Guest columnist Linda Frohlich: ‘Papi’ played big role in my career

Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003 | 10 a.m.

Linda Frohlich, an All-American at UNLV, is in her second season with the WNBA's New York Liberty. She writes every Thursday in the Sun. Find out what she's up to by checking out her Web site at www.LindaFrohlich.com

Many things have shaped not only my basketball career, but my personal life as well.

Some things that were instilled in me as a young girl are still with me to this day. For instance, my work ethic. I know in my heart that if it wasn't for my work ethic, I probably wouldn't be where I am today.

There is one person in my life who has shaped me immensely when it comes to working hard and taking all the necessary steps to succeed. This person has played a more important role than any of my coaches, teammates or mentors. It is my lovely "Papi" (this is what we call dad in German). He has been with me from the very beginning, through every step of the way. My Papi has made numerous sacrifices for his little (6-foot-2 and 185 pounds) daughter. Not only did he work every day to provide me and the rest of the family with the food we needed, or the jerseys and basketball shoes that I wanted so I could be just like everybody else on my team, he also did the practical things.

When I was young, my father and I used to work out together. We used to run around my village to get in shape. At one point we jogged 6 kilometers twice a day. He tried to help me with my footwork to improve my speed and coordination.

Let me tell you, we worked hard, really hard. And sometimes I could not stand to hear him say: "Come on, Linda. Don't quit now ... we are 'almost' there." (Mind that we still had about 2 miles left!)

Today I know that it was for the best of me. Today I appreciate every single step that we ran together, because I know that I needed it. My father showed me what it takes to be successful in life, in whatever I would do. He demanded discipline and hard work, but he made sure that he taught us with love. He made sure that he would lead by example, and just let us (his kids) follow him.

My father never played on the USSR basketball national team like my mother. So he would never get any credit for my success on the basketball court from outstanding people or the media.

My father was not able to make it to all of my games that he wanted. So he wasn't seen supporting me out there. But what most people didn't know is that he was working. Working, so he could make his little girl's dreams come true. I know though that I was on his mind during those times. Always in his heart.

My father played a big part in my success as a basketball player and a young woman.

Ich liebe Dich, Papi!

As a result of the countless of hours my Papi invested in me, I try to work hard whenever I am on the court. I know that the hard work will pay off in wins for the Liberty, whether I am scoring a career high or cheering my team to victory.

Things right now are not going as planned for the Liberty, but the season is not over yet: We still have life in our veins, we still have a pulse, and we still have a chance. And as my father used to say back then: "Why quit now? We are almost there!"