In a rare and emotional interview, Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo opened up about the love and support that has anchored his decades-long career—not from players or fans, but from his wife of over 35 years, Lupe Izzo.
“My wife is my career,” Izzo said with a laugh and a tear in his eye. “People say I’ve had a great run as a coach. They don’t realize the only reason I could ever focus on building a team is because Lupe was building our life.”
Lupe, often seen courtside or quietly cheering from the shadows, has been a steady presence through the highs of Final Fours and the lows of heartbreak seasons. But to Tom, she’s more than the woman behind the scenes. She’s the reason he kept going.
“She means more to me than I can admit,” he said. “Without her, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. She gave me the most beautiful family I could ever imagine, and she makes my life on the court a lot easier.”
Tom and Lupe met in the early 1980s when Izzo was still climbing the coaching ladder. Despite the long hours, constant travel, and stress that come with college basketball, Lupe never wavered. “She kept the family together,” Tom said. “She raised our kids with grace, taught them humility, and never once complained about me missing holidays or birthdays for basketball.”
The tribute comes amid speculation about Izzo’s future. Though he hasn’t formally announced retirement, the 70-year-old legend has hinted that family may soon take priority over game film. “I’ve coached a lot of games, and I’ve loved it,” he said. “But I also want to enjoy quiet mornings with Lupe, travel with her, and just be with the person who’s been my rock.”
Spartan Nation knows Izzo as a fiery coach and a relentless competitor. But this recent glimpse into his heart reveals another legacy—one built on love, gratitude, and the quiet strength of a lifelong partnership.
“She never asked to be in the spotlight,” Izzo said. “But if you want to know the real MVP of my career, it’s always been Lupe.”
