Not only is AOL's Kevin Conroy one of the WNBA's biggest fans, but he is also one of its most important.

Photo courtesy: AOL

Dad of the Week: Kevin Conroy

July 2, 2007 - As the WNBA celebrates Dads and Daughters throughout the season, we will be recognizing a "Dad of the Week" who not only exemplifies all of the qualities of outstanding father, but also recognizes the role that the WNBA can play in the lives of girls and women.

This week we honor Kevin Conroy, Executive Vice President of Products at AOL. In his role with AOL, he is responsible for the development of AOL products including AOL.com and customized versions of the AOL portal, the AOL client software, AOL Mail, AOL Video and AOL Video Search, Instant Messaging, Social Networking, Mobile, Storage, and Safety and Security tools. Conroy also is responsible for marketing and distributing AOL products and services, and recently led the development of Gold Rush, the first online reality game to drive awareness, adoption, and usage of AOL products. He also worked in partnership with Warner Bros. to develop and launch In2TV, the first online broadband television network.

But if that does not keep him busy enough, he and his wife, Janet, have three daughters, all of whom play sports. Chace plays softball, basketball, tennis and dives; Paige plays soccer, basketball, tennis and swims; and Clare plays soccer, tennis and swims. They all enjoy skiing as well and have recently begun horseback riding. Dad has even coached his girls' soccer and basketball teams.

"During the week, I try to schedule attending their most important school events and games just like I would schedule any other meeting," Conroy says. "Sports help develop good self esteem, teach the importance of respecting others even when you are competing, and the importance of keeping yourself healthy and taking care of your body."

So where did his daughters get their athletic skills? Naturally from their father, who played soccer, basketball and lacrosse in high school, but focused on lacrosse in college.

"Playing sports really helped to shape how I think about the importance of teamwork, good sportsmanship [should be sportspersonship], and staying in shape," Conroy said. "It's important for both parents to be the best role model they can be and part of this is being supportive and showing that you really care about what your kids are interested in."

He also sees other benefits from his daughters' involvement in sports. It brings them closer together, better prepares them for school, helps to develop good self-esteem and gives them the sense of accomplishment.

"And its fun!"

And, of course, his daughters are WNBA fans.

"They followed the Liberty when we lived in New York City and now they follow the Mystics," he said. "Much of the focus around sports tends to be on men. I think the WNBA league and the players set a great example for what's possible and serve as a source of inspiration for young woman."

And as an executive at one of the biggest companies in the world, Conroy believes that women's participation in sports has and will continue to help women in all areas of society.

"While I think there's still improvement needed in each of these areas, I think women's participation in sports has a made a huge difference," Conroy says. "I grew up with strong, talented women in my family and learned early that its all about what you're made of, nothing else, and sports is a great way to help build ones' confidence, develop character, learn important skills, develop lasting friendships, and really shape the kind of person you become."