Dads: Important role models for female athletes

While I know that not all female athletes have fathers (nor do they need them to be successful), I find it important on this Father’s Day to recognize the positive impact dads can have on the female athlete experience.

First, it’s important to point out that men make up the majority of female athlete coaches. While I understand the Women’s Sports Foundation’s POV on this issue continues to (rightfully) focus upon the lack of women in the profession (which is a problem), I also believe it’s important to talk about the men who do coach girls. Often times, these men are dads: supportive role models who have a vested interest in a woman’s future as an athlete.

Take, for instance, fathers like Richard Williams, the father of Serena and Venus, two of the most well-known tennis players in the world. Serena and Venus’ careers started on the Compton public tennis courts, where her father encouraged their development.

On the other hand, take a look at someone like Christine Brennan, renowned sports journalist, best-selling author and commentator.She recently published a book titled Best Seat in the House: a Father, a Daughter, a Journey through Sports (click that link to hear a GREAT podcast wth Christine that WomenTalkSports co-founder Ann Gaffigan recorded).

And on the personal side,  I must give tribute to my own father. For as long as I can remember, I spent the better part of my early youth following my Dad around trying to be just like him.

From an early age, he coached me in basketball, softball and soccer. That’s what got me involved in sports in the first place. Plus, I loved having him on the sideline supporting me each game and practice. His dedication (along with my mom’s) can be attributed to my successes later in my career.

My dad - my biggest supporter growing up (oh, and my brother is behind him)

One of the most important conversations I ever had with my Dad occurred during my senior year of high school. I remember it was the summer and we were sitting in the car on the way home from an AAU tournament. I remember feeling frustrated because I couldn’t decide which college I wanted to attend. I had the opportunity to attend a few division II  and  division III schools.

I remember him telling me not to think about basketball, and to focus upon the “experience” or “journey” that I would go through. That was exactly what I needed to hear.

So I chose the division III school where I obtained the “full package” – a great education, awesome friends, and an athletic career where I could maintain balance in other areas of my life, close enough where my parents could come see me play regularly. To date, I don’t regret that decision, and I thank my Dad for giving me the advice that he did that day.

So this goes out to all the fathers of female athletes today – thank you for your advice and support. Your commitment to us means the world. Keep doing what you’re doing. We need you.