Most parents help their children with simple math homework or with choosing what shoes to buy, but for track coach Eric Thomas, it’s coaching his daughter, sophomore Morgan Thomas in high jump.

Morgan’s passion for the sport began near the end of her gymnastic career in sixth grade when her father, the newly hired high jump coach, introduced her to the sport. She fell in love, earning herself a varsity letter, a top jump of 4’10” and a supportive coach and father.

High jump has become an activity that they can both bond over, despite the chaos of all their other sports.

“[Being able to coach my daughter] has given us an opportunity to spend more time together,” Eric said. “I want to be able to be involved in her life in as many ways as possible.”

With all this time spent together, Morgan reaps the benefits by having double the support to optimize her skills and confidence.

“He is definitely more motivating as a coach and father,” Morgan said. “We know how each other works and what helps each other.”

Some might suspect that this connection allows Morgan to cut corners in practice, but in fact it does the exact opposite.

“I am never allowed to skip and always have to be working hard,” Morgan said. “I can’t slack off because then I’ll hear about it at the dinner table.”

Regardless of their father daughter relationship, Eric’s standards remains the same.

“My one expectation is that you do your best,” Eric said. “People aren’t really in tuned to how good they can be … no matter who it is, whether it’s my kid or some other kid.”