More than that, Andrei was the protector and the hype man. As the eldest, he drove his siblings to practices, celebrated their wins, and provided perspective after losses. When Sabrina broke records at Oregon, Andrei was often the first to post a proud, emotional tribute on social media. His role was less about competition and more about anchoring the family unit—a role that became profoundly important after the family’s devastating loss. To truly appreciate the Ionescu siblings, one must acknowledge the tragedy that binds them tighter than any sport. In December 2019, just as Sabrina was cementing her legacy at Oregon, the family’s beloved Romanian-born mentor and patriarch, Dan Ionescu, passed away unexpectedly. A year later, their mother, Liliana, also died suddenly.
Eddy has remained a quiet but steadfast presence in Sabrina’s career, often seen in the stands at her biggest games, offering a familiar face and the only kind of honest feedback she’s trusted since childhood. The oldest of the three, Andrei Ionescu, carved a different athletic path. A talented soccer player, Andrei played collegiately at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. While he didn’t share a court with his siblings, he set the tone for what achievement looked like in the Ionescu household. sabrina ionescu siblings
In the span of 12 months, Sabrina, Eddy, and Andrei lost both of their parents. More than that, Andrei was the protector and the hype man