Women’s Basketball: Finally he’s home – Garry Brodhead’s long, lonesome journey ends with dream job

Eric Narcisse, November 22, 2012

Throughout history it’s been said over and over again that behind every successful man is a strong woman.

Garry Brodhead couldn’t agree more.

Sure, there are many other people responsible for Brodhead’s career finally landing at its desired destination as the UL head women’s basketball coach.

First, there’s UL Athletic Director Scott Farmer and University President Dr. E. Joseph Savoie’s willingness to take a chance on him.

Then there were all the coaches, principals and athletic directors at previous schools that helped get him on the road that led to being UL women’s coach.

And no coach would be anywhere without the many players who made it all happen on the court.

But above all of those, there’s a small group of people that deserve the most credit in Brodhead’s mind. That would be his family, led by his wife, Andrea. Through it all, he maintains that it’s her strength, support, mental toughness and selflessness that’s the ultimate reason why he’s living out his dream as the Ragin’ Cajuns head women’s basketball coach.

"There is no doubt that I wouldn’t be where I am today without her," said Brodhead, who will lead his Ragin’ Cajuns into their conference opener on Saturday at 12 p.m. when they play host to Middle Tennessee at Earl K. Long. "We’ve always been partners, but I like to refer to her as the silent partner because she never wants or needs any praise or recognition. She’s my No. 1 supporter and without her there is no way I would have been able to do the things I’ve been able to do. Besides continuing to love her there is nothing I can ever do to pay her back for all that she’s done for me and my career."

That includes the landing of his dream job as the head coach of UL’s women’s basketball program.

In order for Brodhead to take his career from successful head girls high school coach to college coach, Andrea had to be OK with him moving to Lake Charles to become the assistant women’s basketball coach at McNeese State. While there, Brodhead got the opportunity to obtain the necessary college coaching experience, while his wife had the chore of raising their son, Beau — then a freshman at St. Thomas More — throughout high school.

"Andrea’s willingness to sacrifice me being away and willingness to raise our son was huge," an emotional Brodhead said. "It’s what was needed to be done so that I could do what I’m able to do. I’m telling you, successful coaches cannot do it by themselves. In order for a coach to be successful, they have to have a strong woman or man behind them."

So like so many in this country, Brodhead has spent many a Thanksgiving holiday in life taking things for granted.

That won’t be the case for Thanksgiving 2012.

After everything his wife and his children have sacrificed for him to get where he is today, today has more meaning now than it ever has before in his eyes.

"I certainly have a lot to be thankful for," Brodhead said. "To be able to do the job that I’ve always wanted to do at the place where I’ve always wanted to do it is unbelievable. What more can you ask for?"

No one is immune to the trials and tribulations of life, and while the Brodhead’s have certainly experienced their share, knowing they have each other to lean on has made this Thanksgiving all the more special.

"Thanksgiving means an opportunity to be thankful as a family," Brodhead said. "My mom and dad taught me a long time ago that family will always stick with you through the good and the bad. Everyone in my family has had to sacrifice so that I could do what I wanted to do and for that I’m forever grateful to them."

It’s hard to say whether being away from his family for four years and missing a key part of his son’s life that he can never get back was worth it or not, but one thing is certain Brodhead wouldn’t do it again.

"I missed too much of my family for this dream," said Brodhead, who became even more emotional as he reflected on the time he lost with Beau.

"He never complained and I respect him for that. I really admire him for not complaining, but I definitely wish I would’ve invested more time in him. If I had that to do all over again, I wouldn’t give that up. I can’t change it, so all I can do is move forward and try to make up for the time I missed. But I couldn’t give up my son again."

Follow assistant sports editor Eric Narcisse on Twitter @tdanarcisse.