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

Stephen Curry's Parents Are Former NBA Player Dad and Educator Mom

Milla Sigaba
Jun 28, 2023
05:15 P.M.

While Sonya and Wardell Curry are commonly known as Stephen Curry's parents, they have also achieved success in their own right. Stephen Curry's father made a name for himself as an NBA legend, and Sonya Curry is an experienced educator and published author.

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Before his son's time, Wardell Curry was the most popular Curry after his successful basketball court career. On the other hand, Sonya Curry's passion lies in teaching those around her.

However, the couple became staples on the courtside following their son's breakout in the NBA, where they supported the Golden State Warriors player. But Stephen Curry's parents announced their divorce only a few years after he celebrated their successful marriage.

Stephen Curry celebrating with his parents Sonya and Wardell Curry after winning game five of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on June 12, 2017, in Oakland, California. | Source: Getty Images

Stephen Curry celebrating with his parents Sonya and Wardell Curry after winning game five of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on June 12, 2017, in Oakland, California. | Source: Getty Images

Stephen Curry's Mother Is an Experienced Educator Who Taught Her Children about Racism

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Sonya grew up in Radford, Virginia, and while her children were raised in a family with well-off parents, that was not the case for her. Stephen's mother lived in a poor African-American community in a trailer home and was used to experiencing racism.

However, Sonya ensured her children, Stephen, his brother Seth Curry, and his sister Sydel Curry-Lee, were aware of the world's reality. Stephen said:

"She was always quick to remind us up on the realities around the country and to appreciate our experience."

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Despite the harsh environment she grew up in, Sonya earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Development from Virginia Tech. She was also awarded the Montessori education certification for infants, toddlers, and primary school.

"Sonya's passion for family and faith has influenced every part of her life," her website reads. And this passion saw Sonya become the founder of a school and serve as the Assistant Athletic Director of the Charlotte Christian School's women's sports programs.

She has also released a book and found other ways to give back to her community. At the time of writing, the Golden State Warriors' point guard's mom had amassed nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram.

Stephen Curry celebrating with his dad Wardell Curry after winning game six of the 2022 NBA Finals on June 16, 2022, in Boston, Massachusetts. | Source: Getty Images

Stephen Curry celebrating with his dad Wardell Curry after winning game six of the 2022 NBA Finals on June 16, 2022, in Boston, Massachusetts. | Source: Getty Images

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Stephen Curry Inherited His Basketball Skills from His Father

Stephen's father is also a Virginia native and a Virginia Tech alumni. Like his son, Wardell played guard during his NBA career, spending one season each with the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Utah Jazz. He also spent three seasons with the Toronto Raptors and ten seasons with the Charlotte Hornets.

However, despite averaging impressive stats during his career, the former NBA player admitted he knew his son was destined to be better than him during Stephen's college years. Wardell said:

"He was in the league. College, he was a good shooter. But when he started shooting against the best in the world, that's when I knew, 'Oh, okay.'"

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Stephen Curry's Parents Went Their Separate Ways after over 30 Years of Marriage

In 2017, Stephen Curry — who has also celebrated many years of marriage with his wife, Ayesha Curry — turned to Instagram to commemorate his parent's anniversary. "#29 Years strong! Thank you for being an example through the ⬆️and⬇️. Love you!" Stephen Captioned the post.

However, in 2021, after 33 years of marriage, Stephen's parents announced that they were getting divorced. "We are so thankful for all the many blessings and successes! We stay committed to and supportive of our children and grandchildren and will remain on connected paths," Sonya and Wardell shared.

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