Last Updated on October 10, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Dean Wade is an American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Born on November 20, 1996, in Wichita, Kansas, Wade developed into a talented forward through his college basketball career at Kansas State University before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019. Beyond his professional achievements, Wade comes from a family with an impressive sporting background, including parents who competed at the collegiate level and an older sister who became an accomplished volleyball player.
Dean Wade’s wife is Kayla Goth Wade, a former Kansas State women’s basketball standout whom he married on August 20, 2022. The couple have a daughter, whom Wade discussed during a December 2024 interview with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His parents are Jay Wade and Trish Wade, both former college athletes, while his older sister, Teresa Wade Rush, played collegiate volleyball. The family’s sporting traditions helped shape his journey from the small Kansas community of St. John to the NBA.
Who Is Dean Wade’s Wife?
Dean Wade is married to Kayla Goth Wade, a former American college basketball player who represented Kansas State University between 2015 and 2019.
Born Kayla Goth on March 31, 1997, in Madison, Wisconsin, she grew up in DeForest, where she attended DeForest Area High School.
Kayla became an accomplished multi-sport athlete during high school, participating in basketball, volleyball, and softball.
Her basketball performances attracted attention from college programs, eventually leading her to Kansas State University.
At Kansas State, she established herself as one of the leading guards in the Big 12 Conference and earned several academic and athletic honors.
Her achievements included selection to the All-Big 12 First Team in 2019 and the All-Big 12 Second Team in 2018.
She also received multiple Academic All-Big 12 honors, demonstrating her commitment to education alongside basketball.
According to her official Kansas State biography, Kayla finished her college career with 1,253 points and 540 assists.
Her assist total ranked fourth in school history at the end of her playing career, while her achievements made her one of the university’s most accomplished point guards.
After completing her education, Kayla pursued a career in accounting.
Published profiles report that she has worked in public accounting and as an independent accounting professional.
Her relationship with Dean attracted attention because both were standout Kansas State basketball players during the same period.
How Did Dean Wade Meet Kayla Goth?
Dean Wade and Kayla Goth met while attending Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.
Dean played for the Wildcats men’s basketball team, while Kayla represented the university’s women’s basketball program.
Their shared involvement in collegiate sports helped them develop a connection.
According to a January 2025 report published by Players Bio, the couple began dating in approximately 2017.
Both understood the demanding schedules associated with Division I college athletics, including regular training sessions, travel, games, and academic responsibilities.
Although Dean later began his professional NBA career, their relationship continued after college.
Kayla supported his development as he adjusted to playing basketball professionally in Cleveland.
Their shared background at Kansas State remained an important part of their relationship.
When Did Dean Wade and Kayla Goth Get Engaged?
Dean Wade proposed to Kayla Goth on August 31, 2021, according to reports documenting the couple’s engagement announcement.
After approximately four years together, Wade decided to take the next step in their relationship.
The couple celebrated their engagement through social media, where Kayla shared photographs and expressed excitement about their future.
The announcement received congratulations from friends, relatives, former college teammates, and Kansas State supporters.
At the time, Dean was continuing his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, while Kayla was developing her professional interests outside basketball.
The engagement was particularly meaningful because both had experienced significant personal and professional changes since meeting at Kansas State.
When Did Dean Wade and Kayla Goth Get Married?
Dean Wade and Kayla Goth married on August 20, 2022.
The wedding took place at Liquid Art Winery, near Manhattan, Kansas, a location connected to their shared history at Kansas State University.
The ceremony brought together relatives, friends, and former college teammates.
According to a Kansas State women’s basketball community archive, several former Wildcats players attended the celebration.
Before the wedding, Wade confirmed his plans during an interview with the Great Bend Tribune.
He explained that he and Kayla intended to marry in Manhattan during the summer of 2022.
The couple’s wedding allowed them to celebrate their relationship in the state where both had enjoyed successful college basketball careers.
As of now, Dean and Kayla have been married for more than four years.
What Does Dean Wade’s Wife Do?
Kayla Goth Wade has a professional background in accounting.
According to published biographical reporting, she studied accounting at Kansas State University and subsequently pursued advanced accounting qualifications.
She has reportedly worked for the professional services company EY and later undertaken independent accounting work.
Although her college basketball achievements remain an important part of her public background, she has developed a professional identity outside competitive sports.
Her experience as a former Division I athlete also gives her an understanding of the demands associated with Dean’s NBA career.
The couple have continued building their family while managing the responsibilities associated with professional basketball.
