WNBA Daughters and Their Dads

The WNBA will honor Dads and Daughters with special themed nights around the league again this season, so we asked several players about the role that their fathers played in their development as a player and a woman.

Katie Smith, Detroit Shock "So many girls are playing sports, especially basketball, and for a father who probably played sports when they were younger, to go and bond and have that conversation and to have the connection there is great. Plus, the Dads and Daughter atmosphere at these games, it's another way for parents to connect with their daughters."

Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever "With him playing in the NBA previously, the input he was able to give me and the time he was able to spend with me on the court, trying to help me develop into the player I am today. As far as being a woman, the advice that he constantly gives me, the relationship advice, as far as what I look for in the man of my dreams, and just helping me to be who I am and never taking for granted the opportunities that I have."

Temeka Johnson, Los Angeles Sparks "In the beginning, he was not involved as a child might like, but I still learned from that. It's an importance factor, good and bad. But we've grown to a point where we talk every day and I love being around him."

Nykesha Sales, Connecticut Sun "My dad works a lot, but he is at every game and to see him at every game, getting excited, getting frustrated, I think it's fun and great. To see all the dads out there pumping their fists, standing on chairs and doing it with their kids is great for our game. I get to spend a lot more time with my dad because he is at every game. He is always trying to help me get better, congratulating me, praising me and supporting me. It is just a great experience and it brings a lot of players closer with their dads."

Kendra Wecker, S.A. Silver Stars "I love what Dads and Daughters means to the WNBA. When I was younger and growing up and even through high school, my dad spent many, many hours in the gym with me mostly rebounding. That is something special that we shared with each other. The bond that the WNBA fosters between father and daughter is a special thing. My dad has been great. He has been there for me every step of the way. I've had to make some tough decisions in my life, like where to attend college, but neither one of my parents ever pressure me, but they always encouraged me to follow my heart and promised to support me no matter what I did."