6/11/25: Special Father’s Day Edition

👏 Texas Tech softball coach Gerry Glasco proves it's never too late to do something you love

How Gerry Glasco Found a Love for Softball Through Family

[LINK] Gerry Glasco never sought to be a college softball coach. He had three daughters who loved the game and needed a coach. So, he stepped up and volunteered. Then he just kept coaching through every step of his daughters’ journeys.

First there was a club team, then a local high school, which led to college assistant opportunities. Eventually he took over at Texas Tech and this season led the Red Raiders to an improbable run to the College World Series final with one of his daughters coaching by his side.

🥺 The best Coach Greg Olsen ever had... his Dad

Greg's Sit Down Interview with His Favorite Coach, DAD!

[LINK] Youth Inc. co-founder Greg Olsen grew up in New Jersey watching his father coach football at Wayne Hills High School and idolized the players who came through the program. Greg and his brothers were ball boys and water boys for their dad’s team and dreamed of one day playing for their father.

It almost didn’t happen.

The Olsens lived outside the area that Wayne Hills School pulled students from, and Greg’s parents petitioned the school board to allow the Olsen boys to play for their dad. It was denied. So, the Olsens sold their house and bought another house in the district to remove the road block. 

The rest, as they say, is history. Greg and his brothers got to play for their father and it left an indelible mark. Chris Olsen was harder on his boys than the other kids, but Greg and his brothers wouldn’t have it any other way. Greg calls his father the best coach he’s ever had and says that set the tone for the type of father and coach he is today.

⚾ A bucket of baseballs, a note and an important message

A Post that will Bring Tears to Your Eyes

[LINK] Randy Long, a 72-year-old grandfather from Alabama, was cleaning out his garage one day when he found a bucket of baseballs. That instantly brought back memories of throwing BP to his son and grandson.

Long didn’t want the baseballs to go to waste, so he brought them to a local battling cages and attached a note that gave the backstory of the balls. It ended with, “P.S. Give them a hug and tell them you love them every chance you get.”

Youth Inc. president of media Tim Murphy writes about what this story meant to him as a father and coach: 

This grandfather’s note hit me hard because it put into words something I often feel but rarely say: just how deeply I love the time I spend with my kids.

🥲 The viral moment that Coach RAC shared with his Dad

When the Hard Work Pays Off

[LINK] Coach RAC, Youth Inc.’s baseball ambassador and a backflipping outfielder for the Savannah Bananas, is a household name now with a huge social following, but that wasn’t always the case. 

Coming out of Division II Biola University, RAC dreamed of being drafted in 2021. But his name was never called. The Nationals later signed RAC as an undrafted free agent. RAC went to a LIDS in his local mall, bought the last two Nationals hats in the store and drove to the auto shop where his father worked to surprise him with the news.

The moment was captured on an iPhone and spread like wildfire on TikTok. RAC talks about the moment with Greg Olsen and what it meant to him and his dad. Beware: watching it may make your eyes water.  

🙌 Here's to those who fill the void of fathers who aren't there

Not Every Child has a Dad in the Stands

[LINK] Youth Inc. contributor Asia Mape understands youth sports better than most people. She started her own site I Love to Watch You Play to chronicle the exploits of her three athletic daughters. Asia delivers a gem about kids who don’t have fathers in the stands or on the sidelines. She writes:

Not every child has a dad in the stands.
Some are missing because of divorce or distance. Others because of death. Some kids never even knew fathers. And on Father’s Day—amid the homemade cards and social media tributes—it’s easy to forget those kids. But in youth sports, they’re everywhere. Quietly packing their bags after the game. Glancing toward the sideline and not seeing anyone. Watching their teammates run into their dad’s arms, while they walk out alone. This is for them.

Beautifully written and right on point. Check out the full article here.

🥹 A coach, supporter, and most importantly, Dad

A Heartwarming Tribute to a Dad and Coach

[LINK] Whether we like to admit it or not, we all yearn for our parent’s support and approval. In sports, there is such an emotional connection between parent and child, especially when your parent is the coach.

In a touching tribute to her father and coach, Youth Inc. senior digital editor Ellie Kriebel pens a wonderful essay thanking her father for being by her side over the years.

⛳ How a Dentist Qualified for the Field at This Week's U.S. Open

The Only Dentist Teeing Off at Oakmont this Weekend

[LINK] On Thursday, when the U.S. Open tees off at Oakmont (PA) Country Club, Matthew Vogt will be one of the 156 golfers in the field. He’ll also be the only dentist.

Vogt is an amateur and shot back-to-back rounds of 68 in a qualifier to earn a spot. It’s a homecoming for Vogt, who caddied at Oakmont for six years. Vogt will feel a strong connection to his father on Father’s Day weekend just like he did during his qualifying rounds.

Vogt’s father died a couple months ago and during his qualifying rounds he wore a ribbon on his hat so he could feel his Dad with him on the course.

“When I was starting to play golf and take it seriously, he was the one guy tracking me,” Vogt said after one of his qualifying rounds. “I knew he was tracking me today.” 

🍿 The Best and Worst Sports Dad Movies

Grab Your Popcorn for These Sports Dad Movie Moments

[LINK] For Father’s Day, we’re spotlighting some of the best—and worst—sports movie Dad moments. These films highlight the strengths and flaws that every Dad can relate to. From game day meltdowns to heartfelt redemptions, they capture the emotional rollercoaster of being a sports Dad.

Who doesn’t love a sports movie? Which ones made the list? Click the link above to find out.

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WE'VE GOT YOUR NUMBER

2.8 Billion

The amount of an NCAA settlement that was approved by Federal Judge Claudia Wilken last week. The money will allow schools a maximum of $20.5 million a year to pay their athletes through NIL.

"I didn’t think honestly that I could do it, but I’m gonna quote Tyler, the Creator. He said, 'If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I must be lying.'"

- Coco Gauff After Winning the French Open