Do you have a child participating in a sport and aspire to guide and raise them toward reaching their fullest potential, maybe the next sports legend? I do. My son, Dryden, plays in the most competitive soccer league in Vancouver. At 14, he trains three times a week, competes in weekly matches, and participates in regular tournaments both locally and in other cities. He also dedicates time to practice on his own. Despite his commitment and skill—he’s arguably among the top 5% of players his age—the path to becoming the next Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Lionel Messi, or Tom Brady is almost impossible. The odds are slim, maybe the same as winning a lottery.
Yet, I choose to persevere, not solely for the dream of athletic stardom but because sports impart invaluable life lessons: teamwork, discipline, resilience, and self-esteem. These qualities can shield him from the pitfalls of adolescence, such as substance abuse or poor decision-making.
To better understand how to support Dryden’s journey, let’s delve into the early lives of four sports legends and the parental influences that shaped them. What are their narratives so you can choose your own if you are an aspiring parent?
Deloris Jordan: Instilling Discipline and Self-Reliance
“You have to apply yourself and work hard. And when you work hard and do not expect anyone to give you anything, you can be successful.” — Deloris Jordan
Be prepared for tears or goose bumps while watching this video
Deloris Jordan, mother of basketball legend Michael Jordan, emphasized the importance of hard work and self-reliance. When Michael faced setbacks, such as not making his high school varsity team, Deloris encouraged him to persevere and improve. Her guidance fostered a mindset of determination and resilience, laying the foundation for his future success.
Beyond moral support, Deloris played an instrumental role in Michael’s professional life. She was pivotal in negotiating his groundbreaking endorsement deal with Nike, showcasing her business acumen and unwavering belief in her son’s potential. Her active involvement ensured that Michael’s brand was built on integrity and excellence.
Parenting Philosophy: Deloris believed in nurturing independence, emphasizing education, and instilling a strong work ethic. Her approach combined emotional support with practical guidance, preparing Michael to face challenges head-on and seize opportunities with confidence.
Walter Gretzky: Fostering Passion and Creativity
“Go to where the puck is going, not where it has been.” — Walter Gretzky
“My Mom and Dad is the reason for being a professional Hockey Player” – Wayne Gretzky
Walter Gretzky, father of hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, nurtured his son’s love for the game through innovative backyard practices and a focus on understanding the game’s flow. His famous advice about anticipating the puck’s movement encapsulates his approach to developing Wayne’s hockey intelligence and creativity.
Walter’s commitment went beyond physical training; he instilled in Wayne a deep understanding of the game’s nuances. By encouraging his son to watch and analyze professional games, Walter helped Wayne develop exceptional spatial awareness and anticipation skills, setting him apart from his peers.
Parenting Philosophy: Walter believed in nurturing a child’s passion through consistent support and creative engagement. His hands-on approach and emphasis on understanding over rote learning allowed Wayne to develop a unique style of play that revolutionized hockey.
Jorge and Celia Messi: Supporting Dreams Amidst Adversity
“He always loved soccer and always wanted to play it.” — Jorge Messi
Lionel Messi’s parents, Jorge and Celia, played pivotal roles in his development. When faced with a growth hormone deficiency, they supported his move to Spain for treatment and to join FC Barcelona’s academy. Their unwavering support and belief in his talent enabled Messi to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
Jorge, transitioning from a steel factory manager to Lionel’s agent, managed his son’s career with dedication and foresight. Celia provided emotional support, ensuring Lionel remained grounded amidst rising fame. Their combined efforts created a stable environment that allowed Lionel to focus on his passion and excel.
Parenting Philosophy: Jorge and Celia emphasized unwavering support, adaptability, and emotional grounding. Their willingness to make significant sacrifices and adapt to new roles underscored their commitment to Lionel’s dreams, teaching him resilience and humility.
Tom Sr. and Galynn Brady: Encouraging Perseverance
“The blessing my parents gave me was when I was that longshot as a kid… They kind of said, ‘You know what? Go for it.'” — Tom Brady
Tom Brady credits his parents, Tom Sr. and Galynn, for their steadfast support during his formative years, especially when he was an underdog quarterback. They encouraged him to pursue his passion without suggesting alternative paths, fostering a belief in his potential. As a parent himself, Brady acknowledges the challenges and admits to making mistakes, emphasizing the importance of being dependable and supportive of his children’s choices. His approach underscores the significance of parental belief and the impact it has on a child’s confidence and ambition.
Parenting Philosophy: Tom Sr. and Galynn believed in empowering their children to pursue their passions with determination. Their unwavering support and encouragement taught Tom the value of perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of family backing in achieving one’s goals.
Conclusion: Guiding the Next Generation
The paths of Jordan, Gretzky, Messi, and Brady illustrate that while innate talent is important, the role of supportive, disciplined, and nurturing parenting is equally crucial in developing greatness. Their stories offer valuable lessons: create a supportive environment, encourage discipline and hard work, foster independence, and believe in your child’s dreams.
As parents, our goal could be to guide our children not just toward athletic success but toward becoming well-rounded individuals. By embracing these principles, we can help our children, like Dryden, reach their fullest potential, both on and off the field. What is your narrative?
I’m a storyteller at heart with a deep appreciation for nuance, complexity, and the power of perspective. Whether it's global politics, social shifts, or television narratives, I believe every story has at least two sides — and it's up to us to find the one that matters most the 3Narrative.
3 Narratives was born from a simple idea: that people deserve more than echo chambers and outrage. Here, I explore two viewpoints and leave the third — the conclusion — up to you.
When I'm not writing, you’ll find me spending time with my son, diving into thought-provoking shows like Better Call Saul, or chasing the next layered story that can change the way we see the world. My other passions include photography, skiing, sailing, hiking and more important a great conversation with a human being that challenges my own narrative.
📍 Based in North America | 🌍 Writing for a global mindset
