Some of my earliest memories are filled with vivid images and sounds: maize and blue jerseys flashing across the TV screen, the echo of whistles over a sun-baked field and the sound of skates slicing through the ice on early Saturday mornings. My dad, a proud University of Michigan alum, didn’t just give me a love for sports, he also gave me a lifelong connection to Michigan Athletics that has inspired my passion for journalism and my determination to show up as my best self, daily.
Our mornings were always the same. Every day before school, we’d watch ESPN’s “Top Ten,” a routine I always looked forward to even if it was just to watch another highlight of LeBron James dunking a basketball over a guy half his size. Watching these every day became a kind of unspoken bond between us, serving as a reminder that being great at something isn’t just about winning, but about doing something that leaves people in awe.
Right before I’d head out the door every day, my dad would give me the same words of encouragement: “Attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind,” a quote from the legendary Jim Harbaugh. I heard it so often it became a part of my daily life and, honestly, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of it until I started college. To me, it means approaching each day with unmatched energy, positivity and purpose and giving my best no matter what challenges come my way, and now, I live by those words. Whether I’m covering a game for The Michigan Daily, taking part in research, cheering on the Wolverines at the Big House or trying to get a 7 out of 7 on a calculus mastery exam, I always try to bring that same level of energy and focus to whatever I’m doing. My dad showed me this lesson doesn’t just apply to sports, but to everything in life. The simplicity yet power behind those words became a cornerstone in shaping how I approach every task, no matter how small it might seem. I found that mindset to be the difference between simply completing a task and truly excelling at it. For example, during the college application process not only did I succeed and get into some amazing schools, but I also got into my dream school, the best university in the world.
My dad didn’t just teach me how to appreciate the game of life, he taught me how to approach everything with passion. From a young age, he encouraged me to try every sport until I found one I adored. Soccer was a no-go for me while lacrosse became a passion and hockey became my heart and soul. No matter what sport or situation it was, though, my dad was always there. To my dad, it didn’t matter if I was playing in a game or practicing on my own, he was my loudest, most enthusiastic cheerleader even though he doesn’t look like one, as a bald 50-something year old (sorry, Dad). It didn’t matter what the score was, he was always there, banging on the glass and making me feel like I was playing the biggest game of my life. What stood out the most to me was his ability to make every practice or game feel important regardless of the level of competitiveness or the opponent. I remember times when I was frustrated, questioning whether I was good enough or if I was on the right path, both inside and outside of sports. During my first semester in college, I called him constantly, usually because I was having a crash out over my classes, especially Economics 101. Every time I called he picked up, even though I was practically sobbing into the phone. And although I can be quite annoying, he was always there cheering me on at every aspect of life with that infectious energy that made me believe in myself even when I thought I couldn’t.
In addition to that, the real lessons didn’t just come from sports. They came from how my dad approached every waking day, through the good times and the hard ones. When my mom — who coached my youth lacrosse team — passed away while I was still growing up, it was one of the hardest times of my life. But my dad didn’t think twice. He stepped into her shoes without hesitation and took over coaching the team. Even in the midst of his own grief, he was there for me, cheering me on, showing up for practice, always teaching me how to move forward even when it felt impossible. Each day was a challenge, but my dad always showed up to every game and event with such energy that it almost made it easy to forget my mom wasn’t there. Still, her presence was felt every day. A bench overlooking three grassy lacrosse fields in our town was dedicated in her memory — fields filled with so many special memories from our past, which continued to grow as my dad stepped into the role she once held.
The loss of my mom was something none of us were prepared for, but my dad’s resilience showed me how to keep going even when life feels impossible. Through it all, he was not only a father but a role model for how to deal with the most painful and challenging situations. His ability to hold our family together, to take on extra responsibilities without ever letting me feel the weight of it, taught me the true essence of strength and enthusiasm. My dad taught me how to face life’s toughest moments with strength and grace, showing me that, although you can’t always control what happens in life, you can control how you respond. When I’d break down in frustration or feel like giving up in any aspect of my life, my dad never gave me an easy out. Instead, he pushed me to rise above, to dig deep and find the strength I didn’t know I had. Although these lessons allowed me to persevere in tough sports games, their broader application is what truly stuck with me. They were lessons in resilience, perseverance and understanding that while life sometimes doesn’t go the way we plan, we can still make the most of what we do have.
Through every hardship, my dad showed me what true leadership looked like. Leadership isn’t about winning or being the best, but rather about showing up, doing the work and lifting others up along the way. As my dad taught me, leadership is about being there for people when they need you most and being the person others can rely on. My dad reminded me to always be kind, strong and, most importantly, to act like a lady and act with grace and respect, off or (sometimes) on the field and the ice. Today, as a Sports writer for The Daily, I carry my dad’s lessons with me every time I cover a game. My dad’s love for Michigan Athletics sparked my own and his support gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. As a kid we’d travel from our hometown in Boston to Michigan, Illinois, Connecticut, Florida and more to see the Wolverines compete in football or basketball games, and every November we’d gather a group of friends in our living room to yell at the screen as Michigan played Ohio State while we chowed down a pile of steaming hot buffalo wings. Whether I’m writing about a big win or a tough loss, I try to channel the energy and passion he taught me to approach life with every article. Writing about sports isn’t just about statistics and scores, it’s about telling the stories behind the games. It’s about understanding each athlete’s dedication to the game and their personal journey. My dad showed me that sports were more than just a competition; they were a way to connect with others and build character.
This Father’s Day, I’m thinking about all the moments when my dad was there for me. He’s the one who taught me what it means to give everything I have to the game, whether the “game” is a sport, career or life itself. Whenever I’m sitting in the press box or standing on the sidelines at a Michigan game, I can’t help but think of him. His enthusiasm for the game of sports — and of life — and his unwavering support are the reasons I’m able to do what I love every day.
Thank you for everything, Dad. For teaching me to love the game, for being there through all the ups and downs and for showing me how to approach life with purpose, passion and the kind of enthusiasm that can’t be ignored. You’ve been my coach, my best friend, my mentor and above all my role model. Through your example, I learned what it means to live with purpose and to approach every challenge with enthusiasm and passion.
This Father’s Day, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for giving me the confidence to chase my dreams, for showing me what it means to be a leader and the best. Thank you for teaching me that true strength comes from showing up and that the most important thing is to attack each day with enthusiasm unknown to mankind.
Go Blue & Blessings!
Love,
Molly B
Statement Contributor Molly Ross can be reached at mollybr@umich.edu.
