Happy Father's Day to the Dads of Big Blue Nation

If you’re anything like me, you can relate to this statement. My dad is a huge part of the reason why I fell in love with sports. Ever since I can remember, some kind of game has been plastered on the living room TV almost every single day. While dads stereotypically love sports, grilling, and mowing the lawn, the other KSR interns and I have so much more to say about our dads.

So, in honor of all the dads out there, you are loved, you are celebrated, and this is your day. Happy Father’s Day from everyone here at KSR.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads of the #BBN! 😸 pic.twitter.com/60TMHhJfQD

— Kentucky Athletics (@UKAthletics) June 16, 2024

Katie Hutchison

I remember long ago, my dad telling me that he went to the University of Kentucky for sports management and marketing. While I definitely have all the details mixed up, I know after college he worked for a minor league baseball team, I believe in Texas. He was following his dreams in the 80s and 90s, something that was very brave for the time. Down the line, he met my mom, fell in love, got married, and had me and my brothers. So, he traded his life as a baseball something or other, for a life of fatherhood.

To say that my dad inspired me to pursue this career is an understatement. He was the first person I called when I got the news about my KSR internship. He is the reason why I love sports the way I do. He’s the biggest Bengals, Reds, and Kentucky fan I know. He was one of my biggest supporters throughout my 13-year athletic career (even when I wanted to quit basketball). Plus, he’s a huge KSR fan.

But there’s so much more to my dad than his love for sports. Him and I have extremely similar personality traits and music tastes. He loves 70s classic rock, so I love 70s classic rock. He taught me how to drive (which is probably why I get complaints when people are riding in the back of my car…). He’s the best cook I know, and makes some mean hamburgers. When times were tough, my dad always made the sacrifice to give me what I needed, and in some cases, the $6 coffee I wanted from Starbucks.

My dad is selfless, kind, and loving. I love him so much, and I’m so grateful for everything he’s done for me.

Phoenix Stevens

I would imagine that this applies to most people who are fortunate enough to have a father figure in their life, but my dad has greatly shaped me into who I am today.

For starters, my dad is the one who got me into sports. My parents bought me a basketball goal when I turned five, and that’s where my love for sports began. Dad has always rooted for the ‘Cats, who I hopped in on the fandom. My dad took me to my first UK football game — the one against Mississippi State in 2018 where Benny Snell Jr. ran for four touchdowns.

As a person, my dad has had a big impact on me as well. Perhaps the biggest would be that he taught me that hard work pays off. Dad got started at the bottom of the totem pole in the coal industry, and over the course of my whole life really, he’s worked to get to a point to where he can provide for the family comfortably.

I’d like to think I’m a hard worker too, and I’d be lying if I said my dad didn’t instill that in me.

Piper McCoun

Today is another one of those days that feel like they should be every day. In my life, my father has been my support system, protector, and my biggest fan. You know that saying that goes, “Live and let live”? That is the epitome of my father. He is someone who takes life and people exactly for what they are and admires their beauty and imperfections along the way. He is the most positive, glass half-full person I know. 

I’m so lucky to have someone in my life who unconditionally loves and supports me. Who he is is who I want to be, and that is someone who loves others for who they are and lives graciously everyday. There are no strangers to him. 

He has taught me so much and continues to do so everyday, and I will forever be grateful for him. To all the fathers out there, thank you for who you are and what you do! Happy Father’s Day!