There's a special bond between dads and daughters. For WNBA coaches and players, sometimes it�s the father�s support that drives them to succeed.

"We have a great relationship," Head Coach Jenny Boucek said. "My dad emulates much of what you look for in a person�humility, consistency, integrity and work ethic. He's modeled that for us, so he's had a huge impact on my life. He's a very wise man. More than anything, his actions speak louder than anything he has ever said to me."

As professional basketball players, the Monarchs left their pigtails and training wheels in the dust and traded them in for high-tops, endless practices and games. The passion these women have for basketball was nurtured during their youth.

"He just has a great passion for the game and I took that from him," Ticha Penicheiro said of her father, Joao Penicheiro. "So, I thank him because if it wasn�t for him, I definitely wouldn�t be here right now."

Monarchs forward Nicole Powell agrees.

"Certainly I wouldn�t be playing basketball nor doing the things I�m doing today if it weren�t for him," Powell said of her father, Lawrence Powell�s influence. "I think it�s empowering to see women doing something that men do�to play professional basketball �which is something that I didn�t have a chance to see until high school."

As daughters look up to their fathers wide-eyed and na�ve to all the chaos that takes place in our world today, they find comfort in their fathers� guidance and love. Whether it is fending off boys at a young age, getting an ice cream cone after a rough day, or just shooting hoops, dreaming of playing at the high school level, many of the Monarchs dads are always there, always willing to listen, give some advice and of course�shed some light on the game they too, love.

"He was my first basketball coach," Kim Smith said of her father, Jay Smith. "He's always been very supportive of me. He's always taught me the basics! I remember he would coach me, but we would also play outside in the backyard with my older sister. My dad taught us (the game). I learned my left handed lay-up and two-ball very young. He's always been a really great influence in my life."

Sports unite people across the globe, and basketball specifically has continued to grow worldwide. The WNBA is now in its eleventh year. The Monarchs know that they are lucky. Long ago, the father's dreams of playing hoops faded as their daughter's abilities surpassed their own.

"He pushed me and pushed me and pushed me!" Chelsea Newton said of her father, Waymond Newton. "And he always told me that the day I could beat him would be the day he knew I was good. So in the eighth grade I beat him!

"He couldn�t really say anything!" Newton continued, proudly. "He wanted to. Before (I won) he might�ve said �Aww that�s lucky. It doesn�t count!�

While fathers often are learning humility through their children, the Monarchs dads are now happy to watch at home on TV or from the ARCO Arena stands.

"Oh man!" Lawrence Powell said, joyfully of Nicole. "I�m like the proudest pops on earth! All pops want to see their kids do well and feel proud. She�s a good kid and we�re proud of her!"

Fathers are important to a woman's development far more than just basketball. Studies have found that a father's presence in a young person's life leads to children getting better grades. A father's presence reduces the chances of girls getting pregnant at a young age. A positive father-daughter relationship also minimizes risks of eating disorders in young girls, improves self-image, feeling loved and striving for a loving relationship when they mature.

"It's really important," Smith said, of having a positive fatherly influence. "I think of how much my dad has influenced my life and how much I still turn to him whenever I need something, and I can't imagine him not being there."

While there are many differing styles to parenting and being an encouraging influence, one thing is sure, many Monarchs dads have a big soft spot for their daughters.

"Whenever I had an injury or needed anything," Smith said, smiling, "He always would make my physiology appointments, or take me to physio. If I needed a hair appointment, my dad would book my hair appointment. He would even take time off of work to drive me to the hair appointment. He's always been like that, just a big softie!"

The link between a father and a daughter is strengthened throughout a lifetime. This connection grows into a relationship of mutual respect and admiration for one another. And with these Monarchs, the bond with their fathers goes way beyond basketball. It is a demonstration of learning, support, encouragement and love.

"I think he�s very proud of what I�m doing because my feeling in my heart is to help other people and he knows that�s what I�m here to do," Coach Boucek said. "He�s very interested in that part of it, rather than knowing the game, because he didn�t play basketball. But he loves to hear the stories of how I�m helping these young women. I�m extremely proud of my dad and the way he does his work as well as his heart�s desire to sacrifice everything to help other people."

The Monarchs celebrate Dads & Daughters night this Saturday at 7 p.m. as the Monarchs face the Comets at ARCO Arena. Get your tickets for the Father's Day eve game, now!