Thinking About Hosting?

Most families who consider becoming a billet family ask the same question first, how will this fit into our everyday lives?

For many, it’s less about willingness and more about uncertainty.

Carly, a 2025 Cactus Rats host family member, had those same questions before opening her home. This is her experience, in her own words.

“How much of a burden will this be on our daily lives?”

When we first considered becoming a billet family, our biggest concern was the same one we hear from others all the time — how much of a burden will this be on our daily lives? 

We both have busy careers and live on an acreage, so when we volunteered we were very clear that we wouldn’t be able to commit to driving players everywhere.

What we found was that the team does a great job coordinating transportation. We’ve always been placed with players who had vehicles, or the team arranged for players with vehicles to help pick up teammates. As a result, we’ve never had to take on the driving responsibility we were worried about.

“The experience has been incredibly rewarding for our whole family.” 

And it’s also very relaxed. Some nights there are leftovers and everyone fends for themselves. Other nights the players head out for wings with their teammates. It becomes a very natural rhythm.

The experience has been incredibly rewarding for our whole family. We’ve created bonds with the players that extend well beyond the season, and we’ve even built relationships with some of their parents. Our children have formed friendships with the players that will last a lifetime.

The team also provides a monthly stipend that covers the cost of food, and billet families receive season tickets, which means we get to go to the games and cheer them on. That’s honestly one of the best parts — you feel like it’s your kid out there on the field.

Except it’s a little less work… because they aren’t actually your kid!

Becoming a billet family has been one of the most rewarding experiences for our family, and we would encourage anyone considering it to take the leap.

-Carly G.

Become a Billet Family

Join the Cactus Rats community and play a meaningful role in a player’s season, while creating lasting connections of your own.

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