We all know Rachel for her incredible college career, including tying the NCAA single-game record with 60 points in a double-overtime win over Northwestern on February 7, 2016, which prompted praise from none other than Kobe Bryant. And that’s why she’s known as the “Maroon Mamba.” As Kobe once posted, “Clutch @rachelbanham15 not many players can side fade… #mambablood.” Rachel later carried that moment with pride when she met Kobe in person at WNBA Draft Orientation—he recognized her and told her he wanted her to play with him. That memory was totally worth it. Known for her three-point shooting, she ranked 16th all-time in Sun franchise threes before rejoining them in 2024! But it isn’t just her on-court life that’s interesting.

Who are Rachel Banham’s parents?

Rachel isn’t just one of the W’s best, but also a joyful and grounded person off the court. That’s partly because she enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and creating memories with her partner, Andre Hollins—even with a packed schedule. But does any of that reflect on the court? Maybe not directly, but the discipline, service, and resilience she has come from home.

Born in Minneapolis and raised in the Twin Cities suburb of Lakeville, Banham credits much of her relentless work ethic and leadership to her parents, Donald “Don” Banham Jr. and Melissa “Mel” Banham. Both were longtime, dedicated members of the Minneapolis Police Department, a career path that instilled deep values in the family. Her father, Don Jr., retired as a captain after 29 years of service, having notably headed the gang crimes intelligence unit and worked part-time as the Vikings’ security detail. Her mother, Melissa, served for 23 years as a sergeant in the sex crimes division, often working security at various sporting events.

“My mom and dad, Mel and Don Banham, are both police officers,” Rachel once shared in an interview with ESPN, using the names Mel and Don interchangeably with Paul and Debbie, as referenced in multiple sources. “They are my biggest role models.” This connection to law enforcement runs even deeper in the family; Rachel’s paternal grandfather, Donald Banham Sr., holds the distinction of being the first Black police officer at the University of Minnesota. This powerful legacy, combined with her parents’ daily example, meant a lot—because it wasn’t just their job that inspired her, but the way they carried themselves every day.

The demanding nature of their careers often meant late arrivals home, leaving the four Banham children to wonder about their safety. Yet, as eldest son Cole recalled, “When they came home, it was always a happy time.” Despite the inherent stress and traumatic hours of police work, Don and Melissa were determined to prioritize their family. “I refused to let anything get in the way of my family,” Don stated, emphasizing his commitment to being present after witnessing the negative impacts of absent parenting in his profession.

From her earliest days at Lakeville North High School, where Rachel averaged 17.8 points per game and led her team to a conference title, she brought the kind of focus and drive that clearly ran in the family. “I always had a ball in my hand,” she recalled. “The competitiveness my brothers and I had was unreal.”

With a foundation rooted in structure and service, Rachel’s journey from Minnesota’s courts to the W wasn’t just built on talent; it was built on values.

Rachel Banham’s parents in her basketball career

No doubt her parents played a big role in shaping her into the athlete she is today. She said it best: “They (my mom and dad) have put me in situations that made me a better player … If I didn’t have them, I feel like I wouldn’t be where I am today.” And that rings true, from the countless carpools to practices and court-side cheers to their willingness to turn a blind eye—at times—to the basketball-shaped dents left on kitchen walls.

Rachel’s competitiveness was forged early, often playing against her brothers in high-stakes, furniture-endangering matches. “Sometimes, we would play in the kitchen. … Though my parents were not happy at the time … I think they realize it really did help me become a better player,” she told ESPN. That fire followed her to Lakeville North High School, where she led her team to a conference title, and then to the University of Minnesota, where she chose to stay close to home, just 20 minutes away from the family that had always been her backbone.

Rachel directly links her composure and mental toughness on the court to her parents’ influence. As she explained, “I can keep my composure pretty well. That’s how my parents are. They know how to chill,” a quality learned from watching them navigate difficult situations. Lakeville North girls basketball coach Andy Berkvam corroborated this, noting, “In the five years I had Rachel, I can’t remember when neither parent was at our game… Her parents have a lot to do with her success because of her discipline.” And that same foundation remained just as important during her professional career.

Remember back in 2020, when Banham was traded back home to the Minnesota Lynx? It was a full-circle moment. “I couldn’t be happier to be coming home … Growing up a Lynx fan … I can’t wait to see everyone at Target Center this summer,” she said. But her return was about more than nostalgia—it gave her space to lean on family after being waived in 2021.

So, you know what family support does for you, right? It was no different for Banham. Through every chapter of her career, Paul and Debbie Banham have done far more than watch from the stands—they’ve helped mold a competitor, a leader, and a role model, on and off the court. But it isn’t just her parents who’ve impacted her life!

Rachel Banham’s siblings and family influence

When you grow up in a positive environment, it gives you the freedom to grow and the space to soar—and that’s exactly what happened for Rachel. Since childhood, her competitive fire wasn’t limited to basketball courts. It was forged in the backyard, the kitchen, and everywhere in between, thanks to a family that lived and breathed sports.

At the core were four siblings—Rachel, her older brother Cole, younger brother Blake, and youngest sister Paige. Each of them brought a competitive edge to the household that constantly challenged and pushed Rachel to elevate her game.

Even for her siblings, sports offered immense opportunities. Cole was a running back for the Minnesota Gophers, Blake played football at Cretin-Derham Hall, and Paige was a gymnast at Lakeville North High School. “The competitiveness my brothers and I had was unreal,” Rachel once said. “Growing up with brothers gives someone a certain kind of toughness.” And yes, that toughness quickly translated into success.

Just consider when Rachel joined the varsity basketball team in eighth grade and never looked back. Coach Berkvam once said, “She gets better every year… I don’t think she wants just to be the best in Minnesota. She wants to be the best she can possibly be.” She surely did. But who motivated her to stay on that path? It was her parents, Don and Mel, who shuttled her to practices and cheered from the stands. “They have put me in situations that made me a better player … If I didn’t have them, I feel like I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

So, this is how the Banham family—through sibling rivalry, structured values, and constant support—played a huge role in shaping Rachel into the “Maroon Mamba.”