There are moments, like when she catches herself momentarily scanning the bleachers or awaits the postgame phone call that isn’t coming, that the reality hasn’t sank in for Susan Crownover just yet.
Those are the instances that Crownover would normally find her father, Eddie Lance, sitting in the stands to watch her work, or on the rare occasion that he couldn’t attend the game, would call shortly after she arrived home to find out how her GPS team had fared. But on Dec. 8, after a two-year battle with cancer and bouts of dialysis, the 71-year old Lance passed away, causing Crownover to spend time reflecting on how greatly she misses those small moments she shared with her father.
“He was the reason my brother, sister and me all played sports,” Crownover said, moments after GPS has advanced to the semifinals of the annual Best of Preps tournament Wednesday. “Daddy was my biggest fan when I was a player, and he was my biggest fan once I became a coach.
“I chose my career because of him, and I know in my heart he will always be with me. His last words to me, he looked up and opened his eyes real wide and said, ‘Hey babe, I love you. Keep winning those games.’ He always encouraged me to do what I love.”
Her father spent nearly a week in an ICU unit before passing away and Crownover missed coaching three games to be with her family. The Bruisers paid tribute to their coach the best way they knew how, by giving an effort that would have made Eddie Lance proud, winning each of those games.