How Many Children Does Dean Wade Have?
Dean Wade has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter whom he shares with his wife, Kayla Wade.
The basketball player discussed becoming a father during an official Cleveland Cavaliers interview published on December 12, 2024.
During the conversation, Wade explained that fatherhood had significantly changed his personal life.
He described enjoying the experience of watching his young daughter grow, learn, and explore her surroundings.
Although he had previously been focused primarily on his basketball career, becoming a parent gave him additional responsibilities and a new perspective on life.
He also acknowledged that leaving home for NBA road trips had become more difficult because he missed spending time with his daughter.
In a September 2026 interview with ClutchPoints, Wade again mentioned his daughter while discussing his move to the Philadelphia 76ers.
He recalled playing outside with her when his wife informed him that LeBron James was joining Philadelphia.
The account provided another glimpse into his everyday family life away from professional basketball.
Dean Wade’s Daughter
Dean Wade’s daughter was born before December 2024, although her exact birth date and name have not been reliably established through official reporting.
During his December 2024 interview, Wade explained that his daughter was beginning to understand when he left home for extended periods.
He said that she was particularly unhappy when he departed for NBA road trips, sometimes reacting emotionally because she did not know when he would return.
For Wade, those moments demonstrated how fatherhood had changed his priorities.
He also explained that spending time with his daughter had helped him become more mature and responsible.
Rather than viewing family life as a distraction from basketball, he described fatherhood as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.
Although Wade and his wife have shared some family moments publicly, they have generally kept their daughter’s personal information private.
As of now, she remains the couple’s only publicly confirmed child.
How Fatherhood Changed Dean Wade’s Life
Becoming a father introduced new responsibilities into Dean Wade’s routine as an NBA player.
Professional basketball requires frequent travel, particularly during the regular season, when teams compete in multiple cities every week.
Before becoming a parent, Wade was primarily concerned with training, games, recovery, and maintaining his position within the Cleveland Cavaliers organization.
However, after welcoming his daughter, he began experiencing the emotional challenges associated with spending time away from home.
During his December 2024 interview, he explained that he enjoyed watching his daughter develop new abilities and discover different aspects of the world.
Those everyday experiences became an important source of happiness.
His comments demonstrated how his family responsibilities had developed alongside his professional basketball career.
Who Are Dean Wade’s Parents?
Dean Wade’s parents are Jay Wade and Trish Wade, two former college athletes who raised their family in Kansas.
Both parents have impressive sporting backgrounds.
Jay played college football at Kansas State and Western Illinois, while Trish competed in volleyball and basketball before becoming a successful high school coach.
The couple grew up in small Kansas communities and eventually settled in St. John, where they raised Dean and his older sister Teresa.
According to a 2016 Kansas State University family profile, the parents deliberately chose St. John because they believed it would provide a positive environment for their children.
Dean Wade’s Mother: Trish Wade
Trish Wade is Dean Wade’s mother, a former college volleyball and basketball player who later established a distinguished career as a high school coach.
She attended Barton County Community College, where she competed in both basketball and volleyball.
Her volleyball performances were particularly impressive.
During the 1985 and 1986 seasons, she helped Barton achieve a combined record of 111 victories and 10 defeats.
She earned NJCAA All-American recognition in both seasons.
Trish subsequently transferred to Florida Southern College, where she continued her volleyball career.
She earned American Volleyball Coaches Association Second Team All-American recognition in 1987 and was selected to the All-Sunshine State Conference First Team twice.
Her college achievements eventually earned her induction into the Barton Community College Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
After completing her playing career, Trish became involved in teaching and coaching.
Trish Wade’s Successful Volleyball Coaching Career
Trish Wade became one of the most successful high school volleyball coaches in Kansas during her years at St. John High School.
According to Kansas State Athletics, she guided the school’s volleyball team to three state championships in 2008, 2010, and 2011.
She also received multiple Kansas Volleyball Association Coach of the Year awards.
Her success was particularly meaningful because her daughter, Teresa, played for the team during part of that period.
After approximately 17 seasons coaching volleyball at St. John, Trish began a new chapter in her career.
In July 2025, Nickerson High School announced that she had been appointed head coach of its girls’ volleyball program.
The appointment followed an impressive career that included more than 420 coaching victories at St. John.
Her experience, leadership, and ability to develop young athletes made her a valuable addition to the Nickerson program.
As of 2026, she continues to be identified as Nickerson’s head volleyball coach.
