MSU Extension Child & Family Development

The visibility and impact of women’s sports have grown substantially in recent years, fueled by increasing popularity, higher attendance and expanding national interest. Fathers play an important role in introducing children to diverse activities and should consider watching and attending women‑led sporting events to strengthen family relationships and child development. This article will focus on a conversation with Sam Tracey, head women’s soccer coach for Cornerstone University.

Tracey will begin her third full season as head coach in the fall of 2026. Formerly a player at Spring Arbor University, Tracey was an National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American in the 2020-2021 season, CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year in 2021 (now known as the College Sports Communicators All-American), and an NAIA National Champion in 2017. In this article, Tracey shares her commitment to promoting respect and recognition for women’s athletics, emphasizing the skill, strategic intention and deep understanding the women’s game requires. Tracey also reflected on the importance of caregivers, especially fathers, in helping children value women’s sports with the same respect and enthusiasm given to men’s athletics.

Drawing from her experiences as both a player and coach, Tracey explained, “It’s about respecting the women’s game and appreciating what women bring to sports. As dads, it’s easy to default to sports with sons and overlook doing the same with daughters. I was fortunate, my dad played catch with me, encouraged me to try many sports, and supported me every step of the way. Because of that, I played multiple sports growing up and found my love for soccer early on.” Tracey further commented that it’s important for fathers to be confident, positive fans of women’s sports and to attend women’s events from high school up to the professional level. One easy way for male caregivers to embrace women’s athletics is by watching the types of activities their children care deeply about.

Sharing activities – including women’s sports – can strengthen a father’s relationships with their children. From Tracy’s perspective, “Dads need to be present in their children’s lives, during activities and even afterwards. They need to be where their feet are, paying attention in the moment, enjoying conversations and sharing interests.” Tracy further commented, “Fathers play an important role in engaging their children, especially daughters, in a variety of sports and activities by introducing recreation early, encouraging regular practice and growth, playing games outside together, and supporting participation in whatever their children choose.”

When asked about the importance of early exposure to women’s sports and how it influences children’s perceptions of athleticism, leadership and gender equality, Tracey explained, “Men’s and women’s sports are played differently in part due to physical differences, but both demonstrate high levels of confidence, competitiveness and athletic skill. Women’s sports, often characterized by technical precision and strong teamwork, deserve to be discussed with the same language, respect and credibility as men’s sports.” Tracey continued, “We must teach children to respect the women’s game by recognizing its unique value. Fathers can lead by example, empowering their children as athletes, fans and spectators who confidently cheer for both women and men, and who take pride in supporting female athletes across all sports.”

Supporting female athletes also means having positive conversations with children about women’s sports. Tracey reflected, “It is important for fathers to have intentional conversations with children about women’s sports, modeling what it means to be an engaged, respectful fan. By speaking positively and showing genuine enthusiasm, fathers help children recognize the value, skill and impact of female athletes.” Tracey elaborated, “It’s important to recognize that women’s athletics, in many sports, is still playing catch‑up to men’s due to years of differences in investment and exposure. That makes the game feel different—technically, physically and stylistically.”

By choosing to talk about, support and show up for women’s sports, fathers help close the gap between men’s and women’s sports faster – and show their children why women’s athletics truly matter. Many of today’s women in powerful, high-profile roles credit their involvement in sports for developing the leadership, confidence and resilience that shaped their professional journeys, making the advancement of women’s sports important for all.

This article is part 3 in a series from Michigan State University Extension entitled The rise of women’s sports—and why fathers should share it with their children. Be sure to also check on Part 2: An interview with sports journalist Denise Salcedo.