Erin Popovich Conboy (January 5, 1951) was the wife of NBA head coach for the San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich. She is known for being the inspiration behind her husband's "Nicer" demeanor in interviews with the press over the years. ^[1]

Erin lived in various places around the United States during her early upbringing as she was raised in a military family. Her father, Jim Conboy, was the athletic trainer for the United States Air Force Academy and a renown American gold medalist. Erin and her family also lived in the state of Colorado for a longer duration than other places. She grew up in a Catholic family.

Having been born into a military family, the dean and general of United States Air Force Academy, Robert F. McDermott was a long time friend of the Conboys. Both families knew each other for some time. Since the time they were in second grade, Erin was a close friend of the general's daughter, Betsy.

Both Erin and Betsy grew up knowing each other and they ultimately became best friends in their early 20s.

They would go on to have a friendship for most of their lives.

After being a cadet, Popovich earned his role as assistant coach for the academy's basketball team.

Popovich and Erin met at the Air Force academy.

With the help of Erin and Betsy, they were able to help Popovich with his rise as a basketball coach in the academy.

Some time between 1973 and 1979, Gregg and Erin tied the knot on October 10, 1976, in El Paso, Texas.

The two had kids named Mickey and Jill who survive Erin.

The family traveled to Southern California where Popovich was given the opportunity to be the head coach for Pomona Pitzer.

In the late 1980s the family moved to San Antonio, Texas where they would live for the next several decades.

Gregg and Erin eventually bought property in Oregon as they are investors in several vineyards in the state.

Erin inspired Popovich to be nicer to people in interviews as he was becoming known as a cantankerous NBA personality.

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Erin died on April 18th, 2018, after an illness she had been battling since the 1990s took her life.

The sports world paid homage including NBA basketball personalities and players who knew her well.

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San Antonio Spurs players Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli offered their public condolences as the two were very close with the Popovich family. They also spent time with the coach. Parker expressed that he considered her like a mother as he was 19 years old when he joined the team and she treated him like family.

Erin and Pop were married for 42 years and she is survived by her husband.

She is also survived by grandchildren.

Erin spent her time working with local charities such as the San Antonio Food Bank and several others.