She has also been listed as a physical education teacher at Nickerson Elementary School.
How Trish Wade Influenced Her Son’s Basketball Career
Although Trish Wade was best known for volleyball, her experience as a competitive athlete helped her support Dean’s basketball ambitions.
She understood the discipline required to develop sporting ability and the importance of maintaining academic responsibilities.
Dean grew up watching his mother coach teams and teach young athletes.
Her commitment to preparation, training, and teamwork helped establish a strong sporting culture within the household.
When Dean began attracting attention from college basketball programs, Trish supported his decision to pursue opportunities beyond St. John.
In a 2016 interview published by Kansas State University’s Kansas Profile project, Trish discussed the family’s decision to settle in the community.
She explained that the local school and supportive environment made St. John an appealing place to raise children.
That decision eventually provided Dean with the foundation for his successful high school basketball career.
Dean Wade’s Father: Jay Wade
Jay Wade is Dean Wade’s father and a former college football player.
He grew up in Haviland, Kansas, where he attended school with Trish before both pursued college athletics.
Jay initially played football at Kansas State University, where he was a member of the Wildcats program in 1985.
According to the university’s official biography of Dean, Jay appeared in two games that season as a flanker.
He subsequently transferred to Western Illinois University, where he continued his football career as a defensive back.
His performances at Western Illinois were particularly successful during the 1988 season.
He helped the team achieve a 10–2 record, win the Gateway Conference championship, and reach the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.
Jay earned First Team All-Gateway Conference recognition and was named an Associated Press honorable mention All-American.
Those achievements established him as an accomplished college football player.
What Does Dean Wade’s Father Do?
After completing his college football career, Jay Wade pursued work outside professional sports.
According to a Kansas State University profile published in January 2016, he worked in sales for Foley Caterpillar, an equipment and machinery company.
His professional career influenced where the family lived.
After working in Wichita, Jay received a transfer opportunity that required the family to move to western Kansas.
Jay and Trish subsequently searched for a suitable community where they could raise their children.
They eventually selected St. John, a small town in Stafford County.
The town’s school system and community atmosphere appealed to the couple.
Although Jay’s current professional responsibilities have not been recently detailed in major public reporting, his athletic background and involvement in the family’s move to St. John are well documented.
How Jay Wade Influenced Dean’s Sporting Development
Jay Wade’s football experience helped establish an environment where competitive sports were valued.
Growing up, Dean was exposed to lessons about discipline, physical preparation, and maintaining confidence during difficult situations.
His father’s experience competing at two universities also provided insight into the demands of college athletics.
Although Dean ultimately chose basketball rather than football as his primary sport, he participated in several athletic activities during high school.
He earned varsity letters in football and track while developing into an outstanding basketball player.
Jay supported his son’s decision to concentrate on basketball as his abilities improved.
Dean eventually followed part of his father’s sporting journey by attending Kansas State University.
For the family, his college basketball career represented another important connection to the university where Jay had previously played football.
Does Dean Wade Have Siblings?
Yes. Dean Wade has one publicly documented sibling, an older sister named Teresa Wade Rush.
Teresa is identified in his official Kansas State and NBA biographies.
Like her parents and younger brother, she developed into an accomplished athlete.
Her primary sport was volleyball, although she also participated in basketball and track during high school.
Teresa Wade Rush – Dean Wade’s Older Sister
Teresa Wade Rush, formerly Teresa Wade, is Dean Wade’s older sister and a former college volleyball player.
She grew up in St. John, Kansas, where she attended St. John High School.
During high school, Teresa became one of the most accomplished volleyball players in the region.
She played under her mother, Trish Wade, who served as the school’s volleyball coach.
Teresa was an important member of St. John’s successful volleyball teams and earned multiple individual honors.
According to Dean’s official Kansas State biography, she was an All-State volleyball player and received the 2010 Kansas Class 1A Division I Most Valuable Player award.
She subsequently attended Hutchinson Community College, where she continued competing in volleyball.
Her performances earned her additional recognition, including Jayhawk Conference awards.
She later transferred to Fort Hays State University, where she played for the Tigers.
Teresa Wade’s College Volleyball Career
Teresa Wade enjoyed a successful career at Hutchinson Community College before transferring to Fort Hays State.
At Hutchinson, she became one of the program’s leading outside hitters.
According to a 2018 Heavy Sports profile, Teresa recorded 482 kills during the 2013 season and finished her junior college career with 896 kills.
She also received Jayhawk Conference recognition during her time with the program.
