In 14 years of marriage, Kelli Staggs has played mom, teacher and coach's wife in seven moves at six universities. Working alongside some of football's most renowned families, including Lou Holtz's and Steve Spurrier's, the Staggs have had a hand in growing football programs at the University of South Carolina, Charleston Southern, Furman and North Greenville.
Perhaps the wildest ride, however, is the latest stop on what Kelli calls their coaching carousel: Coastal Carolina University. This "little team that could" was expected to finish last in its conference; instead, the Chanticleers are among the top 15 teams in college football. This week, Kelli will watch as ESPN GameDay rolls into Conway, South Carolina to see it all in person.
Naturally, I asked her the important questions: How hard is it to find teal for game days? How old do you feel being around 19-year-old girls who'd have laughed at our tailgate sundresses?
We also touch on the importance of putting down roots, even if you only call a city home for a short time; how to build community; what it means to support your spouse's career; surviving a pandemic without losing your mind or your marriage; and Judy Garland's nightmare momager. (I'm not sure how or why that last topic popped up, but I'm hoping it's part of But Not All At Once's charm?)
As always, you can join the conversation at @butnotallatonce. Talk to you next week!
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