Dino Babers shares how Bryan Bresee's family tragedy impacts him, Syracuse

Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee and his family suffered a tragedy this season. His younger sister Ella died of cancer at the age of 15. Since then, teams have been showing their support for him as the season has gone on. Every player on Louisiana Tech wrote personal letters to Bresee, while Florida State painted “Ella Strong,” on the stadium wall. Clemson’s next game is against Syracuse, and the Orange head coach Dino Babers opened up about the tragedy.

“I saw that story, I want to say it was on SportsCenter, ESPN. I saw that story and I mean, you know, my prayers go out to their family and my heart goes out to them,” Dino Babers said.

“But it also makes me think about our Ohana here and I don’t–you know, we’ve had, well the guy that gave me this jacket,” Dino Babers pointed out his suit coat. “Floyd Little. You know, before COVID, he was with us. After COVID, he’s not.”

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Ohana is the Hawaiian word for family. It’s a concept that Dino Babers, as a native of Hawaii who played for the Rainbow Warriors, is definitely familiar.

“And we have numerous stories as well on this football team of parents and loved ones that in the last four years are no longer with us, and we all have those same feelings. It’s bigger than football. We all understand that, but we also know how much in our healing process that football helps us heal, and I’m sure that his [Bryan Bresee] first thing was probably to get back on the football field and get around his family and we wish him nothing but the best in his healing process.”

Bryan Bresee on Ella’s death

When Ella Bresee died, Bryan took to Instagram to make the announcement. There, he left a heartbreaking note for her.

“My beautiful sister Ella you amazed me every single day with the fight that you put up and how joyful you were constantly through this battle. Never did I think I would be sitting here today saying bye to you. I want to thank you for bringing happiness to not only me but so many people. You are the best sister a brother could as for and I know for a fact heaven has gained a beautiful angel today,” Bryan Bresee wrote.

“Love you forever and always Ella bear.”