Chelsea Gray’s basketball career has been an interesting one of highs and lows. Low points in her career had occurred before she had stepped onto a basketball court. Two horrific knee injuries shortened her last two years of basketball at college. However, during her freshman and sophomore years, she had done enough to be worthy of a first-round pick. In the 2016 WNBA Draft, one of the 11th draft picks was Chelsea Gray with the Connecticut Sun. However, because of the injury that she sustained in her senior year, her freshman season was spent recovering and rehabbing.

She finally got to the court of WNBA in the 2015 season. Since then, her career has been an amazing journey. Especially since she joined the Las Vegas Aces, the ‘Point Gawd’ has achieved many feats, both individually and with her team. As of now, she is a six-time All-Star, one-time Most Improved Player, two-time champion, and one-time Commissioner’s Cup winner. What’s even more interesting is that she had two of the best players in the league in her hands, A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, yet she was the one to be named the MVP in both the 2022 WNBA finals and the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup.

Despite all the challenges thrown her way from the beginning of her career, she kept grinding away. However, given the values that her parents instilled in her, it should come as no surprise that Chelsea Gray has gone on to become not only one of the most successful but one of the most respected veterans in the league. Her parents, having experienced being athlete themselves, played a major part in building the confidence and discipline she always exhibits on the court. Let’s find out a little bit more about her parents.

Who is Chelsea Gray’s Father? Meet James Gray- Athlete, Mentor, and Support System

Chelsea Gray is the daughter of James Gray. James Gray had an athletic past as he played college football at Clemson University. Despite missing out on the big leagues himself, he knew firsthand what kind of effort and dedication went into it. Therefore, once Chelsea Gray’s passion for playing basketball became clear, he became responsible for her training. He taught Chelsea the importance of teamwork and perseverance from a young age, and this definitely helped her reach the stage she is at right now despite all the challenges. Working as a graphic designer, he was always there to train and mentor Chelsea Gray.

Under his tutelage, Chelsea grew in discipline and mental strength. This mental toughness was evident because, for the early part of her career, she was plagued by career-threatening injuries. Two devastating injuries in the same knee would break the strongest of people, but for the constant support of her family, Chelsea was resolute in her goal, and the rewards were definitely worth the effort.

Who is Chelsea Gray’s Mother? Meet Vickey Gray- From College Basketball Star to Dedicated Supporter

Chelsea Gray’s mother is Vickey Gray. Despite being a college basketball player herself, she did not push anything onto Chelsea and got her involved in multiple sports. Vickey encouraged Chelsea to try out different sports in order to find her calling. As fate would have it, Chelsea fell in love with basketball. In an interview with NBC Olympics, Chelsea disclosed that her parents took her to most of her practices and games.

Discipline was a big part of Chelsea Gray’s childhood as her mother was a corrections officer. However, she was always prioritizing her training and ensured Chelsea got all the opportunities to grow up as an athlete.

How James and Vickey Gray Shaped Chelsea’s Athletic Journey

With her parents being college athletes, sports was naturally going to be a big part of Chelsea Gray’s life. As Chelsea said in the interview, her parents pushed her to pursue her interests. They took her to participate in many sports so that she could naturally find her calling. Not only did they aid her in training, but they also determinedly made it a point to show up at her games in order to support and cheer for her. Throughout her childhood, they were emotionally present and weathered the ups and downs of Chelsea’s career as a family.

Their sacrifices during Chelsea’s youth basketball career were paramount, as without their support, Chelsea could have never achieved all that she has till now. With all the accomplishments and respect she’s earned, it’s safe to say that every single sacrifice that James and Vickey Gray made was definitely worth the reward. Not only did they raise a daughter who was a multi-champion, but she also created a legacy in the sport that would go down in history.