Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become one of the NBA’s brightest talents, but his personal life, especially his relationship with his wife Hailey Summers, remains a source of admiration and curiosity for fans. So, who is she?
The Oklahoma City Thunder star is busy leading his team through the 2024/25 NBA Finals and enjoys the support of a very athletic and loving family behind him, including his 25-year-old beau.
The couple’s journey, from their Canadian roots in Ontario to marriage and parenthood, reflects a deep partnership that supported Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to an NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Hailey was born on October 22, 1999, to Ron Summers and Carolyn Oliver, she grew up with two siblings, Taylor and Will – and like her husband, found her passion for sports too as she won varsity letters in soccer, basketball, and football at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School.
A strong sporting career
Summers’ athletic career flourished as she played NCAA Division I soccer at the University at Albany from 2017 through 2021. During her tenure, she appeared in 73 games and served as team captain in 2019 and 2021.
Playing in defense, she also helped the Lady Great Danes secure the 2018 America East Championship, marking a significant achievement in her collegiate soccer career. Interestingly, she wore the number 2 jersey, the same as Shai.
Though Summers and Gilgeous-Alexander have never publicly confirmed when they first met, their relationship has been evident since at least early 2017, when she went Instagram official with the NBA player as his career was just getting started.
The couple tied the knot on in a private ceremony and the Thunder star shared a series of intimate polaroid photos on Instagram that captured the moment, including one of a sign that read, “Just Married, Shai & Hailey, February 14, 2024,” surrounded by pink roses.
Then in April 2024, Summers and Gilgeous-Alexander welcomed their son, Ares, in a joint Instagram post showed a peaceful image of their newborn sleeping next to a wooden nameplate.
Shai celebrates Hailey on his NBA journey
Shai often credits his wife as a critical influence on both his personal and professional growth and during his emotional acceptance speech upon receiving the 2024-25 NBA MVP award, he spoke of Hailey’s pivotal role in his life.
“Hailey Summers, thank you for everything you are – for me, for our son, Ares,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “You were the first person to show me what love really meant … what sacrifice really meant.
“And I can’t wait to spend the rest of this journey called life with you. Thank you for everything. I wouldn’t be the man I am, I wouldn’t be the player I am, I wouldn’t be the father I am, without you. Thank you.”
In interviews, he has also revealed how Summers serves as a candid sounding board for him, describing her as “brutally honest” when speaking to Andscape and is good at helping him stay grounded and in touch with his personality on the court.
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