Tom Izzo, the renowned head coach of Michigan State University’s men’s basketball team, is not only a coach but also a proud father to two children: daughter Raquel “Rocky” Izzo McDonald and son Steven Izzo.
Izzo and his wife, Lupe Marinez Izzo, have both children deeply involved in Spartan Nation. Rocky, born in August 1994, graduated from Michigan State in 2017, later worked for the university, and co-founded the Izzo Legacy Family Fund with her mother. She got engaged to Matthew McDonald in 2019, and the couple married in 2020. They welcomed their daughter Isabelle Frances-Izzo McDonald in 2023, making Tom a grandfather.
Rocky often expresses her deep appreciation for her dad. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she praised him for being a source of love and support in her life, calling him her motivator and protector. She also highlighted the valuable lesson he taught her about helping others live their dreams.
Steven, born on June 16, 2000, was adopted by the Izzos four days after his birth. His middle name, “Mateen,” is a tribute to former Michigan State player Mateen Cleaves, who Steven looks up to as a sports hero. Steven played basketball for his father’s team, joining as a walk-on in 2019 after proving himself both academically and athletically. He graduated from Lansing Catholic High School in 2019 and continued his education and basketball career at MSU. Steven’s decision to join the team was always his dream, and while playing, he embraced the challenge of balancing father-son dynamics on the court. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play under his dad’s coaching, describing it as the greatest decision of his life.
In interviews, both Tom and Steven shared their emotional experiences, with Steven thanking his father for the chance to play alongside him, and Tom revealing how meaningful it was to have his son with him on the team. Their bond is an example of dedication, sacrifice, and shared passion, with Tom emphasizing how having his son on the court with him has been one of his greatest joys.