San Antonio community mourns the loss of beloved ‘Spurs Lady’

SAN ANTONIO – The Spurs described Sovia Lauriano as “a true fan with a big smile and an even bigger heart.”

The San Antonio community is coming together to honor Lauriano, also known as ‘The Spurs Lady,’ after she died on Saturday.

“I would dare say, I don’t know if there’s been anybody in San Antonio over the years that has been the subject of more selfies,” said Richard Oliver, a former sports columnist and Communications Manager for the Alamodome.

Oliver, who’s covered the Spurs for years, says that Lauriano’s attendance made the games more fun for the audience and players.

“She would show up in some outlandish, garish, crazy outfit. But, you know, I tell you one thing, though. Every single time we saw her, she brought smiles. You just never saw anybody with that kind of unabashed joy," he continued.

During a basketball court opening on the East Side, arena host Zay Zay Aquino says he fondly remembers seeing Lauriano at Spurs games.

“One of my earliest memories of being with the Spurs is just that wonderful smile and that accepting heart. You know, Sovia was always a wonderful light at the beginning of every game”, he said.

Aquino also remembers how, when he first started, some fans doubted his abilities and place in the games. Lauriano, however, welcomed him in with a smile and confidence.

“Sovia was actually one of the few who weren’t asking those questions. She was arms wide open”.

The Spurs posted a tribute in honor of Lauriano to its social media accounts on Sunday morning.

“Sovie (Sovia) embodied the spirit of a true fan with her big smile and even bigger heart. She brought joy to everyone she met and will be deeply missed by the entire Spurs Family,” the social media post stated, “May she rest in peace.”