Parent Post: GRL Dads… You matter.
Being a dad to a Gen Z female student-athlete is an incredible privilege. You get to witness her dedication, celebrate her victories, and cheer her on as she navigates the highs and lows of sports and life. But more than anything, your daughter needs you to show up—for her as a person first, and an athlete second.
Before diving into how you can best support your daughter, I want to take a moment to honor my own dad, Guy. My dad was my first coach, my shoulder to cry on, and the person who always had sound advice when I needed it most. He was my fiercest protector, the advocate I could count on when I ran out of strategies, and someone who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Whether I was on the court or navigating life’s challenges, my dad was there—unwavering in his love and support. He was the best coach I could have asked for and is the best dad I could ever hope for.
It’s because of him that I understand just how powerful a dad’s role is in shaping a daughter’s confidence, resilience, and self-worth. Dads, you matter more than you know. Here’s how you can show up for your daughter—not just as her biggest fan, but as the steady, loving presence she needs every day:
1. Be There—Always
Your daughter needs to feel your presence, not just at her games or meets, but in her everyday life. Show her that you care about who she is beyond the jersey. Ask about her passions, her friendships, and her dreams outside of sports. Being there consistently, not just during her athletic highs or lows, shows her that she’s more than her performance.
2. See Her as a Whole Person
It’s easy to get caught up in her athletic identity, but your daughter is so much more than an athlete. See her for the person she is—creative, curious, complex—and remind her of her worth beyond the scoreboard. When she knows you value her for who she is, not what she does, it builds her confidence in all areas of her life.
3. Lean In and Listen Without Judgment
Your daughter needs a safe space to open up about what’s on her mind—whether it’s about sports, school, friendships, or relationships. Lean in, listen, and resist the urge to jump in with advice or judgment. Sometimes, she just needs you to hear her out and validate her feelings. When she knows she can trust you to listen without criticism, she’ll come to you more often.
4. Help Her See Her Value
Your daughter needs to know her worth doesn’t come from her performance, her looks, or anyone else’s opinion of her. Encourage her to see her value in the way she treats others, the kindness she shows, her work ethic, and her unique strengths. Show her that she’s enough, just as she is, and that her worth isn’t up for debate.
5. Ditch the Scare Tactics and “Old-School” Thinking
When it comes to relationships, avoid using fear-based tactics or outdated ideas about how boys or relationships work. Instead, have open, honest conversations that encourage respect and healthy boundaries. Show her through your words and actions what it looks like to value and respect others, and remind her that she’s deserving of love and respect in return.
6. Lead With Love
Your daughter is watching your words and actions closely—she’s paying attention to whether they align. The way you treat her, her mom, and others sets the standard for how she’ll expect to be treated. Make sure she feels your love, not just through your words but in how you consistently show up for her.
7. Celebrate Her as a Person, Not Just an Athlete
Of course, cheer her on when she scores the winning point or hits a personal best, but don’t forget to celebrate her effort, her growth, and her character, too. Let her know you’re proud of the hard work she’s putting in and the person she’s becoming, whether or not it leads to a win.
8. Encourage Her to Use Her Voice
One of the greatest gifts you can give your daughter is helping her find and trust her voice. Encourage her to advocate for herself with coaches, teammates, and others. Teach her that her opinions and boundaries matter, and model the respect you want her to expect from others.
9. Be the Dad Who Shows Up—Every Day
It’s not about being the perfect dad; it’s about being the dad who shows up. Be there for the big moments, yes—but also for the little ones. Show her she can count on you to be present, to listen, and to love her unconditionally.
Being a dad to a Gen Z female student-athlete isn’t just about being her biggest fan on the field—it’s about being her biggest supporter in life. Love her for who she is, celebrate her as a person first, and let her know she can trust you to show up for her every single day.
Want more tips and insights for supporting the amazing young women in your life? Head over to www.thegrlinitiative.com and join the conversation. 💕
