Has this been posted: Love, Abby: UConn Huskies' forever bond with one magical fan (merged)

[ThisJustIn]

Reminds me -- profoundly -- of how little we know about these players and what is going on in their lives.
And what amazing humans they are.

Love, Abby: UConn Huskies' forever bond with one magical fan​

Love, Abby: The forever friendship between the UConn Huskies and one magical fan

Young UConn fan Abby Zittoun was fun, irreverent, caring. And for Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Caroline Ducharme, her friendship is forever.

www.espn.com

Even though UConn players are royalty in Connecticut -- Bueckers is arguably the most famous athlete in the state -- there was little fanfare. The bat mitzvah girl, Abby Zittoun, ran up to them with happiness and hugs, but also apologetically informed them she had to keep bouncing around so she could spend time with aunts and uncles and cousins and classmates and her other friends who had come that night, too.

The players nodded enthusiastically. They understood. This wasn't an appearance or community event. There were no coaches present, no administrators from the UConn athletic department. There was no PR person or team photographer telling them they should play with the kids now. They were, like everyone else, simply there to celebrate someone special. They were guests. (Really, really tall guests.)

 

[OviedoFLHusky]

After reading this article, I've been sitting here trying to come up with words that would describe the shining bravery and resilience of Abby and her family -- and how incredibly special our UConn girls are.

But I can't find the words. It's a longish article, but you'll need to read it for yourselves. God bless everyone mentioned in this article.

 

[meyers7]

Yes, this was discussed back after the game where they wore the Love, Abby shirts.

 

[Performance]

What a heart renching and powerful story about a very brave girl who also was very much loved, so very proud of our players and what they gave to this young girl not to mention what she gave them in return

 

[Geew1992]

Love, Abby: The forever friendship between the UConn Huskies and one magical fan

Young UConn fan Abby Zittoun was fun, irreverent, caring. And for Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Caroline Ducharme, her friendship is forever.

www.espn.com

 

[YoDore]

One of my favorite all-time stories. Bless those young women and the Zittoun family. Caroline has been my favorite UConn player since the first time I saw her. There just seemed to be something special about her demeanor. Now, I know I was right about her. She and her teammates, starting with Evina Westbrook, have risen even higher in my estimation.

 

[Jaml]

I was in the middle of reading the article and paused to see if had been posted on the BY yet. It is so hard to get through, I am an emotional wreck...just knowing how it ends. We have to take solace in knowing how much Abby and the players got so much out of the way too short time they had together.

 

[Puppy Love]

Heartbreaking.

 

[GoingPostal]

A truly touching story of a remarkable young girl and a team of remarkable young women.

 

[huskeynut]

It's a story with 2 intersecting stories that need to be told. It's a story that will tug on your heart strings. It will bring a tear or two or three to your eyes - gauranteed.

First is the story of Abby and her family. The love, the struggles, the emotional ups and downs. Of her love of life, her love of family and her love of a group of talented young women.

Second is the story of a group of very talented women know as the UConn women's basketball team. How one player's concern turned into a love affair with a young girl's battle for her life intersecting with the love of a team for this girl.

We as fans are so blessed to see these young ladies in a different light than just players. We should all take comfort knowing that we still have caring, compassionate ladies in our midst.