In a heartwarming story that embodies the spirit of March Madness, University of South Florida head coach Bryan Hodgson led his team to the NCAA tournament for the first time in 14 years. What makes this achievement remarkable is the full-circle journey that brought him there .
Hodgson, 38, endured a traumatic childhood, including physical abuse that left burn marks on his legs. He was placed in foster care at the age of 2 before being adopted by the Hodgson family, who he credits with saving his life. "I had people around me that were there to catch me," Hodgson shared with reporters, adding that his adoptive parents, Larry and Rebecca, are "the best recruiters in the country because they signed me" .
The emotional stakes were high as the tournament game was held in Buffalo, New York, a short drive from Hodgson's hometown of Jamestown. A group of 38 friends and family members attended to support him, including his father, Larry, who is living with dementia and was able to see his son coach in person for the first time .
Hodgson, who founded a non-profit called Coaching Love to support foster children and at-risk youth, stated on his philosophy: "If you use those negative experiences to grow and better yourself, use them as a ladder, you’re going to be successful" .
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