Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney reacts near defensive lineman Bryan Bresee (11) after the game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia Monday, September 5, 2022. Clemson won 41-10.

Ncaa Fb Clemson At Georgia Tech

Dabo Swinney, Clemson to use Ella Bresee’s words to inspire

Ella Bresee left an indelible mark on Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.

Ella, 15, died last week from brain cancer. Her older brother, Bryan, is a standout Clemson defensive tackle, and Swinney led a contingent of players and coaches to her funeral in Maryland on Tuesday.

Swinney told reporters Wednesday that Ella left behind words of inspiration.

“We all can learn from Ella,” he said, going on to describe a letter she wrote about living with cancer. “She said, ‘You know, I have a choice and I choose to have a great attitude and I’m gonna make the best of each day.’”

Swinney said the bottom line of Ella’s message was that you have to love life and “live it to the fullest. And I think to do that, you have to love and you have to forgive and, as Ella said, don’t hold grudges and, you know, have a true appreciation of today.”

Bryan Bresee was with his family following Ella’s death and missed last Saturday’s win over Louisiana Tech. He is expected to play Saturday when the No. 5 Tigers (3-0) meet No. 21 Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, N.C.

–Field Level Media

Sep 5, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (11) tackles Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Jeff Sims (10) for a loss during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Sister of Clemson DT Bryan Bresee dies at 15

Clemson standout Bryan Bresee announced the death of his younger sister on Thursday morning. Ella Bresee, who had been fighting brain cancer, was 15.

“My beautiful sister Ella you amazed me every single day with the fight that you put up and how joyful you were constantly through this battle,” the defensive tackle posted to Instagram. “Never did I think I would be sitting here today saying bye to you. I want to thank you for bringing happiness to not only me but so many people. You are the best sister a brother could ask for and I know for a fact heaven has gained a beautiful angel today, Love you forever and always Ella bear.”

The Tigers paid tribute to Ella Bresee in Saturday’s game against Furman, wearing “Ella Strong” T-shirts. The Bresee family traveled from their home in Maryland to Clemson for the game, but Ella had a medical emergency and she was hospitalized, missing the game.

Bresee, 20, left the team to be with his family after the Tigers’ 35-12 win. Coach Dabo Swinney said Bresee could miss No. 5 Clemson’s game against Louisiana Tech on Saturday.

“There’s a lot more important things than football,” Swinney said Wednesday. “He needs to focus on what he’s doing and [if] he’s ready to be back and ready to play, hey, we’ll be here. But right now, he’s right where he needs to be.”

–Field Level Media