Kelly and Ralph: The Superstitious Copper Flagg Parents Who Went Viral
When it comes to sports, many fans have their own rituals or beliefs that they think bring luck to their teams. But for Kelly and Ralph, parents of a standout player on the Copper Flagg basketball team, their superstitions have become a crucial part of their game-day routine, and recently, they went viral for their passionate—and quirky—approach to ensuring success for their child’s team.
At the 2025 ACC Tournament, Kelly and Ralph were not just typical basketball parents sitting quietly in the stands; they were fully immersed in a set of rituals that they believed had to be followed for their team to perform at their best. These superstitions, born out of years of watching games, following their child’s career, and participating in various rituals, caught the attention of fans and social media alike, turning them into viral sensations.
The Superstitions That Got Them Noticed
For Kelly and Ralph, game day begins long before they even step foot in the arena. Their superstitions date back to the early days of their child’s basketball career, starting with minor rituals and slowly escalating into a full-fledged routine. Their most notable superstition involves a lucky pair of socks—worn only on game days. These socks, in a faded shade of blue, are said to be the key to their child’s team’s success. “They’re just worn when it counts,” Kelly explained in an interview, noting that these socks had been part of their game-day ritual ever since their child’s team began a winning streak. Ralph, not to be outdone, has his own lucky charm—a worn-out basketball that he carries with him, claiming it’s the “magical ball” that brings good fortune.
The two parents also have a very specific seating arrangement that they must adhere to during games. They always sit in the same spots, with Kelly sitting on the aisle and Ralph beside her, never deviating from this pattern. Any attempt to change their position, even for a quick bathroom break, is met with discomfort and anxiety. Their superstitions extend to the food they eat, too. They eat the same pre-game meal—grilled chicken, rice, and an apple—no matter where the game is held. If something deviates from their established routine, they get visibly rattled, which is something they jokingly acknowledge.
But it’s not just their rituals that caught the eye of viewers—it’s the public displays of enthusiasm and intensity with which they follow these superstitions. At the 2025 ACC Tournament, during a critical moment in one of their child’s games, Kelly and Ralph were seen performing an impromptu “lucky dance” after a successful play. The dance—consisting of high-energy moves that could rival professional dancers—was something they’d done for years, but this time, it was caught on camera. The video of Kelly and Ralph’s unrestrained celebration quickly went viral, with fans and sports analysts alike sharing the moment across social media platforms.
The Viral Impact
The viral clip of Kelly and Ralph’s celebratory dance at the ACC Tournament sparked a massive outpouring of support and amusement. Social media users began to embrace the pair, making them the unofficial mascots of the tournament. Memes, gifs, and remixes of their dance moves flooded platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Fans from around the country, many of whom were also superstitious in their own right, found joy in Kelly and Ralph’s dedication to their beliefs and enthusiasm.
What started as a quirky moment of fan behavior evolved into a heartwarming story of parental dedication, superstition, and community spirit. Kelly and Ralph’s viral moment also sparked a wider conversation about the role that fans—especially parents—play in the lives of athletes. They serve not just as supporters but as crucial emotional anchors who believe that their actions, no matter how unusual, can influence the outcome of the game.
The Power of Superstition in Sports
For Kelly and Ralph, their superstitions are more than just rituals—they are a way to connect with their child’s passion and the sport they love. In a world where the margins between victory and defeat can feel razor-thin, their quirky traditions offer a sense of control and comfort. As they continue to support their child through each game, their viral moment at the ACC Tournament is a reminder that sometimes the most memorable parts of sports come not from the players on the field, but from the passionate fans in the stands who are cheering, dancing, and believing in the power of luck—one superstition at a time.
