Last Updated on October 12, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Coleman Hawkins is an American professional basketball player known for his versatility, defensive abilities and impressive college basketball career with the Illinois Fighting Illini and Kansas State Wildcats. Born on December 10, 2001, in Sacramento, California, Hawkins grew up in a family with a remarkable basketball background. His father played college and professional basketball, while his three older sisters also competed at the collegiate level.
Coleman Hawkins’s parents are Rodney Hawkins and Tonia Hawkins, and his three older sisters are Ashley Hawkins, Taylor Hawkins and Bailey Hawkins. Basketball has been an important part of his family for generations, with his great-uncle Tommy Hawkins having played in the NBA. Although Coleman has openly discussed the influence of his parents and siblings on his career, he has kept his romantic relationships private. Here is everything publicly known about his girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Coleman Hawkins’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Coleman Hawkins has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. Despite becoming a recognizable figure during his college basketball career and receiving considerable attention following his transfer from Illinois to Kansas State, the American forward has maintained a relatively private romantic life.
His official basketball biographies and interviews primarily discuss his family background, career ambitions and development as a professional athlete rather than his dating history.
During his four seasons at the University of Illinois, Hawkins frequently appeared in university publications discussing basketball, his relationships with teammates and his family’s influence on his upbringing. However, these interviews did not establish the identity of a romantic partner.
His transfer to Kansas State in June 2024 also attracted significant media coverage because of his reported multimillion-dollar name, image and likeness agreement. Nevertheless, the reporting surrounding his decision focused on basketball and financial opportunities rather than his personal relationships.
There is currently no reliable public confirmation that Hawkins is married, engaged or involved in a relationship with a particular woman.
As of now, Coleman Hawkins’s relationship status remains undisclosed. Any claims identifying a specific girlfriend would require credible reporting or confirmation from the basketball player himself.
Coleman Hawkins’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
Coleman Hawkins has not publicly confirmed having any children. His official university biographies, professional basketball profiles and available interviews do not identify him as a father.
Although Hawkins has spoken about wanting a large family in the future, he has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter.
In a March 2023 feature published by the University of Illinois’ STORIED Magazine, Hawkins discussed his hopes for life beyond basketball. He envisioned maintaining close relationships with his relatives and eventually having a family of his own.
The interview highlighted the importance he places on family relationships, particularly his desire to remain connected with his parents, sisters and extended family.
However, those comments described his future aspirations rather than confirming that he already had children.
As of now, there are no publicly confirmed children belonging to Coleman Hawkins.
Coleman Hawkins’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Coleman Hawkins was born to Rodney Hawkins and Tonia Hawkins in Sacramento, California. Both parents played important roles in his upbringing, encouraging his interest in basketball while allowing him to develop his own identity as an athlete.
His family’s sporting background is especially notable because his father played college basketball at San Diego State University before pursuing a professional career overseas.
Rodney Hawkins: Coleman Hawkins’s Father
Rodney Hawkins is the father of professional basketball player Coleman Hawkins and a former college and professional basketball player.
Originally from the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, Rodney grew up in a large family with eight older siblings. Basketball became an important part of his life during his teenage years.
After finishing high school, Rodney attended Colby Community College in Kansas, where he continued developing his basketball abilities.
He subsequently transferred to San Diego State University, representing the Aztecs during the 1987–88 college basketball season.
At San Diego State, Rodney developed a reputation as a hardworking and physical player. After completing his college basketball career, he pursued professional opportunities in Europe.
In a 2019 interview with Prospective Insight, Coleman explained that his father had played professionally in countries including Finland and Germany.
Rodney’s experience provided his son with a valuable understanding of competitive basketball from an early age.
However, Rodney deliberately avoided placing excessive pressure on Coleman to follow his career.
In a March 2023 feature published by the University of Illinois, Coleman explained that his father allowed him to develop his own basketball journey rather than constantly offering instructions or criticizing his performances.
He appreciated that Rodney provided guidance without becoming overly involved in his sporting decisions.
Rodney also supported Coleman’s move to Prolific Prep in Napa, California, where he received advanced basketball training during high school.
When Coleman later decided to attend the University of Illinois, his father supported the decision, recognizing the importance of allowing his son to choose a program where he felt comfortable.
Rodney remains an important influence on Coleman’s career, combining personal support with experience from his own years in competitive basketball.
Tonia Hawkins: Coleman Hawkins’s Mother
Tonia Hawkins is the mother of Coleman Hawkins and his three older sisters, Ashley, Taylor and Bailey.
She helped raise her children in California, where basketball became a central part of the family’s everyday activities.
