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Dell Curry and Sonya Curry | Source: Getty Images
Dell Curry and Sonya Curry | Source: Getty Images

Steph Curry's Parents Dell and Sonya Curry Spent Decades Together before Their Split

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Sep 14, 2023
11:15 A.M.

Steph Curry's parents have played a significant role in shaping their children's basketball careers. His father said they began instilling self-discipline and dedication at a young age.

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Steph Curry's parents, Dell and Sonya Curry, were both talented athletes, something their children took after. Sonya played volleyball and basketball, while Dell Curry is a former NBA star.

The two were married for 33 years but called it quits in 2021. It was a messy divorce, with both parties accusing each other of infidelity, with Dell alleging Sonya was living with a man and claimed she was not eligible to receive alimony.

Dell Curry and Sonya Curry attend a game between the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers at the ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019, in Oakland , California. | Source: Getty Images

Dell Curry and Sonya Curry attend a game between the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers at the ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019, in Oakland , California. | Source: Getty Images

Who Are Steph Curry's Parents? Facts about His Dad

Steph's dad, Dell Curry, is a retired professional basketball player. He hanged his boots in 2002 and has helped his two sons curve their path in their basketball career. He retired as the Charlotte Hornets' all-time leader in points scored and three-pointers made.

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Dell, who played a crucial role in shaping his sons' professional paths, once disclosed that he provided coaching and instruction to his sons in both the fundamental aspects of the game and the foundational principles of shooting.

Thanks to his coaching, his sons, Seth and Steph, have been regarded as the greatest shooters in the history of the NBA. Dell now serves as the color commentator for the Charlotte Hornets. He also runs the Dell Curry Foundation, a youth-oriented program in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Dell Curry and Sonya Curry arrive at the ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019, in Oakland, California. | Source: Getty Images

Dell Curry and Sonya Curry arrive at the ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019, in Oakland, California. | Source: Getty Images

The cultivation of self-discipline started early in the Curry household. The retired NBA star explained that his children were assigned household chores, which they had to complete to earn the privilege of attending games.

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Dell Curry mentioned that his kids observed his dedication to the game and had the opportunity to be around some of the world's finest athletes, which helped them grasp the methods employed by top players.

Facts about Steph Curry's Mother, Sonya Curry

Sonya Curry has built a successful career established in different fields. She is an educator, author, speaker, and entrepreneur. Sonya is passionate about helping people with their personal growth and journey to self-discovery.

Dell Curry, Ayesha Curry, Sonya Curry and Stephen Curry at Williams-Sonoma Columbus Circle on September 20, 2016, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Dell Curry, Ayesha Curry, Sonya Curry and Stephen Curry at Williams-Sonoma Columbus Circle on September 20, 2016, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

While Steph and Seth have achieved significant success as athletes, Sydel pursued a different career path.

Even though Sonya is dedicated to impacting people's lives, her journey was filled with defeats and hard-fought victories. Sonya also made a name for herself as an athlete. She played volleyball and was a serious, determined, self-motivated team leader.

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When Sonya Curry was in the eighth grade at Tadford High School, she was promoted to the varsity volleyball team courtesy of the local high school's volleyball coach, John Pierce.

Stephen Curry and his parents Dell Curry and his mother Sonya Curry at Warriors headquarters in Oakland, California on June 26, 2009. | Source: Getty Images

Stephen Curry and his parents Dell Curry and his mother Sonya Curry at Warriors headquarters in Oakland, California on June 26, 2009. | Source: Getty Images

By the time she reached her senior year, her school had secured the state AA championship, and she had earned recognition as Virginia's defensive player of the year. Sonya not only played volleyball; she also made her mark in basketball, excelling as a defensive specialist and leading the Radford girls to two state titles.

Furthermore, Sonya Curry showcased her skills on the state stage in track and field by competing in events such as the 400-meter hurdles and sprint relays. As she approached the end of her high school journey, Sonya received numerous college offers, with some institutions expressing interest in her talents for both volleyball and basketball.

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Despite being a talented athlete, Steph's mother never pushed her children into sports. But when her children showed their passion and interest, she fully supported them. Sonya drove her children to practices, taught them self-discipline, and instilled good values.

Dell Curry and Sonya Curry attend game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Dell Curry and Sonya Curry attend game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

How Did Steph Curry's Parents Meet?

Sonya met Dell Curry when she was still contemplating which college to join. It was during this time that she got involved in an accident, and her car was wrecked. She said the accident was a sign for her not to attend James Madison University.

Instead, she decided to remain closer to her home and ultimately selected Virginia Tech as her college destination. During her official recruiting visit to the university, she first crossed paths with Dell Curry. While observing a Men's Basketball practice, Sonya noticed Dell and the feeling was mutual—it was love at first sight.

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They tied the knot in 1988 and were blessed with three children: Steph, Seth, and Sydel. While Steph and Seth have achieved significant success as athletes, Sydel pursued a different career path. However, she, too, made a mark for herself by participating in college volleyball.

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Steph Curry's parents were often at their children's games, rooting for their sons Steph and Seth's teams. In 2019, it was an entirely new experience for them to watch their sons play against each other for the first time. Steph, who plays for the Golden State Warriors, hosted Seth, who was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.

In an interview, Steph Curry's parents shared their approach of how they decided which son they would cheer for in each game. According to Steph's mother, Sonya, they had agreed to flip a coin, and the coin toss outcome would determine which jersey each parent would wear and which son they would support during the game.

Sonya described the experience as enjoyable and a true blessing. She expressed her excitement about watching her sons play, with a particular anticipation for watching Seth in action. She emphasized she was eager to see Seth Curry excel by stealing the ball and shooting over Steph.

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Steph also shared the experience, calling it a win-win situation for their parents. Sonya also stated that even though one of her sons' teams would go home, she was excited that the other team was going for the championship.

In 2021, Stephy Curry's parents decided to go their separate ways after 33 years of marriage. Sonya Curry initiated the divorce, accusing Dell of cheating on her with different women when they were still married. She also alleged that Dell's affair was known to family and friends.

On the other hand, Dell alleged in the divorce documents that Sonya was the unfaithful one. He accused Sonya of marital misconduct and lying about it. Dell also claimed at the time that Sonya had already moved in with another man and suggested that she was no longer eligible to receive alimony.

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