Andrea Sirakides Hurley is the wife of UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley. They have been married since 1997 and share two sons, Andrew and Danny Hurley. Andrea is a New Jersey native and has become well-known for her insights into the life of a coach’s wife through her podcast and media appearances.
How Did Andrea and Dan Hurley Meet?
Andrea and Dan Hurley met while they were both students at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to their marriage in 1997 at the Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury wedding venue in New Jersey. Reflecting on their meeting, Dan told WTNH in March 2023, “I met her at Seton Hall. It’s like, by far, the best thing that happened to me at Seton Hall. She saved my life when I met her and changed my life, making me want to be better.” Andrea added, “We just became friends, and next thing you know, we’re engaged. We’ve been best friends ever since.”
What is the ‘Ball Is Wife’ Podcast?
In 2021, Andrea Hurley launched the podcast “Ball Is Wife” with Nicole Kellogg, the wife of UMass coach Derek Kellogg. The podcast aims to share the unique experiences and challenges faced by coaches’ wives. Andrea explained to The Athletic, “Who else feels like us? Is anybody else going through this? What do other coaches’ wives do on game day? What do they do when you have four losses in a row?” The podcast has featured guests like Dan Hurley’s mother, Chris Hurley, and other notable figures in college basketball, offering a platform for sharing their stories and insights.
How Do Andrea and Dan Support Their Sons?
Andrea and Dan Hurley have two sons, Danny and Andrew Hurley. Their older son, Danny, graduated from Seton Hall University and works as an aide to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. He is also a board member of The Hurley Family Foundation. Andrew, their younger son, is a member of the UConn Huskies basketball team. Andrew, who played high school basketball at East Catholic High School in Connecticut, has made multiple appearances during UConn’s run to the tournament, often joining games when the team is well ahead. Dan Hurley has expressed pride in both his sons, noting that Andrew is a “chip off the old block.”
How Does Andrea Handle the Pressure of Being a Coach’s Wife?
Andrea Hurley has been open about the nerves and emotional investment she feels watching her husband and his team. In a March 2023 interview with WFSB, she said, “There’s a lot of nerves. I want it so bad for these kids. I’m a crier, and they mean the world to me. It’s not easy playing for my husband and the staff. They expect a lot from these kids, not just on the court but off the court.” Andrea also praised the team’s unity and dynamic, describing them as “such a tight-knit group” and emphasizing the special bond they share.
What is Andrea’s Role in Dan Hurley’s Coaching Career?
Andrea Hurley plays a crucial supportive role in Dan’s coaching career. She helps make his life easier and contributes to the well-being of the team and coaching staff. Andrea shared in a WTNH interview, “When you figure out how you could help your other half get better at what he does, and you see it come back to you. It’s a friendship. It’s working together as a team.” She added that the players and coaching staff become part of their family, and each team and player leaves a lasting impact on their hearts.
How Do the Hurleys Manage Superstitions and Rituals?
Andrea Hurley has revealed some of the superstitions and rituals that Dan follows, including his reliance on “lucky dragon underwear,” game day socks, and a specific shirt. To maintain these superstitions, Andrea washes his lucky items in hotel sinks while on the road. She shared the process on “The Field of 68” podcast, mentioning how she uses a collapsible bucket to wash the clothes in the shower, ensuring they are ready for each game.
What Do the Hurleys Think About UConn’s Fans?
Andrea Hurley has a deep appreciation for UConn’s fans but has also expressed frustration with a small segment of the fanbase. She told “The Field of 68” podcast, “We have the best fans. But then there’s those few that are a******. It’s just like, ‘Who the frig are you?’ These guys are working their a**** off. If you’re not with us, you’re against us.” Andrea also shared her negative experiences with Providence Friars fans, vowing never to return to their games due to the disrespectful behavior she encountered.
Where Do Andrea and Dan Hurley Live?
Andrea and Dan Hurley live in Glastonbury, Connecticut, about 40 minutes away from UConn’s Storrs campus. They moved there in 2018 when Dan was hired as the Huskies’ coach. According to public records, the Hurleys own a $1.5 million home in Glastonbury. Andrea frequently shares glimpses of their life together on social media, celebrating milestones and expressing her love and support for Dan and their family.
Conclusion
Andrea Sirakides Hurley is not just the wife of UConn’s men’s basketball coach; she is a pivotal part of Dan Hurley’s success and the well-being of their family. From starting a podcast that delves into the life of a coach’s wife to supporting her husband’s career and their children’s aspirations, Andrea’s role is multifaceted and deeply impactful. Her candid reflections on the challenges and joys of their life together offer a unique perspective on the world of college basketball and the strength of their family bond.
