Desiree Rios for The New York Times
Marc Rybczyk admits that before he met Aloysia Jaques in January 2014, he had some misguided ideas about women’s basketball.
“I didn’t view it as important,” said Mr. Rybczyk, who was a 6-foot-2 shooting guard for Central Connecticut State University from 1990 to 1993. “I looked down upon it.” In essence, he said, “I hated it.”
Ms. Jaques, who goes by Ali, is the women’s basketball coach at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y. She not only enlightened Mr. Rybczyk, but when he was stricken with cancer, she demonstrated the devotion and determination she brings to the court.