National Parents’ Day on the PPA Tour

Vinnie Brascia isn’t different from so many of the parents who cheer, console, partner, and, sometimes just listen, to their sons and daughters who journey through the PPA Tour.

Well, there’s one major difference. 

Yeah, he does all of those things and more, but he’s also a coach to his two daughters – Mary and Maggie.

“The girls don’t always need a coach by their side, but I do think they benefit by knowing that mom and dad are always there for them.”

Well, earlier this week was National Parents’ Day, and this one goes out to all the moms and dads sharing in the joys and the tears of their kids on tour.

And it certainly has to be a constant struggle that Vinnie and his wife Ann deal with. Sometimes a coach, always a parent, and always working to find that sweet spot that works for both of those full-time jobs.

“When they are struggling, you hurt right along with them,” Vinnie said. “You can’t help but feel it. But I think my job as a parent is to try and lend perspective on the situation by reminding them they are going to have some rough days out there. There will be days when they don’t have their ‘A’ game, and that’s OK. It’s OK because you still have control over your attitude and effort. That’s what we try to focus on. Those things alone can take you far even when you’re struggling with your game.”

Vinnie’s perspective is unique. So is Julie Johnson’s perspective. She’s the mother to J.W. and Jorja, who team up on the PPA Tour in mixed doubles and also play singles and gender doubles as well. Meanwhile, Julie is a professional player herself, competing on the Senior Tour.

Then there’s Leigh Waters. Waters is the mother of Anna Leigh Waters, the top female player in the game. The two were partners for most of 2022 before Leigh suffered an injury. They are expected to join up together once Leigh heals completely.

But whether it’s the Waters, Johnsons, or Brascias, the parents are still parents first and competitors, coaches, and partners second.

“I think it’s much more important to be a parent than a coach,” Vinnie said. “The game at this level is so mental. Everybody has a big game. It’s belief and confidence that make the difference for most players. And who better than your dad to give you the support you need to be your most confident on the court in those tough situations? Sometimes when you have a rough day and a match doesn’t go your way, you don’t need someone to give you analysis of everything you’ve done wrong. You just need someone to give you a hug and tell you it’s OK. That’s what dads are for.”

That’s what National Parents’ Day is for. A bit of recognition for the moms and dads out there – not just on the PPA Tour, but everywhere. And a bit of recognition for the parents who try to make their kid’s experience as good as possible.

“I think it’s most important for me to be their biggest supporter and cheerleader,” Vinnie said. “The best thing for me to do is just keep things fun and positive for them. We can drill and practice for hours and hours, day after day, but if the belief and confidence isn’t there on tournament day, all that practice doesn’t matter much.”