. Posting regularly, you can follow along on Instagram, too.

Mother’s Day was celebrated earlier this month on May 13th. Though that day is meant to honor the hard work and love demonstrated by mothers across the world, mothers deserve to be given credit every day.

In the NBA, so many players receive “oohs” and “ahhs” for their exceptional performances and feats, on a daily or nightly basis, but little recognition goes to the women behind these men. When considering women in sports, NBA wives and NBA mothers absolutely play a major role in the incredible spectacle known as NBA basketball. Powerful women, such as Mary Conley, are the real Most Valuable Players.

Go Grizz! 

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