Shelly Brezicki, coach of the Manchester Valley (Md.) girls’ lacrosse team, won’t be seen on gameday without her favorite necklace. No matter the circumstance, she’ll wear the necklace emblazoned with the word “Big” and numbers 21 and 41.
“Big” was a familiar motto from former assistant coach Devin Spence, who wore No. 21 in high school. The No. 41 represented the fire house number of her brother, Gene Kirchner. Both lost their lives in a matter of months in 2013.
“It’s just a reminder that I’m never coaching alone,” Brezicki said of her necklace.