In the world of youth sports, there are coaches, and then there are mentors who shape lives both on and off the field. Stephanie Kleiner, a third-grade teacher at Forest Dale Elementary and head softball coach at Carmel High School, embodies that rare combination of educator, motivator, and mother—earning her the title of 2026 IndyStar Sports Mom of the Year.

Kleiner's influence extends far beyond the diamond. Her knack for getting the best out of people—whether they're eight-year-old students or high school athletes—is legendary. But perhaps her most effective strategy is one many parents will recognize: the gentle guilt trip. "If I don't want to clean my room, she'll say, 'I'll clean it then,'" shares her eighth-grade daughter, Alex. "It makes me feel bad. It works. It really works."

To her oldest daughter, Carmel softball senior Jayden Kleiner, she's simply "Super Mom." Jayden describes her mother as a natural leader who commands respect the moment she enters a room. That leadership has been transformative for Carmel's softball program, which Kleiner took over nearly three years ago.

One of her first challenges was rebuilding the "Pups" program—the crucial bridge between youth softball and the high school team. "When I took the job, there was a huge disconnect," Kleiner recalls. So she got to work, overhauling everything from team selection and scheduling to creating meaningful connections between age groups.

Now, you'll find young Pups players in the dugout at Carmel games, cheering alongside their high school heroes while handling batgirl duties. And it's just as common to see Carmel's varsity players attending Pups games, fostering bonds that have revitalized a program that once struggled with both numbers and wins.

"Her impact is also deeply personal," says Heidi Stan, whose daughter is part of the Carmel program. "Stephanie has raised her oldest daughter not only to be a talented player, but to be a leader and mentor. She has encouraged her daughter to take our daughter in like a little sister—helping train her, guide her, and support her along the way. That kind of example doesn't happen by accident; it reflects the values Stephanie embodies every single day."

From the classroom to the coach's box to the family home, Stephanie Kleiner proves that the best sports moms don't just raise athletes—they build communities, nurture leaders, and inspire everyone around them to be their best.