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A Father’s Influence

Ricci Tucker’s experience shows how a father and coach can shape a team-first mentality centered on effort, fairness, and personal growth.

3 min read

Photo Credit: NAYS

Ricci Tucker played almost every sport possible growing up. And what made those experiences rewarding—and incredibly memorable—was his dad’s involvement.

“All the years I was growing up and played youth sports, he was always my coach,” says Tucker, the Sports and Special Services Director for the Winfield (Kan.) Recreation Commission and a Certified Youth Sports Administrator. “He was always there helping me be the best that I could be in whatever I was doing. He was tough but fair, and he never made it about wins and losses or the final score. It was always about getting better and becoming the type of teammate that helped the team get better.”

Tucker never let go of that team-first mentality, which has enabled him to excel, thrive, and be a difference maker for youngsters participating in Winfield’s sports programs.