I played sports all throughout my adolescence, but specifically, I played soccer from the time I was three years-old up until I graduated high school. Every season, no matter what team I was playing on, I was always fortunate enough to have folks cheering me on from the sidelines. One of those people was my grandfather, who I call Papa. Regardless of weather or distance, Papa was there with his folding chair watching my team, win or lose. It made a difference in my life and my athletic career to know I had a father figure there for me. It made the wins feel that much more special, and it made the losses hurt less. I knew I was held up and loved either way. I was free to try things and fail and try again without fear of consequence. It’s important for all young folks to have people like that in their corner, people who will cheer them on rain or shine. 

The role of father figures in young girls’ lives is vital. According to several health and psychology studies, father figures are instrumental in helping children develop their self-esteem and teaching them what healthy and respectful relationships look like. Having a father figure who is supportive can improve academic performance and lead to greater mastery of skills. Simply put, when young people know they have a father figure behind them–just like I did–they feel confident trying their hardest and learning new things. 

Today, we want to send a big thank-you to all the father figures in our participants’ lives. Here at Girls on the Run Memphis, we know that father figures come in many forms. Father figures can be our actual fathers, but they can also be our grandfathers, our uncles, our older brothers. Sometimes, father figures aren’t related to us by blood. Coaches, influential teachers, and community mentors can take on that role for young folks. As the proud daughter of a single mother, I also recognize and applaud the caregivers that end up taking on the roles of both mother and father. Each family structure is different, valid, and beautiful–and we celebrate them all today!