After transferring to Fort Hays State University, she continued competing as an outside hitter.
Official Fort Hays State Athletics reports confirm that Teresa contributed to the Tigers’ volleyball team during the 2014 season.
Her college basketball and volleyball family background made her one of several accomplished athletes in the Wade household.
Teresa Wade Rush’s Coaching Career
Following her college volleyball career, Teresa remained connected to the sport.
In July 2025, Nickerson High School announced that Teresa would join the school’s volleyball coaching staff as an assistant to her mother, Trish Wade.
The appointment reunited the mother-daughter coaching partnership that had contributed to St. John’s successful volleyball program.
According to a July 2025 report published by Great Bend Post, Teresa was expected to serve as an assistant coach while Trish became Nickerson’s new head coach.
The development represented another example of the Wade family’s strong commitment to athletics.
Although Teresa has generally maintained a less public profile than her NBA-playing brother, her achievements as a volleyball player and coach are well documented.
Does Dean Wade Have a Brother?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Dean Wade has a brother.
His official Kansas State and NBA biographies identify Teresa as his older sister without naming any brothers.
Published family profiles also describe Jay and Trish Wade as having two children: Teresa and Dean.
Based on the available information, Teresa is his only publicly documented sibling.
Dean Wade’s Family Background and Childhood in Kansas
Dean Jackson Wade was born on November 20, 1996, in Wichita, Kansas.
His family initially lived in Wichita and briefly in Inman before eventually settling in St. John.
Located in Stafford County, St. John is a small rural community with a strong tradition of high school athletics.
According to Kansas State University’s Kansas Profile project, the town had approximately 1,300 residents during Dean’s childhood.
Growing up in a small town meant that Dean developed close relationships with classmates, coaches, and other members of the community.
His parents’ sporting backgrounds also influenced his daily life.
His mother coached volleyball and track, while his father brought experience from college football.
His older sister participated in basketball, volleyball, and track.
Consequently, organized sports were a regular part of the family’s activities.
Dean eventually became particularly interested in basketball and developed into one of the most talented young players in Kansas.
How Dean Wade’s Family Helped Him Become a Basketball Star
Dean Wade attended St. John High School, where he developed into one of the leading basketball prospects in Kansas.
His combination of height, shooting ability, and versatility made him particularly effective against other high school teams.
During his four-year career, he helped St. John win three consecutive state championships.
The team also completed two undefeated seasons during his time with the program.
As a senior, Wade averaged approximately 25 points per game despite playing relatively limited minutes because of his team’s frequent large victories.
He earned the 2015 Mr. Kansas Basketball award and was named Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year.
He also received Parade All-American recognition, becoming one of the most prominent basketball players to emerge from the small community.
Despite his achievements, Wade initially attracted less attention from major college programs than some highly rated prospects from larger cities.
His recruitment accelerated after strong performances in AAU basketball tournaments.
Kansas State was one of the first major programs to recognize his potential.
He subsequently committed to the Wildcats, continuing the family’s association with the university.
Dean Wade’s College Basketball Career at Kansas State
Dean Wade played college basketball at Kansas State University from 2015 to 2019.
He quickly became an important member of the Wildcats’ rotation, starting 31 games during his freshman season.
His performances improved as he gained experience in the Big 12 Conference.
During his junior season in 2017–18, Wade averaged 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
He also shot 55 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range.
His performances earned him First Team All-Big 12 recognition.
He received the same honor during his senior season, becoming one of the few Kansas State players to earn consecutive first-team selections.
Wade finished his college career with 1,510 points and 685 rebounds.
According to Kansas State Athletics, he also became the only player in program history at the time to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 100 steals, and 100 three-pointers.
He graduated in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in social science.
His achievements reflected the importance his parents placed on combining sporting success with education.
Dean Wade’s Journey to the Cleveland Cavaliers
After completing his college basketball career, Dean Wade entered the 2019 NBA Draft.
Although he was not selected, he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers and began working toward a place in the NBA.
During his early professional career, he also spent time developing with Cleveland’s NBA G League affiliate, the Canton Charge.
Wade gradually established himself as a reliable forward capable of defending multiple positions and contributing from three-point range.
His versatility eventually helped him earn a larger role within the Cavaliers’ rotation.
In September 2022, Cleveland signed Wade to a three-year contract extension.
He continued developing as a valuable role player throughout the following seasons.
During the 2025–26 campaign, he averaged 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game across 59 regular-season appearances.
He also started a career-high 38 games and played an important role during Cleveland’s postseason run.
