Last Updated on October 12, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a Canadian professional basketball player who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. Born on July 12, 1998, in Toronto, Ontario, he grew up in Hamilton in a family with a strong athletic background. His mother, Charmaine Gilgeous, represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 1992 Olympic Games, while his father, Vaughn Alexander, was a talented high school basketball player who helped develop his son’s passion for the sport.
Beyond his remarkable basketball career, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s family includes his wife, Hailey Summers, their son, Ares Alexander, his parents, and his younger brother, Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander. His family has remained an important source of motivation throughout his journey from Canada to becoming an NBA champion and two-time Most Valuable Player. Here is everything publicly known about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s wife, children, parents, and siblings.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Wife: Who Is Hailey Summers?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is married to Hailey Summers, a Canadian former collegiate soccer player. The couple have been together since their teenage years and built a relationship that has continued throughout Shai’s professional basketball career.
Hailey Summers was born on October 22, 1999, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She is the daughter of Ron Summers and Carolyn Oliver and grew up alongside two siblings, Taylor and Will.
Like her husband, Hailey developed a passion for sports at a young age. She attended St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton, where she participated in soccer, basketball, and football.
She subsequently attended the University at Albany in New York, where she played NCAA Division I soccer for the Great Danes from 2017 to 2021. Playing as a defender, Hailey became an important member of the university’s women’s soccer team and served as team captain during her collegiate career.
According to her official University at Albany biography, she earned America East All-Conference recognition and received academic honors during her time with the program.
How Did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Meet Hailey Summers?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Hailey Summers are longtime sweethearts who began dating before Shai became an NBA player.
Although the couple have not publicly disclosed the exact circumstances of their first meeting, their relationship dates back to at least January 2017, when Hailey shared a photograph of them together on Instagram.
They maintained their relationship while pursuing separate athletic careers. Shai attended the University of Kentucky before entering the 2018 NBA Draft, while Hailey continued playing college soccer at Albany.
Despite their demanding sporting schedules, the couple supported each other’s ambitions and remained together as Shai established himself in the NBA.
When Did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Get Married?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander married Hailey Summers on February 14, 2024, Valentine’s Day, in an intimate wedding ceremony.
The couple celebrated their marriage privately before sharing photographs on social media. Their wedding announcement featured pictures of the newlyweds surrounded by flowers, confirming their marriage date.
Hailey has remained an important presence in Shai’s life, regularly attending Oklahoma City Thunder games and supporting him during major basketball milestones.
One particularly emotional moment occurred in May 2025, when Shai received his first NBA Most Valuable Player award. During his acceptance speech, he publicly thanked Hailey for her love, sacrifices, and support throughout their relationship.
Hailey was also present when the Thunder won the 2025 NBA championship, celebrating the achievement alongside her husband and their young son.
As of now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Hailey Summers remain married and continue raising their family while he pursues his NBA career.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Children: Meet His Son Ares Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Ares Alexander, whom he shares with his wife, Hailey Summers.
Ares Alexander – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Son
Ares Alexander was born on April 25, 2024, approximately two months after his parents married.
Shai and Hailey announced their son’s birth through a joint Instagram post, sharing a photograph of their newborn baby.
The arrival of Ares represented an important new chapter in Shai’s personal life. Although he was already established as one of the NBA’s leading basketball players, becoming a father gave him a different perspective on his responsibilities and priorities.
In interviews, Gilgeous-Alexander has discussed how fatherhood has helped him become more patient, understanding, and emotionally aware.
He has also explained that spending time with Ares allows him to separate the pressures of professional basketball from his personal happiness.
In April 2025, the couple celebrated Ares’ first birthday with a cowboy-themed party called “Ares’ First Rodeo.” Several Oklahoma City Thunder players attended the celebration, including Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Jaylin Williams.
Ares has also become a familiar presence during his father’s basketball celebrations. Following Oklahoma City’s victory in the 2025 NBA Finals, Shai celebrated with his wife and son on the court.
