LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville women’s basketball team is headed to the Elite 8 once again and they will face one of the best teams in the country – Iowa.
Both teams have superstars in Hailey Van Lith and Caitlyn Clark, but these two programs share another connection.
Jones’ father was killed and she along with her mother suffered serious injuries including traumatic brain injuries and several broken bones.
Before Sunday night’s game in Seattle, Louisville coach Jeff Walz and Iowa coach Lisa Bluder discussed the aftermath from that night.
“I reached out to Jeff and Jeff provided a car for the family to use at no expense and it was immediate. It was like not even a thought, it was something he wanted to do for that family,” Bluder said. “And so, you know, I just think he’s really a good guy. You know that speaks volumes about a person when they’re helping you when you’re in need like that.”
Walz added, “And it took one phone call to one of our boosters and it was, like, ‘It’s a done deal. Do not worry about it.’” Walz said. “They have a car dealership and within 10 minutes they had her a car. It’s what our basketball community’s all about. Sure, we’re all trying to beat each other and you’re trying to advance, you’re trying to win, but at the end of the day it’s just about being a good person and doing what’s right.”
Louisville and Iowa are expected to tip off at 9 p.m. on ESPN.
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