Although Tonia has maintained a relatively private life, her support for her children’s athletic development has been documented in university publications.
According to a March 2023 STORIED Magazine feature, she made significant sacrifices to attend Coleman’s basketball games while supporting the sporting activities of his sisters.
Raising four children involved in competitive basketball required considerable dedication, particularly because their games, practices and school commitments often took place at different locations.
Tonia helped create a supportive home environment where each child could pursue individual ambitions.
While Rodney brought firsthand experience from college and professional basketball, Tonia contributed to the family’s sporting culture through her encouragement and commitment.
During Coleman’s childhood, the family’s backyard basketball court became an important gathering place where he practiced and competed against his sisters.
These experiences helped build his confidence and competitive mentality long before he became a nationally recognized college basketball player.
Although information about Tonia’s professional career and other personal activities remains limited, her importance in Coleman’s upbringing is evident in his interviews.
Hawkins has repeatedly emphasized how much he values his family, including the support provided by his mother throughout his development.
Coleman Hawkins’s Siblings: Meet His Three Older Sisters
Coleman Hawkins has three older sisters: Ashley Hawkins, Taylor Hawkins and Bailey Hawkins. All three played college basketball, making Coleman the fourth child in the family to compete at the collegiate level.
Growing up with three talented older sisters had a significant impact on his development.
In an interview published by Illinois Athletics in January 2024, Hawkins recalled watching his sisters compete and trying to join their basketball games whenever possible.
He frequently attended their games and used breaks in play to practice shooting on the court.
When they competed against each other in the family backyard, his sisters rarely made things easy for him. Their competitive approach helped motivate Coleman to improve his skills.
Ashley Hawkins: Coleman Hawkins’s Older Sister
Ashley Hawkins is one of Coleman Hawkins’s older sisters and a former college basketball player.
Like her siblings, Ashley developed an interest in basketball while growing up in California.
She continued her playing career at Vincennes University before transferring to the University of Evansville in Indiana.
According to Coleman’s official University of Illinois biography, Ashley played basketball for Evansville between 2015 and 2017.
Her participation in college basketball helped establish a path that Coleman eventually followed.
As a young child, he frequently watched Ashley and his other sisters compete, observing the dedication and discipline required to play basketball beyond high school.
Ashley’s experiences demonstrated that earning a college basketball opportunity was achievable through consistent effort and development.
Although she has not received the same level of national media attention as her younger brother, her contribution to the family’s basketball history is well documented.
Reliable information about her current occupation and personal relationships remains limited.
Taylor Hawkins: Coleman Hawkins’s Older Sister
Taylor Hawkins is another of Coleman Hawkins’s older sisters and a former college basketball player.
She began her college basketball journey at Vincennes University before continuing her career at Wiley College in Texas.
According to the University of Illinois’ official basketball records, Taylor played at Wiley during the 2017–18 season.
In a 2019 interview with Prospective Insight, Coleman spoke about his sister’s basketball abilities and explained that she had been a talented player during her college years.
Taylor was part of the group of older siblings who introduced Coleman to competitive basketball.
During childhood, he frequently watched her games and looked for opportunities to compete against her.
The experience of playing against an older, more physically developed basketball player encouraged Coleman to improve his confidence, ball-handling and overall competitiveness.
Taylor’s college basketball experience also helped demonstrate the opportunities that could arise from pursuing sports seriously.
Although her basketball background is documented, she has maintained a comparatively private profile since her college career.
Bailey Hawkins: Coleman Hawkins’s Older Sister
Bailey Hawkins is Coleman’s third older sister and another member of the family who competed in college basketball.
She attended Newman University in Kansas, where she played during the 2020–21 season.
Bailey later continued her basketball career at Westcliff University in California in 2022, according to Coleman’s official Illinois basketball biography.
As the youngest of the three older sisters, Bailey was among the family members whose basketball development Coleman closely followed during his childhood.
His experiences watching and competing against Bailey and his other sisters helped him understand the level of commitment needed to become a successful college basketball player.
During his early years, Coleman was frequently recognized as the younger brother of three successful female basketball players.
However, he eventually established his own reputation after becoming an important player for Illinois.
Bailey’s competitive basketball background remains an important part of the Hawkins family’s sporting history, although detailed information about her current activities is not widely available.
Coleman Hawkins’s Great-Uncle: Former NBA Player Tommy Hawkins
Coleman Hawkins also has a notable connection to NBA history through his great-uncle, Tommy Hawkins, whose full name was Thomas Jerome Hawkins.
Tommy was a successful basketball player at the University of Notre Dame before beginning a professional NBA career.