During the playoffs, Ares attracted attention after playing with a basketball on the court alongside his father, providing fans with a memorable family moment.
Shai has incorporated fatherhood into his creative projects as well. His Converse signature basketball shoe collection has included designs inspired by Ares, reflecting the important place his son occupies in his life.
As of now, Ares Alexander is the only child publicly confirmed to have been born to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Hailey Summers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Parents: Meet Charmaine Gilgeous and Vaughn Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was born to Charmaine Gilgeous and Vaughn Alexander, two former athletes with family roots in Antigua and Barbuda.
His parents raised him and his younger brother, Thomasi, in Canada. Although Charmaine and Vaughn later divorced, both remained important influences on their sons’ athletic development.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Mother: Charmaine Gilgeous
Charmaine Gilgeous is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s mother and a former Olympic track and field athlete who represented Antigua and Barbuda.
She grew up in the Toronto area, and her parents immigrated to Canada from Antigua and Barbuda during the 1970s.
Charmaine developed into a talented sprinter and earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Alabama, where she became a five-time All-American.
Her most significant international achievement came in 1992, when she represented Antigua and Barbuda at the Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
Competing in the women’s 400 meters, Charmaine experienced the highest level of international athletics years before her son began his professional basketball career.
Following her competitive athletics career, Charmaine worked as a social worker and dedicated considerable time to raising her sons.
According to an ESPN profile, she emphasized discipline, determination, confidence, and independence while raising Shai and Thomasi.
She encouraged her children to participate in different sports rather than forcing them to specialize at an early age. Shai consequently played basketball, soccer, football, and other sports during his childhood.
Charmaine also introduced her sons to fashion and personal presentation. She occasionally took them window-shopping at luxury stores in Toronto, encouraging them to imagine what they could achieve through hard work.
Her influence extended to Shai’s mentality as an athlete. He has repeatedly credited his mother with teaching him to believe in himself and remain confident regardless of outside criticism.
Charmaine has remained closely connected to her son’s career and celebrated his major accomplishments, including Oklahoma City’s first NBA championship in 2025.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Father: Vaughn Alexander
Vaughn Alexander, also referred to as Vaughan Alexander in some publications, is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s father and a former Canadian high school basketball player.
Vaughn attended Georges Vanier Secondary School in Toronto, where he became a standout basketball player and helped his team win a city-level championship.
Although Vaughn did not establish an NBA career, his knowledge of basketball played an important role in the development of his sons.
From an early age, he encouraged Shai, Thomasi, and their cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker to participate in sports and compete against one another.
Vaughn helped teach them basketball fundamentals, including ball-handling, shooting, positioning, and the importance of consistent practice.
His approach emphasized competition and personal improvement. Rather than allowing his children to become comfortable with their abilities, he encouraged them to challenge stronger opponents and develop their skills.
Vaughn was also an important father figure to his nephew, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, whose father was not consistently present during his childhood.
Nickeil later became an NBA player, giving the extended Alexander family two professional basketball stars in the league.
Outside his involvement with his sons, Vaughn established the No Flukes Foundation, an organization focused on supporting young people through basketball, mentorship, and personal development.
The foundation reflects his belief that success is built through preparation, discipline, education, and dedication rather than luck.
Vaughn has continued supporting Shai throughout his NBA career and has publicly expressed pride in his son’s accomplishments.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Siblings: Meet His Younger Brother Thomasi
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has one biological sibling, a younger brother named Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander.
The two brothers grew up together in Hamilton, Ontario, where they developed a close relationship through sports, family activities, and shared experiences.
Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Brother
Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander was born in December 2000, making him approximately two years younger than Shai.
Like his older brother, Thomasi developed an interest in basketball during childhood. He benefited from the guidance of their father, Vaughn Alexander, who encouraged both sons to work hard and develop their abilities.
Thomasi pursued basketball at the collegiate level, beginning his career at the University of Evansville, where he played for the Purple Aces.
He later attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and Santa Monica College, continuing his involvement in basketball.