When Did Dean Wade Join the Philadelphia 76ers?
On July 6, 2026, the Philadelphia 76ers officially announced the signing of Dean Wade.
According to NBA.com and The Philadelphia Inquirer, Wade agreed to a four-year contract worth approximately $39 million.
The agreement marked his departure from Cleveland after spending the first seven seasons of his professional career with the Cavaliers.
Philadelphia valued his defensive versatility, experience, and ability to contribute without needing a large number of offensive possessions.
Wade joined a revamped roster that included Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, and several other experienced players.
The move also represented a new experience for his family because Cleveland had previously been the only NBA home he had known.
In a September 2026 interview with ClutchPoints, Wade discussed the excitement surrounding the move.
He revealed that he was playing outside with his daughter when his wife told him about LeBron James joining Philadelphia.
Initially, he believed the news might be inaccurate because he had not expected to become teammates with one of basketball’s most accomplished players.
The story demonstrated how professional milestones continued to intersect with his family life.
Dean Wade’s Family Values and Community Involvement
Dean Wade’s upbringing in St. John, Kansas, remains an important part of his identity.
Despite becoming an NBA player, he has maintained connections to the community where he attended school and developed his basketball skills.
His parents’ commitment to youth athletics helped establish an understanding of the importance of supporting younger generations.
Wade has continued those traditions through basketball activities in Kansas.
In June 2026, Hutch Post reported that Wade planned to host a free youth basketball camp at Nickerson High School on July 25.
The event was designed for children entering grades three through eight.
Registration was limited to approximately 75 participants per session, allowing young athletes to receive instruction in a structured environment.
The choice of location also reflected his family’s connection to Nickerson, where his mother was serving as volleyball coach.
For Wade, participating in youth basketball activities represented an opportunity to give back to communities that had supported his development.
His family’s continued involvement in coaching and education has helped maintain those connections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dean Wade’s Family
Who is Dean Wade’s wife?
Dean Wade’s wife is Kayla Goth Wade, a former Kansas State women’s basketball player who earned All-Big 12 recognition during her college career.
Is Dean Wade married?
Yes. Dean Wade married Kayla Goth on August 20, 2022, in Manhattan, Kansas.
How did Dean Wade meet his wife?
Dean Wade met Kayla Goth while they were students and basketball players at Kansas State University.
When did Dean Wade and Kayla Goth get married?
The couple married on August 20, 2022, at Liquid Art Winery near Manhattan, Kansas.
Does Dean Wade have children?
Yes. Dean Wade has one publicly confirmed daughter with his wife, Kayla Wade.
What is Dean Wade’s daughter’s name?
Dean Wade has publicly discussed his daughter, but her name has not been reliably established through official NBA interviews or major sports reporting.
When was Dean Wade’s daughter born?
His daughter was born before December 2024, when he discussed fatherhood in an official Cleveland Cavaliers interview. Her exact birth date has not been publicly confirmed.
Who is Dean Wade’s mother?
His mother is Trish Wade, a former All-American college volleyball player and successful high school coach who became the head volleyball coach at Nickerson High School in 2025.
Who is Dean Wade’s father?
His father is Jay Wade, a former college football player who competed at Kansas State University and Western Illinois University.
Does Dean Wade have siblings?
Yes. Dean Wade has an older sister named Teresa Wade Rush, a former college volleyball player.
Who is Dean Wade’s sister?
His sister is Teresa Wade Rush, who played volleyball at Hutchinson Community College and Fort Hays State University before becoming involved in coaching.
Does Dean Wade have a brother?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Dean Wade has a brother. His official biographies identify one older sister, Teresa.
Is Dean Wade related to Dwyane Wade?
There is no established family relationship between Dean Wade and former NBA star Dwyane Wade. They are separate basketball figures who share a surname.
Where is Dean Wade’s family from?
Dean Wade’s family is from Kansas. His parents grew up in small Kansas communities, and he was raised primarily in St. John.
When was Dean Wade born?
Dean Jackson Wade was born on November 20, 1996, in Wichita, Kansas.
How tall is Dean Wade?
Dean Wade is listed at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall by the NBA.
What college did Dean Wade attend?
He attended Kansas State University, where he played basketball from 2015 to 2019 and earned consecutive First Team All-Big 12 honors.
Which NBA team does Dean Wade play for?
As of October 2026, Dean Wade plays for the Philadelphia 76ers after signing a four-year contract with the franchise in July 2026.
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.
