When Brett Blizzard came to UNC Wilmington four years ago, he left behind what means most to him — his family.

Obviously, he was excited to play for a premier mid-major basketball team. Certainly, he looked forward to entertaining the Trask throng with his abilities. Naturally, moving 10 hours from his mother, father and sister in Florida to a land where everybody would know him, yet he wouldn’t know anybody, was difficult.

Since Blizzard started playing sports as a young child, at least one of his parents had attended his practices and games. Not seeing them on the UNCW sidelines would be tough.

“My parents have been around for every game, whether it be basketball or baseball,” Blizzard said. “They haven’t missed anything.”

He and his family knew the day would come where regular attendance would be a thing of the past, but they are still trying to extend that date well into the future.

“They came up to my first (collegiate) practice,” he said. “Even though it is a long drive, they still make it up.”

And drive up they do. Blizzard estimates his parents make the drive 11 times a season. At 20 hours round trip, Al and Sandra have spent around 220 hours on the road to see their son play his college ball.

That type of support does not come easy either. Blizzard’s parents each work in Tallahassee, Fla., at jobs that are difficult to leave behind.

In order to see Blizzard and his sister, who plays basketball in Gainesville, Fla., Blizzard’s parents had to make career sacrifices.

Sandra works for the Florida legislature. Sometimes her job is so busy, she has to work for 24 hours straight to keep up with the senate in session.

Al stepped down from coaching basketball at Florida High School, which is where Brett played. The decision was easy considering the reward.

“This is (Brett’s) last year,” Al said. “I wanted to see him play as much I could because you never know what’s going to happen down the road.”

Brett said his parents’ actions are communicating how much they love and care about him. He tries harder with everything in his life because they give him a lot of confidence.

Blizzard’s skill on the court is directly related to his attitude and confidence. His attitude and confidence is directly related to his parents’ upbringing and continued friendship.

“I’ve had success here,” he said. “But even if I didn’t, I know they would be up here for every game anyway. They’ve given me unbelievable support throughout my whole career.”

That support will continue through the postseason contests. “My mom has been (to the CAA tournament) every year except my sophomore year when we lost,” Blizzard said. “She thinks she’s a good luck charm so she’s got to be there.

“I’ve learned not to take it for granted,” he continued. “This is my last year, and there’s no telling what it’s going to be like next year. They’re not going to be able to see me as much.”

When Blizzard leaves Wilmington, similar to his Tallahassee departure, he will move onto grander things. It may be another physical separation stage from his parents, but based on the past four years, they will always be with him one way or another.