Andrea Hurley - It’s Not What Happens, It’s How You React

Andrea Hurley knows that grief doesn’t have an expiration date. More than 20 years after losing her dad to cancer, Andrea opens up about the shift that happens when someone dies, how hard it is to watch someone you love suffer, and why grief can still feel incredibly difficult decades later. But Andrea has also taken what she experienced and turned it into a mission. Through her work with coaches and cancer alongside the UConn men’s basketball program, she helps support and honor families navigating cancer, using her own experience to show up for people going through some of the hardest moments of their lives. And yes, we talk ALL things UConn basketball: the superstitions, the emotions, how grief shows up in sports, and what it’s like being married to head coach Dan Hurley. We also talk about something I found especially beautiful: how Andrea’s dad encouraged her to go to Seton Hall, a decision that ultimately led her to meet Dan and build the life she has today. Even after someone is gone, their influence can continue shaping the life you’re living. This episode is fun, silly, heartfelt, and serious all at once and it’s a reminder that grief can change over time without ever completely disappearing. Whether you’ve been grieving for 20+ years, are supporting someone through cancer, or just really love UConn basketball, this one is for you.