KIDS 'N' PLAY

MOTHERHOOD IS the greatest joy of my life," says three-time beach volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings, who at 39 is busy training for her sixth Olympics. Like the rest of the women on these pages who will soon be celebrated on Mother's Day, Walsh loves to compete but cherishes time with her children even more: "Our babes are incredibly special and dynamic souls who serve as a constant reminder to always remain playful, curious and focused on having a good time."

MOTHER'S DAY

1 VICTORIA AZARENKA

The two-time major champion sized up the racket skills of her 16-month-old son, Leo, during a recent practice in Manhattan Beach, Calif.

2 CANDACE PARKER

As her 11-year pro career winds down, the Los Angeles Sparks forward will have more time to go one-on-one with daughter Lailaa, 8.

3 BRENNA HUCKABY

She won Paralympic gold in snowboard cross, but Huckaby (with Lilah, 23 months) calls motherhood her "greatest accomplishment."

4 SARA MCMANN

The bantamweight MMA fighter, who trains in Sacramento, has found ways to incorporate her nine-year-old daughter, Bella, into her workouts.