FSU's Phil Cofer Got A Call That His Dad Died While Celebrating March Madness Win Over Vermont

HARTFORD, Conn. — Florida State senior Phil Cofer found out following the Seminoles’ 76-69 victory Thursday over Vermont that his father died.

Walsh says Cofer received the phone call notifying him of his father’s death during the open locker room period after the win in the first round of the NCAA tournament and broke down into tears. He did not discuss it with the media. Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton was not aware of the news when he spoke with reporters after the game.

Man, what horrible news. One of the best feelings in the world quickly followed by one of the worst.

Cofer didn’t play in the game yesterday because of a swollen foot, but he’s been a huge part of FSU’s success, leading them in scoring last season for their run to the Elite 8, and putting up solid stat lines in the frontcourt for the Noles march to a 4 seed this year despite battling a bunch of injuries.

Now they have a huge matchup with Ja Morant and a Murray State team that just eviscerated Marquette – Cofer’s status was up in the air physically to begin with, but add the death of a parent to the mix and I don’t think anyone would fault him if he’s not able to suit up.

But if he can?  That quickly becomes a must-watch game.

Very few things in sports are as awesome and inspirational as an athlete playing for a lost loved one.