COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Becky Kowalski knew a few moments after she heard the heartfelt words of Winthrop men's basketball coach Pat Kelsey about the shootings in Newtown, Conn., that he understood her family's pain.

Becky and husband Stephen were mourning the loss of their 7-year-old son Chase, one of the 20 children and six adults killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings 14 months ago, when they heard Kelsey's comments.

A father himself, Kelsey empathized with families in Newtown. Less than a week after the shootings following Winthrop's loss at No. 7 Ohio State, he said ``everybody needs to step up'' to prevent such tragedies.

Family friends pointed out Kelsey's comments to the Kowalskis, who began a long distance friendship with Kelsey. They'll meet for the first time Saturday in Rock Hill.