The New York Liberty has been one of the top teams this WNBA season, and much of the credit goes to their star forward, Breanna Stewart. Just coming back after winning the third Olympic gold medal with Team USA, Stewart is determined to lead the Liberty to WNBA glory after falling short during last year’s finals. But, what many may not know is the role her father-in-law played as one of her biggest supporters. Unfortunately, he is no more in this world, but even in his final days, he was trying to cheer Stewart with all his heart before her final game against Las Vegas Aces last year.

Stewart finds her wife in Marta Xargay, daughter of the late Josep Xargay. In fact, Marta’s father always admired Stewart, seeing how she brought joy and completeness to her life. Things turned gloomy when Josep was diagnosed with lung cancer, but as he battled the illness from his hospital bed, he still had nothing but positivity for Stewart. Before last year’s finals against the Aces, Josep had a short message when he spoke to Stewart on his last call. As revealed by Stewart via Sports Illustrated, he said, “Don’t be sad.” He just wanted Stewie to enjoy the finals and try to win the whole thing.

The connection between Stewart and her father-in-law is a touching story. When Breanna Stewart clinched her second MVP award last season, Josep Xargay couldn’t hold back his tears. Even after getting diagnosed, all he wanted was to keep cheering for Stewart. And he did from the hospital, so passionately that even patients in nearby rooms couldn’t resist following the Liberty.

Josep’s unwavering support extended to both Stewart and his daughter Marta as he rarely missed their game. In fact, when Marta traveled the globe with the Spanish national team, earning an Olympic silver medal along the way, he didn’t miss seeing her daughter representing her nation. Well, now let’s talk about Marta Xargay and her relationship with Stewart.

Breanna Stewart’s journey with Marta Xargay and their growing family

Off the court, Breanna Stewart is grounded by the steadfast support of her wife, Marta Xargay. Just like her partner, Xargay has been a hooper and earlier made her mark with the Phoenix Mercury and in Spain’s professional leagues, even representing her country at the 2016 Olympics. The pair first met in 2018 while playing for Dynamo Kursk, a top-tier women’s basketball team in Russia, where their shared passion for the game sparked a deep connection.

At first, their conversations were brief and infrequent, but a few months later, that initial meeting blossomed into a meaningful bond when Stewart suffered a leg injury in 2019. “Me being injured was like a blessing in disguise. Those moments and memories were huge for kind of what helped blossom our relationship into what it is,” Stewart said, via Bleacher Report.

It was 2021 when their relationship took off, as within just four months they got engaged, tied the knot, and welcomed their first child. Ruby Mae Stewart Xargay, was born via surrogacy in August. By 2023, their family grew even more with the arrival of their second child, a baby boy named Theo Josep Stewart Xargay, completing their family of four.

Stewart has not only won in her professional life but she always had those constants, be it her wife or father-in-law. They have always backed her up whenever she needed and that reflects the very essence of a family.

Stay tuned for more such updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show.” Our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.