Basketball conversations never stop for Audra Di Bacco. The Catholic Central girls’ basketball head coach always has something to discuss about the game.

“It’s just part of who we are, and I don’t think we would want it any other way,” Audra Di Bacco said.

The person she’s usually bouncing ideas off is Guy Di Bacco. Catholic Central boys’ coach and her husband.

“It’s pretty interesting. We were both coaching varsity basketball when we met. So early on, a lot of our conversations revolved around basketball,” Guy Di Bacco said.

“We met each other; we were coaching. We got married; we were coaching. I think it works for us,” Audra Di Bacco said.

It was love and basketball from the jump. Audra Di Bacco has been the Crusaders’ head coach since 2019. Guy Di Bacco started his coaching career at Catholic Central in 2001, then left to coach at Lansingburgh and Shaker before returning to lead the Crusaders in 2019.

“I think he’s like a mastermind when it comes to running offenses and plays, so I always look to him for some of those things. Defensively, that’s been my strength, so I focus on the defense aspect,” Audra Di Bacco said.

That strategic approach has paid dividends for the Di Baccos. Audra Di Bacco saw her team reach the sectional finals last year, while Guy Di Bacco’s squad finished as state runner-up.

In the latest New York State Sportswriters Association rankings, both teams are No. 3 in their respective Class A standings.

“We really both believe that we should compete. Every possession matters. The little things count,” Guy Di Bacco said. “And sometimes when they all come together, you enjoy success.”

Basketball and family got even closer recently, with their daughter Ella now playing for mom. It created more opportunities for them to watch and critique each other’s games.

“That kind of dives right into being a family having my husband here, my daughter here; what better place to spend time with those people?” Audra Di Bacco said.