Luke Walton, Shawn Johnson Thank Dad for Lessons Learned

COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The June issue of Highlights for Children, the best-read children's magazine in the nation, features top athletes' thoughts on the best advice they got from their dads. Just in time for Father's Day, soccer player Christie Rampone, cyclist Taylor Phinney, Los Angeles Laker Luke Walton, All-American basketball player Courtney Paris, gymnast Shawn Johnson and Washington National's first baseman Adam LaRoche gave these public thanks to their dads in the Highlights feature "Thanks, Dad."

Captain of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team Christie Rampone:

"My dad told me to always listen to what your coach says and to take it as constructive criticism because it helps you become a better player. What also struck me was my dad's insistence on being honest with yourself and believing in yourself."

Olympic bronze medal-winning cyclist Taylor Phinney:

"Dad and I have a very close relationship. From age 4 to 12, before I would go to sleep, my dad would sit with me and we would talk about everything. Now, whenever I have a bad day on the bike, he will remind me that there is always another day, another race. And it is true."

Basketball player Luke Walton:

"He [NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton] would often quote song lyrics to me. They usually meant 'make the best of the way that things work out for you and you will learn some important lessons, even when your team loses.'"

All-American basketball star Courtney Paris:

"He [San Francisco 49er Bubba Paris] never pushed my twin sister and me into any sport. But once we did find something that we loved to do, he encouraged us to be the very best at it. 'Have a universal perspective,' he would say. 'Right now, there is a girl in China who wants to be the best too. You have to outwork that girl in order to be the best.'"

Olympic Gold-medalist Shawn Johnson:

"My parents have always encouraged me 100 percent. My dad never forced me to do anything. If I wanted to quit the sport, I knew I could change my mind any day. I know he will support any decision I make and that is very comforting."

Major League Baseball's Adam LaRoche:

"The best advice my dad gave me was that you have to stay on an even keel. Don't get too high or too low. Take the good days with the bad because you never know if this day will be your last in the big leagues."

About Highlights for Children, Inc. (www.Highlights.com)

Devoted to "Fun with a Purpose®," Highlights for Children, Inc. has helped children become their best selves for generations. Its flagship publication, Highlights magazine, the most recognizable and widely-read children's magazine in the nation, has printed more than a billion copies. Other Highlights offerings include a version for younger children, Highlights High Five, Highlights for Children Book Clubs and mobile applications like My First Hidden Pictures. Online, children can visit www.HighlightsKids.com for interactive content related to each issue of the magazine, and parents can visit www.Highlights.com for informative articles and suggestions for additional family activities. Corporate offices are in Columbus, Ohio, and editorial offices are in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.

SOURCE Highlights for Children