Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor, April 9, 2014

Michigan State men's basketball coach Tom Izzo and athletics director Mark Hollis released a joint statement on the passing of Lacey Holsworth, the eight-year-old Adreian Payne fan who died late Tuesday night. Read both statements in this post.

[ MORE: Lacey Holsworth, 8, dies | Twitter: Reaction to Holsworth's death ]

Tom Izzo:

?Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Holsworth family today. Princess Lacey has taught us all an incredible lesson about love, strength and toughness. We can all learn from her on how to handle adversity with class and dignity. She has become an inspiration to our team, our families, our university, and most recently our entire nation. At just eight years old, she has given us all a lifetime of memories. We are all saddened today, but we are all better people for having known Lacey. Her smile and passion for life will live in the hearts of everyone she has touched across our country.?

Mark Hollis:

?Today, our Michigan State family mourns the loss of 8-year-old Lacey Holsworth. Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, Matt and Heather, as well as her three brothers, Will, Mitchell and Luke. It?s remarkable how many lives Lacey touched in her short life here on earth. She had a zest for living and was so courageous in her battle against cancer. Lacey impacted not only our Spartan basketball program but the entire University community. And through her special relationship with Adreian Payne, Lacey captured the hearts of many people throughout our state and nation. All people had to see was that radiant smile that could light up an entire arena. Our hearts are heavy today, but we?ll never forget the life lessons Princess Lacey taught us.?

Watch Michigan State honor, recognize Lacey at team banquet: