Two years ago, we wrote about Liberty associate head coach Brad Soucie and his wife, Kendra, and her battle with breast cancer. She was diagnosed with the disease in September 2018. For 22 months, Brad, Kendra, and their three children, Mikayla, Levi, and Mariah, went through that battle until Kendra passed away on August 14, 2020.

On Saturday, February 13, 2021, the Liberty men’s basketball program paid tribute to Kendra and her life during the game against North Florida. Liberty players, coaches and staff all wore yellow shirts with the initials KS on the front as yellow was Kendra’s favorite color. There was a moment of silence prior to the game and a tribute video, with interviews from Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay and his wife Julie, played during halftime.

“We’ve done life with the Soucie’s for 26 years,” McKay said. “For 26 years my wife and Kendra were and are best friends. Her home going is obviously something we rejoice that she’s got eternity, but we also miss her. It was presented by someone on staff. We do Coaches vs. Cancer, we were hoping to do it that weekend, but we were on the road. Let’s find a way to tribute her and we did. She’s had an impact and an influence on many, had such an influential personality and was just a great woman of God who constantly encouraged.”

Brad and Kendra, 49, were married for 29 years. They joined the McKays early in their marriage and have served alongside one another for the past 26 years. Brad has been an assistant under Ritchie every day of McKay’s head coaching career. Their partnership began in 1995 when the pair helped resurrect the men’s basketball program at Portland State which had been dormant for 15 years. From there, Soucie followed McKay to Colorado State, Oregon State, New Mexico, their first stint at Liberty, Virginia, and back to Lynchburg.

McKay has frequently referred to Brad as being like a brother as the two have worked alongside one another for so long. The close relationship has spilled over into their families as well. Not only were their wives best friends, but their kids grew up together.

*photo courtesy Liberty Athletics