Dear #GirlDad, Thank You

One of the largest, yet most unrecognized, legacy that Kobe Bryant left was the power of the girl dad. Watching the videos of Kobe and Gigi emphasized the importance of the relationship a girl has with her dad. Kobe showed us that dads could not only play the parent role, but also the part of the coach, mentor, and supporter. Sports are such a grand commitment not only for the athlete and coach, but for the family as a whole. As an athlete, it is important to take the time to reflect on and appreciate all of the people who help you get to where you are today. Today we thank the girl dads. 

Thank you to the dads who refused to not kick around a ball with their daughter because of her gender. There are men out there who hope to have a boy when they are older to toss a football and dribble a basketball with. However, as Kobe showed us, the girl with the dad who supports her athletic endeavors are both powerful and empowering. 

Thank you to the #GirlDads who, like Kobe, took on the role of both coach and dad. While the constant constructive criticism and lectures in the car ride home may be annoying or exhausting, we appreciate the time and care you put into your child's sport. From clipboard to kitchen, we thank you.

It is also important to note that not all dads were athletic as children. Thank you to all of the dads who support us even if they don’t know the difference between a goal and a touchdown or a driver and a wood. You give us your time and show us your support in other ways, whether that’s driving us to practice, asking endless questions in the car ride home from games, taking film to later watch, or even making the post practice meal. 

And as much as you may embarrass us, thank you to the sport dads who are so vocal at every game and never fail to yell at the terrible referees. As crazy as you may seem to all the other parents, we know the yelling is just your version of excessive encouragement and cheering. 

Thank you to all of the dads out there who make countless sacrifices so that their children can play sports and have that experience. Thank you for taking the extra night shift, waking up hours before sunrise, and still making it to all of our games (even if that just means in spirit).

Thank you to all of the #GirlDads out there. No matter who you are and how you show your support, we appreciate you and hope you had an amazing day celebrating!