Indianapolis – There’s something about an unplanned family trip to Indianapolis, isn’t there?
Sure, the city might not be everyone’s first choice for a getaway, and for Liberty coach San Di Brondello and her husband, Ola Frangue, this weekend doubles as a work-related event.
Still, family time can be a bit rare, especially since Brondello’s son, Brody, is off playing basketball in Australia and their daughter, Jada, is holding down the fort back in Phoenix.
So, it’s nice to grab any chance to be together. This trip seems like a moment to treasure.
“It wasn’t planned,” Lange shared, “but we’re really thankful for it.”
Previously, Brondello had thought she would be free from the All-Star coaching duties due to the Mercury’s strong standing in the league. However, the unexpected turned out to be true when they lost an important game on July 3rd.
The Liberty had secured the second-best win percentage in the league, an impressive feat for the summer weekend leading into the latter part of the season.
Brondello was genuinely honored to coach at Saturday’s All-Star Game, and the rest of the family was equally excited to be together.
“We enjoy all of it,” Brondello mentioned. “They love being around the team and getting to know the players—it’s a wonderful experience for our family.”
The family of four planned to dine out while attending various events over the weekend, including a radiant party on Thursday. They also participated in Friday’s festivities, where they cheered as Natasha Cloud clinched the Skills Challenge and Ionescu won the three-point title.
Reflecting on Friday nights, Lange noted, “We’re a family of basketball enthusiasts.”
“There’s a bit on the agenda, but it’s been such a fun weekend. It’s not nearly as hectic as during the season,” Lange added.
The enthusiasm for basketball is something that Brondello and Lange have passed down to their children.
Interestingly, neither of them pressured Brody and Jada into the sport, yet both kids naturally gravitated towards it as they grew up.
Jada plays for her high school team, while Brody is honing his skills in Brondello’s home country. Notably, he even practiced against WNBA players last week.
Jada, being closer, often joins the Liberty practices, where Lange works with her on specific techniques, while Brondello assists with her shooting.
This lifestyle, which has been part of their journey since they met in Germany in the 1990s, truly works for them.
Since their marriage in 2005, Brondello and Lange have coached each other at various levels, including with Russia’s San Antonio and Australia’s national team.
They were on the sidelines together during the 2021 WNBA Finals—Lange as an assistant with Chicago Sky and Brondello leading the Phoenix Mercury.
“We’ve been at this for nearly 30 years. It works for us,” Lange noted, “and we’ve been doing it since we were kids.” Their children resonate with this passion too.
“It’s really fun because I know they always give me the best advice, and they’re honest,” Jada expressed. “I feel lucky to have access to so many resources and to learn more. It’s genuinely enjoyable.”
Experiencing the WNBA Finals Game, being part of last year’s Championship Parade in New York, and enjoying behind-the-scenes access to this year’s All-Star Festival are certainly some amazing perks.
“As they grow older and reflect on these years, they’ll see how special these moments really are,” Lange remarked. “When you’re caught up in the moment, it’s easy to overlook.”
