Tommy Lloyd

Coach, Mentor, Role Model 

By Steve Rivera

Chanelle Lloyd knew early in her relationship with Tommy – and definitely in their marriage – that he loved children. After all, he was around them all the time as a coach and teacher.

“I nannied when we were living overseas and it was just the way he interacted with the kids I nannied for,” Chanelle said. “For sure, I knew right away. He’s such a good person and really good with kids.”

Who would know better than the ones he helped raise alongside Chanelle all those years while working as a college basketball coach − his kids.

“My dad has always been there to encourage, guide and inspire me − showing me the value of hard work, kindness and integrity,” said Sophia, 21, a former basketball player. “No matter how busy life gets, he makes time for our family, offering his wisdom, humor and comforting presence in every situation. Winning the Father of the Year award is a testament to the love, dedication and selflessness he brings to our family every single day. And I couldn’t be prouder of my dad.”

Lloyd, who spent 22 years as an assistant at Gonzaga University before becoming men’s head basketball coach at Arizona in 2021, will be honored as one of four Fathers of the Year by the Father’s Day Council Tucson. They will be celebrated at the 30th anniversary event on May 31 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.

“Of course, I’m honored,” Tommy said. “I’ve been to the event before and I’ve heard the names of the past winners, and it’s the ‘Who’s Who’ of the Tucson community. I’m not a big hobby guy. I play pickleball, go to basketball games and hang out with my family, so it’s pretty cool.”

That’s Tommy, a bit humbling and self-effacing. But his value is earned and recognized.

“My dad always wanted us around and involved with his work, so we got a childhood not many get to experience,” said Maria, the youngest of the three Lloyd children at 17. “From being water girls, to our tag games, to going to all of the tournaments growing up … Gonzaga was a major part of my life. No matter how busy my father gets, he always finds a way to make us feel loved, involved and appreciated.”

Liam, 23, now a player for Tommy at Arizona after playing at Grand Canyon University and Northern Arizona University, said growing up with his dad “was definitely a lot of fun − from sledding in the snow after a blizzard, shooting shots on the hoop in the front yard, and also tubing at the lake in the summers.

“My dad has always been someone who has been a role model in my life,” Liam said, “always treating people to the highest standard and going out of his way to help others. My dad inspires me every day to be a better person. He’s a good coach, but I would say he’s a better dad.”

And a mentor. What would Tommy want Liam to learn from him now that he is a new father?

“To be an everyday guy, that’s important,” Tommy said. “And be consistent and don’t be afraid to pursue your passion. And when you have a family, make them part of it.

“Now that Liam is back with us, we’re all together and we have a grandson. We’re kind of living the same life. We’re all part of the (Wildcat) team and everything revolves around the team, and that’s been a lot of fun.”

It wasn’t always about basketball. The kids benefitted from their parents’ love of traveling. They’ve been all over the world, seeing sights and enjoying different cultures.

“I think as they were growing up, they did it so much they grew out of it,” he said. “But as they got older, they’ve started to appreciate it. Like, wow, we’ve been there … Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi … and, as they got older, they realized how cool it is. It has sparked interest, and that’s what we wanted.

“And a cool thing, too, is that they now have friends from all over the world. The kids have been exposed to so many different cultures and different people so they have a real comfort and can function in all these different environments.”

Pictured Above : Standing from left − Liam, Tommy, Chanelle, Maria. Seated − Halle Jenkins and son Luka, Sofia. Photo by Chris Mooney