Tom Izzo is known as one of college basketball's best coaches, but he is getting praise for other reasons this week. Following the tragic events that transpired at Michigan State University, the head coach gave a powerful speech that has many singing his praise.

On Monday night, an active shooter opened fire on two different areas of MSU's campus. The shooter ended up taking the lives of three innocent students while leaving five more in critical condition.

During the campus vigil for those who lost their lives, Tom Izzo spoke on behalf of the athletics department. As someone who has been with the university for nearly 40 years, he is devisatated by what happened. On top of being with the basketball program for so long, Izzo also has two sons currently enrolled at MSU.

While speaking to the crowd, Izzo thanked the first responders for their efforts and applauded the students for how they conducted themselves during the shooting. Above all, he delivered a powerful message about how they as a community now need to stick together to get through this.

"Our hearts are heavy, our losses have been great, our lifes have been permanently changed, but with a shared commitment to help each other, and a promise to remember those we have lost, we will learn to find joy once again."
Here is Coach Izzo’s full speech. Something about his wise words brings comfort to a grieving crowd. https://t.co/3u9BvTeJ94

Many applaud Tom Izzo for his powerful words following Michigan State tradegy

It had to have been hard for Tom Izzo for go up and speak on such a manner. As a parent of two students, there is no telling how he is feeling after such horrific events happened so close to home. That being said, his powerful words undoubtedly brought the Michigan State community closer together.

Following this incredible speech, many rushed to social media to praise Izzo for the message he gave. Only together can a group of people get past a tragedy such as this.

@BarstoolMSU i don’t think there is a figure at any other university that means as much as izzo does to MSU. it’s so far beyond basketball.
@BarstoolMSU World needs more Izzo.
@BarstoolMSU Coach Izzo is as much part of MSU as the Red Cedar River running thru campus, he truly shows his compassion, pain and caring in this speech 💚🤍💚
@BarstoolMSU @MSURoyalNuke I didn't think I could love and respect him more, but tonight he stepped even higher in my regard. Authentic, genuine human being. 💚🙏🤍
@BarstoolMSU As always, Coach Izzo brings students and the community together like no other. This is needed more now then ever after the devastating losses that MSU suffered on Monday. Spartan Strong!
@BarstoolMSU Thank you coach. You embody what is good and honest in our world. There are amazing humans out there and we need to unite and stand strong together while we look to help those in need God Bless
@BarstoolMSU Coach Izzo is the type of Spartan/Human being that we should all strive to be like, He embodies everything that we look for in a leader.
@BarstoolMSU Heartwarming stuff from Izzo. Speechless
@BarstoolMSU Spartan, coach, role model, friend, so blessed he is one with us
@BarstoolMSU He is the 💚 and soul of an MSU Spartan. His words resonate because people know when it is authentic, genuine and pure. 💚 Blessed to have someone truly committed to our Spartan community for the majority of his life. 💚

Izzo is a pillar of the MSU community, and this backing behind him is a true testament to that. His ability to step up and give a powerful message in such a dark time proves what a great leader he is.

Edited by Kevin McCormick
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