Although Thomasi did not follow exactly the same professional path as Shai, he developed his own identity as an athlete.
Beyond basketball, Thomasi has also demonstrated an interest in fashion, an enthusiasm he shares with his older brother.
The brothers have appeared together in fashion-related projects, including promotions associated with Converse.
Their relationship has remained close despite Shai’s demanding NBA schedule, and Thomasi has been supportive of his older brother’s accomplishments.
During their childhood, the two also spent considerable time with their cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who became an important part of their family circle.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Cousin: Who Is Nickeil Alexander-Walker?
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s first cousin and a fellow NBA player.
Nickeil was born on September 2, 1998, in Toronto, approximately two months after Shai. His mother, Nicole Alexander, is the sister of Shai’s father, Vaughn Alexander.
The cousins grew up spending considerable time together and developed a close bond through basketball.
During their teenage years, Shai and Nickeil moved to the United States to attend Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
They lived together at the home of their high school basketball coach, Zach Ferrell, while pursuing opportunities to develop their basketball careers.
Shai subsequently attended the University of Kentucky and entered the NBA in 2018, while Nickeil played for Virginia Tech before being selected in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Both players eventually established themselves in professional basketball, becoming prominent representatives of Canada’s basketball talent.
Although Nickeil is Shai’s cousin rather than his biological brother, their relationship has often been described as brotherly because of their shared upbringing and experiences.
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s family has been central to his development as a professional basketball player.
His mother’s Olympic experience introduced him to the discipline required to compete at an elite level, while his father’s basketball background provided technical guidance and encouragement.
Growing up alongside Thomasi and Nickeil also created a competitive environment that helped Shai develop his skills and confidence.
After moving to the United States for high school basketball, Shai played one season at the University of Kentucky before entering the 2018 NBA Draft.
He was selected with the 11th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets and immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
In 2019, he joined the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the trade that sent Paul George to the Clippers.
Over the following seasons, Shai developed into one of the NBA’s leading guards, earning multiple All-Star and All-NBA selections.
His career reached a major milestone in 2025 when he won the NBA Most Valuable Player award, the scoring title, the NBA championship, and Finals MVP.
He followed that achievement by winning his second consecutive NBA MVP award in May 2026.
Throughout his success, his wife, Hailey, and their son, Ares, have become increasingly important to his personal happiness.
In a 2025 Sports Illustrated profile, Shai explained that becoming a father helped him better understand other people’s emotions and improved his leadership skills.
He has repeatedly emphasized that basketball achievements are meaningful, but his relationships with his wife, child, parents, and brother provide a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Family
Who is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s girlfriend?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s longtime girlfriend was Hailey Summers, a former University at Albany soccer player. They married on February 14, 2024, and she is now his wife.
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander married?
Yes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is married to Hailey Summers. The couple have been together since at least 2017 and married on Valentine’s Day in 2024.
How many children does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has one publicly confirmed child, a son named Ares Alexander, born on April 25, 2024.
Who are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s parents?
His parents are Charmaine Gilgeous, a former Olympic sprinter who represented Antigua and Barbuda, and Vaughn Alexander, a former high school basketball player and youth mentor.
How many siblings does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has one younger brother, Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander, who was born in December 2000 and played college basketball in the United States.
Does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have a sister?
No sister has been identified in reliable public biographies. His only publicly documented biological sibling is his younger brother, Thomasi.
Is Nickeil Alexander-Walker Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s brother?
No. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s first cousin. Their parents, Nicole Alexander and Vaughn Alexander, are siblings. However, the two NBA players grew up so closely that they frequently describe their relationship as brotherly.
Where is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s family from?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was born in Toronto, Canada, and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. His family has Caribbean roots through Antigua and Barbuda, the country his mother represented at the 1992 Olympic Games.
Who is Ares Alexander?
Ares Alexander is the son of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Hailey Summers. He was born on April 25, 2024, and has appeared alongside his parents during Oklahoma City Thunder basketball celebrations.
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.
