Stuck on Stars - Unpacking the Star System with EJ Holland of On3

In this episode of Moms in the Huddle, Erika and Jillian tackle one of the most talked-about topics in youth and high school sports: the recruiting star system. We’ll dive deep into what it really means when an athlete is labeled a 5-star, 4-star, or 3-star recruit—where those ratings come from, who assigns them, and how much they actually matter in the long run.

But this isn’t just about numbers and rankings. With firsthand experiences as sports moms of Division I athletes, Erika and Jillian share honest, practical insight into the realities behind the hype. You’ll hear about the pressure families face, the misconceptions surrounding stars, and how parents can keep their student-athletes grounded in character and academics —because stars don’t define destiny.

Whether you’re raising a middle schooler just starting to get noticed, or a high school athlete with recruiters calling, this conversation will give you the tools and wisdom to help your child navigate the recruiting journey with confidence, perspective, and peace of mind.

Tune in for insider advice every parent needs to hear—because raising an athlete is about so much more than stars.