Who Is Dan Hurley’s Wife Andrea Syrakides? Meet UConn’s HC’s Life Partner

Behind every great coach is a great partner, and for Dan Hurley, that’s his wife, Andrea. Fresh off leading the UConn Huskies to back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024, Dan credits his family for keeping him grounded. ”It really hasn’t changed the things that are important to us,” he says. ”We treat our program like they are family, and my family keeps me grounded.” At the heart of that family is Andrea, the woman who has stood by Dan’s side for over 25 years, raising their two sons and supporting him every step of the way.

From their college days to building a life centered around family and basketball, Dan and Andreas’s journey is one of love, purpose, and unwavering support. Here’s everything you need to know about Andreas Hurley and the family that keeps Dan grounded.

What is Andrea Syrakides’ Family Background?

Andrea Sirakides was born on December 11, 1976, to Ken Sirakides (father) and Patti Klotz Sirakides (mother) in Toms River, New Jersey. She grew up in a close-knit family, but unfortunately, Andrea’s father, Ken, passed away on 16 August 2005.

On the other hand, Andrea’s mom worked as a radiation therapist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Andrea grew up in New Jersey and after finishing her Highschool, she attended Seton Hall University where even Dan Hurley went.

How did Dan Hurley and Andrea Sirakides meet ?

Dan and Andreas’ story began at Seton Hall University during the 1980s, where they both attended the college as students. At that time, Dan was a standout basketball player for Pirates, while Andrea worked as an assistant within the basketball program.

Andrea was unaware of Dan’s basketball lineage. Basketball ran in the Hurley family, with Dan’s father, Bob Hurley, being a legendary high school coach, and his brother, Bobby Hurley, was a college basketball star at Duke.

Their relationship thrived over time with Andrea playing a crucial role in helping Dan through his mental struggles. As for Dan, meeting Andrea was life-changing for him. “It’s like, by far, the best thing that happened to me at Seton Hall,” Dan said.

Their connection was instant which lead them to become bestfriends, which later evolved into a romantic relationship, leading to their engagement and they eventually tied the knot on August 29, 1997, in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, a date that coincidentally aligned with Dan’s parents’ anniversary.

Over the years, their bond has only grown stronger. On their 26th anniversary in 2023, Andrea wrote on Instagram, ”26 years with the love of my life. We put in the work to make it work and created a life that we’re so proud of… Happy Anniversary to my perfect match.”

What is Andrea Syrakides’ background and career?

After graduating from Seton Hall, Andrea pursued a career in education and became a teacher, finding fulfillment in working with students. Apart from that, Andrea ventured into the field of podcasting during 2021.

Unlike Dan, Andrea has never been passionate about basketball. ”I have zero interest in the game,” she admitted. But what she lacks in basketball enthusiasm, she makes up for in her dedication to her family and the young men Dan coaches. ”The players are honestly my favorite part,” Andrea told the New York Post. ”They’re other people’s kids, and they are away from home, so they need to know that someone is there for them.”

Andreas’ nurturing nature has made her a beloved figure among UConn fans. She bakes cupcakes for the players’ birthdays and offers emotional support during tough times. “Every single team that you have, every kid that comes into your life,” she said, “I always say it just snags a little piece of my heart. His heart. I love these kids and the coaches and the coaches’ families so much that I don’t want this to end. Like you’re not going to get this time back.”

In 2021, Andrea and UMass coach Derek Kellogg’s wife started a podcast named “Ball is Wife.” The podcast focused on the hosts daily life struggles when spending it alongside someone who’s in love with basketball.  She told The Athletic about their decision to start podcast, “Who else feels like us. Is anybody else going  through this? What do other coaches’ wives do on game day? Like, what do you do? How do you feel? They called in their family members as guest to hold conversations. Some of them being Bob Hurley and Chris Hurley.

How is Andrea and Dan’s Life as a Couple?

Andrea has been Dan’s side always, whether it be multiple job changes from Rutgers, Wagner, Rhode Island and UConn. She helps Dan stay grounded balancing the emotional highs and lows of coaching. Andrea has been a constant support throughout which in return has led Dan Hurley to win back-to-back NCAA championships in 2023 and 2024.

What is Andrea’s role in their family?

Together Dan and Andrea have two sons, Danny and Andrew. Both having grown up immersed in the world of basketball, as both boys played under their fathers’ coaching during high school, and Andrew even joined the UConn team as a walk-on.

For Dan, coaching his sons has been a deeply emotional experience. ”To go through basketball with him, it’s powerful and makes me emotional,” Dan said about Andrew. ”There’s been times where I think about the journey in this sport, and the fact I can share in that with my boy now, you just hug your son and cry tears of holy s— in those moments.”

Andrew, who graduated from UConn in May 2024, has cherished the opportunity to play under his dad. ”Yeah, it’s definitely hard not to acknowledge the basketball family that I come from,” Andrew told CT Insider. ”But no, I don’t feel any pressure, really. It’s hard to when you have such a supportive family around you, and they do a great job of reminding me how much they love me…. so it doesn’t really bother me at all.”

Dan and Andrea Hurley’s journey is a testament to the power of love, family, and shared purpose. From their college days at Seton Hall to raising two sons and building a legacy at UConn, they have remained grounded in their values.

For Andrea, her role as wife, mother, and mentor is a labor of love. Together, they’ve created a life that’s as fulfilling off-court as it is successful in it. As Dan continues to lead UConn to new heights, one thing is clear: Andrea Hurley is the steady force behind the scenes, ensuring their family and team thrive together.

What is Andrea’s Ethnicity?

Ethnicity – Caucasian
Religion – Christianity