Celebrating fathers and father figures in sports

When it comes to sports, dads and father figures play a crucial role in shaping their child’s relationship with the game. Whether they are organizing carpools, coaching from the sidelines, or playing catch in the backyard, dads are instrumental in fostering a love for sports.

From a father-daughter perspective, engaging in sports together has been shown to help young girls develop a healthy sense of competition and encourage them to take risks.

Moreover, a child’s sports fandom is often influenced by their dad’s allegiance to a particular team, except for a brave little NY Yankees fan in a Boston Red Sox household.

Following the tragic passing of retired LA Laker Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, a global movement emerged celebrating Girl Dads as an integral part of Bryant’s off-court legacy.

Growing up dreaming of playing in the WNBA like her dad, 13-year-old Gianna, known as Gigi, tragically lost her life in a helicopter crash along with her father and seven others, including two of her basketball teammates.

Retired basketball legend Dwyane Wade recently relocated his family to California to ensure they were in a more accepting environment for his transgender daughter, Zaya, amidst anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in Florida.

Wade has been a vocal supporter of Zaya’s journey since she came out in 2020, advocating for the trans community and creating safe spaces like Translatable for LGBTQIA+ youth and their families.

The team at The GIST comprises sports-loving women and nonbinary individuals with a passion for athletics. In honor of the GIST fathers and father figures, here are heartwarming messages from our team members:

“One of my earliest memories is playing hoola hoop with my dad in our neighborhood. He taught me tricks that I would show off to other kids at school, making me proud of the special bond we shared.” — Alessandra Puccio

“Soccer was a constant in my Latin household, thanks to my dad’s love for the game. Watching the 2002 World Cup with him, even in the middle of the night, sparked my own passion for sports, all because he shared his excitement and knowledge with me.” — Rachel Fuenzalida