“Players play, tough players win!” This is the motto that has guided Tom Izzo throughout his entire coaching career, and it has certainly paid off. The Michigan State University head coach has given his all to the program for the past thirty years, and his dedication has resulted in a national championship in his first five years. But behind every successful person is a supportive partner, and for Tom Izzo, that is his wife Lupe Marinez Izzo.
Lupe Marinez Izzo is not just the wife of a successful coach, but she is also a strong and independent woman in her own right. She has been a constant support system for Tom throughout his career, and her unwavering love and dedication have played a crucial role in his success.
Lupe and Tom met in 1976 when they were both students at Northern Michigan University. They quickly fell in love and got married in 1981. As Tom’s coaching career began to take off, Lupe stood by his side through the highs and lows, always encouraging and supporting him.
Despite being married to a high-profile coach, Lupe has always kept a low profile and preferred to stay out of the limelight. She values her privacy and has never been one to seek attention or recognition for herself. However, her husband’s success has often put her in the spotlight, and she has handled it with poise and grace.
Lupe is a philanthropist at heart and has been actively involved in charitable work throughout her life. Along with her husband, she has been a major contributor to various organizations and causes, including the American Cancer Society and the Coaches vs. Cancer program.
But above all, Lupe is a devoted wife and mother. She has raised their two children, Raquel and Steven, with the same values and dedication that she has shown in supporting her husband. Despite Tom’s busy schedule as a coach, Lupe has always made sure to create a loving and stable home for her family.
In an interview, Tom once said, “My wife is my rock, and without her, I couldn’t do what I do.” This statement perfectly captures the importance of Lupe in Tom’s life and career. She has been his constant source of strength and has stood by him through every challenge and triumph.
In 2003, Lupe was diagnosed with cancer, and it was a difficult time for the Izzo family. But with Lupe’s determination and the support of her family, she fought and defeated the disease. Her resilience and positive attitude during this tough time were an inspiration to Tom and his team, who went on to win the national championship that year.
Lupe’s strength and determination have also had a positive impact on the Michigan State basketball program. She is known to be a mother figure to the players, always offering them love and support. Many players have credited her for helping them through difficult times and being a constant source of encouragement.
Today, Lupe and Tom are proud grandparents to three grandchildren, and they continue to be each other’s biggest supporters. They have been through it all together, and their love and partnership have only grown stronger with time.
In 2016, Tom and Lupe celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary, and it was a reminder of the strong foundation of their relationship. As Tom continues to lead the Michigan State basketball program, Lupe remains a constant presence in his life, offering her love, support, and guidance.
In the world of sports, where success can often come at a cost, Lupe and Tom’s relationship is a reminder that with the right partner by your side, anything is possible. Lupe Marinez Izzo may not be a household name, but she is a key figure in Tom’s success, and her love and support have played a crucial role in shaping him into the coach he is today.
In conclusion, Lupe Marinez Izzo may prefer to stay out of the spotlight, but her impact on the Michigan State basketball program and her husband’s career cannot be ignored. She is a strong, independent, and loving woman who has been an integral part of Tom’s journey. As Tom continues to live by his motto, “Players play, tough players win,” it is clear that Lupe will always be by his side, cheering him on every step of the way.
