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Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story misspelled Clemson defensive tackle Brian Bresen’s first name and misstated the game in which she was to be honored.
Ella Bresse’s message and courage were recognized across the country as she stole hearts and impacted the lives of the Clemson football team while battling brain cancer.
The 15-year-old sister of Tiger defensive tackle Brian Bresse, Clemson’s athletic department was to honor her at the Sept. 10 football game at Furman. Instead, members of the soccer team headed to Maryland for her funeral on Tuesday. Ella Bresse died Thursday.
“Ella was such a sweet spirit, and her spirit will live on in the Bracey family and all who had the opportunity to know her,” Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement. “I am stronger today because I experienced Elan’s strength and courage.”
Ella is strong Brian Bracey, sister Ella was and always will be at the heart of the Clemson football family
Cable connectionsHow coach Sonny Cumbie and quarterback Matthew Downing met at Louisiana Tech
No. 5 Clemson won the football game against Louisiana Tech, 48-20, but the Bulldogs will be remembered most for what they brought with them: a shoebox of handwritten letters to the Brice family.
“Trying to give some encouragement to a family, a team, a program and a broken-hearted, broken-hearted player,” Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie said.
The project was kept alive on Thursday by football support members Ziad Qubti and Daniela Torres. Writing the letters was not an obligatory request from Kumbi to the players.
“We want to be a program and we want to be players and givers,” Cumbie said.
Louisiana Tech wide receiver Julian Lewis was among the players who wrote to the Bracey family, a handwritten note of encouragement, love and prayers for the family.
“I know it’s hard to lose a family member,” Lewis said. “I can only imagine what he’s going through. Basically, we were just letting him know we’re here for them — that’s all we can do, it’s the least we can do.”
Having never met the players or Cumby, Swinney said he was encouraged by the class and compassion shown by the Louisiana Tech program. Cumbie sported an “Ella Strong” shirt on the side. After the game, he gave a letter to Swinney, then gave him a box of the team’s letters.
“It’s everything that’s great about college football,” Swinney said. “And I’ve never met coach Cumby, but I’ll be a fan for the rest of my career and as I told him after the game (to the letterbox), he’s why he’s so successful.”
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