In April 2022, Veronica Burton heard her name called as the seventh pick in the WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. She rose from her table at Spring Street Studios in New York City and shared a warm embrace, first with her mother, Ginni, then with her father, Steve.
Asked afterward about what inspired her, she responded, “My family.”
Athletics always have been intertwined for the Burtons. Her three siblings were collegiate athletes. Her late grandfather, Ron, played football at Northwestern and was the AFL’s Boston Patriots’ first-ever draft pick in 1960. Three of Veronica’s uncles also played football at Northwestern. Ginni was an All-American swimmer for the Wildcats.
And Steve, the sports director of WBZ-TV in Boston, played quarterback there, as well.
Veronica Burton with her father, Steve. (Courtesy of Veronica Burton)
Veronica’s bonds with those in her family also extend beyond the field or the court. As she wrote below in a first-person exclusive, she bragged about her father “in life outside of sports.” This is her Father’s Day tribute to Steve.
(Editor’s note: The following has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.)
There are about two days a year I find myself really taking the time to sit back and thank my dad for all he has done for me. One day being his birthday, the other being Father’s Day.
Two days are not even close to being enough recognition to match the amount of love and appreciation I have for him. So here I am hoping to make up for some of those other days.
I think most know how much of a role he’s played in my basketball career, but I don’t always get to brag about him in life outside of sports.
When people ask me who I look up to, or who has taught me the most, my dad is always the top person to come to mind. His willingness to sacrifice for me and my family on a daily basis proves just how selfless he is. He is the first to lift me up on a bad day, and the last person I talk to before a big game.
His confidence in me is truly endless. I don’t think there’s a person that believes in me more than my dad — and he always makes that known to me. The impact this has on me is more than I could express in words. But knowing he believes in me full-heartedly encourages me to have that trust in my own self. And this will last far after the ball stops bouncing for me.
Father’s Day weekend with the Burton’s ???? pic.twitter.com/PM8h1YyVqv
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) June 17, 2023
The thing I admire most about my dad doesn’t necessarily have to do with what he does for me directly, but more so what I have been able to learn from him through watching him. What I admire most about my dad is his faith.
My dad’s relationship with God is something I’ve always watched growing up. I didn’t always understand how he could believe so strongly in something he couldn’t see, but his patience and steadiness in the toughest of times are a testament to it. I was always aware of how much my dad wanted his kids to have a relationship with God, and seeing how he prioritized it in his own life encouraged me to follow — and it has transformed my life for the long run.
At the end of the day, I am blessed to be able to say that my dad always has my back. My dad has always put me and our family first. And my dad will always be my role model.
Thankful I have someone like him to look up to everyday.. Makes me better in everything I do. Happy Father’s Day to the very best!! Love you pops :)❤️ pic.twitter.com/N4x8JjuaJ7
— Veronica Burton (@Veronicaab22) June 21, 2021
To you, Dad: You always smile when you tell me that I remind you a lot of your own dad. This one always warms my heart because although I didn’t get the chance to know him, you show every day just how much he meant to you.
I just know someday I’ll tell my kid that they remind me of my dad. And it’ll be the best compliment.
I love you, and Happy Father’s Day.
(Top photo courtesy of the Dallas Wings)