He became the first Black basketball player to earn All-American recognition at Notre Dame, establishing an important place in the university’s sporting history.
Following his college career, Tommy played professionally for the Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers and the Cincinnati Royals.
His NBA career lasted ten seasons, during which he developed a reputation for rebounding, defensive toughness and consistent effort.
Tommy was the uncle of Coleman’s father, Rodney Hawkins, making him Coleman’s great-uncle.
The family connection also influenced Coleman’s choice of basketball jersey number.
During his years at Illinois, Coleman wore number 33 in honor of Tommy, who had worn the same number during his professional basketball career.
In a March 2023 feature, Coleman discussed the importance of visiting relatives in Chicago and learning about the family’s basketball history.
Those connections helped him appreciate the achievements of earlier generations and provided additional motivation as he pursued his own career.
Coleman Hawkins’s Family Background and Childhood
Coleman Hawkins grew up in the Sacramento area of California, surrounded by relatives who shared his enthusiasm for basketball.
He was the youngest of four children and spent much of his childhood watching his older sisters participate in organized basketball.
The family maintained a basketball hoop in the backyard, where Coleman spent countless hours developing his skills.
During his early school years, he also experimented with other sports, including soccer, baseball and American football.
He particularly enjoyed football and played quarterback before deciding to concentrate on basketball.
As he grew taller, basketball became an increasingly natural choice.
Hawkins initially attended Antelope High School in California before transferring to Prolific Prep in Napa.
At Prolific Prep, he received specialized training and competed against high-level basketball prospects from across the United States.
The decision required him to live away from his family, which presented both personal and sporting challenges.
However, the move helped prepare him for college basketball and the responsibilities that would come with living independently.
In 2020, he joined the University of Illinois, where he developed into a versatile forward capable of contributing through scoring, rebounding, passing and defense.
He later transferred to Kansas State University for the 2024–25 season, continuing his college basketball career under head coach Jerome Tang.
Throughout these experiences, Hawkins continued to emphasize the importance of maintaining close relationships with his parents and sisters.
Coleman Hawkins’s Professional Basketball Career
After completing his final college basketball season at Kansas State, Coleman Hawkins entered the 2025 NBA Draft but was not selected.
He subsequently pursued opportunities in professional basketball and joined the Denver Nuggets organization.
In October 2025, Denver signed him to an Exhibit 10 contract before waiving him as part of its preseason roster decisions.
Hawkins then played for the Grand Rapids Gold, Denver’s NBA G League affiliate, during the 2025–26 season.
His performances reflected the versatility he had demonstrated in college, particularly his ability to rebound, distribute the basketball and defend multiple positions.
In September 2026, Hawkins signed another training camp contract with the Denver Nuggets, giving him an additional opportunity to compete for a place on an NBA roster.
The move represented another step in his professional development following his years at Illinois and Kansas State.
His sporting journey continues a family basketball tradition that includes his father, three older sisters and great-uncle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleman Hawkins’s Family
Who is Coleman Hawkins’s girlfriend?
Coleman Hawkins has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His current relationship status remains undisclosed.
Is Coleman Hawkins married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Coleman Hawkins is married or has a wife.
Does Coleman Hawkins have children?
Coleman Hawkins has not publicly confirmed having any children. He has, however, spoken about wanting a large family in the future.
Who are Coleman Hawkins’s parents?
Coleman Hawkins’s parents are Rodney Hawkins and Tonia Hawkins. His father previously played college basketball at San Diego State University.
Who is Coleman Hawkins’s father?
His father is Rodney Hawkins, a former basketball player who attended Colby Community College and San Diego State before pursuing professional opportunities overseas.
Who is Coleman Hawkins’s mother?
His mother is Tonia Hawkins, who helped raise Coleman and his three older sisters in California.
How many siblings does Coleman Hawkins have?
Coleman Hawkins has three older sisters: Ashley Hawkins, Taylor Hawkins and Bailey Hawkins. All three played college basketball.
Does Coleman Hawkins have a brother?
According to his official university biographies, Coleman Hawkins has three older sisters. No brothers are identified in these records.
Is Coleman Hawkins related to former NBA player Tommy Hawkins?
Yes. Tommy Hawkins is Coleman’s great-uncle. The former Notre Dame star played ten seasons in the NBA, representing the Lakers and Cincinnati Royals.
Where is Coleman Hawkins from?
Coleman Hawkins was born on December 10, 2001, in Sacramento, California, United States. He grew up in the Sacramento area before attending Prolific Prep in Napa.
Which NBA team is Coleman Hawkins associated with?
Coleman Hawkins signed a training camp contract with the Denver Nuggets in September 2026 after playing for their NBA G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
