When you think of a "super mom," you might picture someone who can juggle a dozen tasks at once, inspire a classroom, coach a winning team, and still find time to teach life lessons at home. For Carmel, Indiana, that super mom is Stephanie Kleiner—and she's just been named the 2026 IndyStar Sports Mom of the Year.

Kleiner isn't just a mom to her two daughters, Alex and Jayden; she's also a third-grade teacher at Forest Dale Elementary School and the head coach of the Carmel High School softball team. Her secret weapon? A mix of genuine care and a well-timed guilt trip. "If I don't want to clean my room, she'll say, 'I'll clean it then,'" Alex admits with a laugh. "It makes me feel bad. It works. It really works."

But Kleiner's influence goes far beyond household chores. When she took over the Carmel softball program nearly three years ago, she saw a program struggling with low numbers and a disconnect between youth players and the high school team. Her first move was to reinvent the "Pups" program—the bridge that connects young athletes to the varsity squad. She didn't just pick teams and schedule games; she created a culture where youth players feel like part of the family. Now, you'll find Pups players in the dugout at Carmel games, cheering alongside their high school heroes as batgirls. And it's just as common to see varsity players attending Pups games, building bonds that have revitalized the program.

"Her impact is 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's encouraged her to take our daughter in like a little sister—helping train her, guide her, and support her. That kind of example doesn't happen by accident."

For Kleiner, it's all about connection—whether she's in the classroom, on the field, or at the dinner table. Her daughter Jayden, a Carmel softball senior, sums it up best: "She is a natural leader. When she steps into the room, people listen to her." And with a mom like that, it's no wonder her players and students are ready to step up, too.