“Players play, tough players win!” This is the motto that Tom Izzo has lived by his entire coaching career, and it has worked for him. Over the last thirty years, the Michigan State University head coach has given his all to the program, securing a national championship in his first five years. Not to mention, he has always secured great buy-in from his players, and 82% of them have graduated from MSU with a degree!
But there’s no way he could have accomplished it alone. As the saying goes, ‘Behind every successful man is a woman,’ and Izzo’s woman has been by his side for the last four decades! Lupe Marinez Izzo has been the secret behind Tom Izzo’s success, supporting him through thick and thin. There have been highs, and there have definitely been lows for the Spartans’ head coach. So let’s find out more about Lupe Martinez Izzo!
What is Lupe Marinez Izzo’s family background?
While you’d expect both Tom and Lupe Izzo to be Michigan natives, that’s actually not the case! Lupe Martinez Izzo was born in the Lone Star State, however, she has spent most of her life in East Lansing, Michigan. She is a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a sister. Lupe comes from a huge family! She has ten siblings, seven brothers, and three sisters to be exact.
After meeting Tom Izzo through her sister-in-law, she and the Michigan State head coach tied the knot in 1992. They have two children that they love and adore–Raquel Izzo and Steven Izzo.
Interestingly enough, Steven Izzo followed in his father’s footsteps, and was a walk-on for the Michigan State Spartans from 2019 to 2024. While he didn’t play much, the hard-working mentality and the grit that you’d expect from Tom Izzo’s son was definitely present! But how did Lupe meet Tom?
How did Tom Izzo and Lupe Marinez Izzo meet?
The Izzo’s have been married for over three decades, but their beginnings were quite rocky. Lupe met Tom Izzo through her sister-in-law, who worked at the basketball office as Jud Heathcote’s secretary. She was invited to Tom’s house after a big game for MSU, but she wasn’t aware that she was being setup with him!
Well, it didn’t exactly pan out the way her sister-in-law had hoped. At the time of their meeting, Tom Izzo already had a girlfriend, and Lupe wasn’t fooling around at all. Even when the MSU coach called her the next day, he was met with a flat-out rejection. “Why don’t you call me sometime when you don’t have a girlfriend,’ and I just left it at that and I hung up on him, yeah.” She recalled saying to him in an interview with Graham Besinger.
Lupe Marinez Izzo wasn’t someone to play games. She grew up with seven brothers, and she was a businesswoman to boot! Two-timing or playing second-fiddle wasn’t on the cards for her then, and it wouldn’t ever be. However, even though it wasn’t love at first sight, she and Tom built a strong relationship over the years.
What is Lupe Marinez Izzo’s background and career?
Lupe Marinez Izzo is a well-accomplished woman! She graduated from Michigan State University, but that wasn’t all. The young tycoon owned and operated the Rain Soft Water Treatment Systems Dealership of Lansing for over 20 years, earning her the 1990 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the state of Michigan.
Business is not what was most important to her, however. Lupe Marinez Izzo’s heart lay in public service and social work. She was also the chairperson of the 2005-2005 Tri County United Way Campaign, fundraising and supporting local nonprofits. Lupe is actively involved and onboard with a variety of local charities including Cristo Ray Community Center, The Greater Lansing Food Bank, MSU Food Bank, The Lansing Promise, and Holy Cross Services.
One of her current projects is Coaches Vs Cancer, a national multi-year campaign with the American Cancer Society. Her kind nature and willingness to give back to the community is an amazing trait, one that Tom must value a lot. But the question on everyone’s mind is the couple’s relationship thus far, and we can’t wait to delve into it!
How is Lupe Marinez and Tom Izzo’s life as a couple?
The million dollar question has a very simple answer–they make it work. Lupe and Tom have been married since 1992, and they’ve grown together through the years. Tom Izzo became head coach of MSU in 1995, and his responsibilities sky-rocketed. Yet, they still made time for each other.
As mentioned before, they have two children, Raquel and Steven. From what we know, the Izzos are quite big on family. Not to mention, Lupe also actively manages the Izzo Legacy Family Fund, which supports various charities in Greater Lansing.
Both individuals keep busy in their own ways, but despite Tom’s demanding coaching career, they maintain a balanced relationship, built on mutual support and shared values. They both provide for the family in different ways, and have their own unique roles that they fulfill.
What is Lupe Marinez’s role in their family?
Lupe Marinez Izzo has been integral to her husband’s success. How, you might be asking? Well, she does everything! Not only does she manage the Izzo Legacy Family Fund, but she’s also an incredibly supportive wife. Lupe has always stood by Tom, helping him maintain the balance between his work and home life.
She’s a dedicated mom, and raised her two children quite successfully! Raquel Izzo, the eldest child, was born in the late 90s, and is involved with the family social work. On the other hand, we know that Steven Izzo played for MSU. After his graduation, he’s looking for opportunities in coaching and sports management.
The Michigan State matriarch is a community advocate, and actively believes in and engages in charitable work and local initiatives.
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