What Bill Simmons Got Wrong About Cross Country Parenting

August 19, 2026 - 20:07

When Bill Simmons recently ranked youth sports, he placed cross country near the bottom, calling it a grind with little payoff for parents. With respect, he got it wrong. Running is one of the best things a kid can do, and the parent experience is far richer than he suggests.

First, cross country is brutally honest. There is no bench, no coach's favoritism, no inflated stats. Every kid runs the same course, and the clock does not lie. That teaches accountability in a way few other sports can. A kid who puts in the miles sees real improvement, and a kid who skips them sees the result. That lesson sticks long after the season ends.

Second, the parent side is underrated. Simmons seems to picture cold mornings and mud, but he misses the community. Cross country parents are famously supportive, not because they are forced to be, but because the sport is inherently individual. There is no screaming for a call or arguing over playing time. You cheer for your kid, and then you cheer for everyone else's kid too. It is one of the least toxic sidelines in youth athletics.

Third, the sport builds resilience without the physical toll of football or the emotional roller coaster of travel baseball. Injuries happen, but the repetitive stress is manageable, and the mental toughness gained is unmatched. Kids learn to push through discomfort, to pace themselves, and to handle disappointment when a PR does not come.

Finally, cross country is cheap. No travel teams, no expensive equipment, no hotel bills. Just shoes and a will to run. For families who want a real sport without the financial drain, that is a win.

Simmons is a smart guy, but on this one, he should lace up and try a 5K. He might change his mind.