Julian Champagnie’s Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Candida Lucia

Julian Champagnie is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. Born on June 29, 2001, in Staten Island, New York, Champagnie grew up in Brooklyn and developed his basketball career at St. John’s University before entering the NBA in 2022. Beyond his achievements on the court, his family has played an important role in shaping his character, work ethic and determination to succeed.

Julian Champagnie’s family includes his fiancée, Cassidy Velez, his father, Ranford Champagnie, his mother, Christina Champagnie, his identical twin brother, Justin Champagnie, and his younger brother, Jaylen Champagnie. His father is a former college soccer player and coach, while his mother has worked as an elementary school teacher for more than two decades. Growing up in a sports-oriented household, Julian and his twin brother developed a competitive relationship that eventually helped both reach the NBA.

Julian Champagnie’s Girlfriend: Who Is Cassidy Velez?

Julian Champagnie is engaged to Cassidy Velez, a model who has supported his basketball career throughout their relationship. The couple publicly announced their engagement in July 2024 after dating for more than a year.

Although the exact circumstances of their first meeting have not been publicly disclosed, photographs shared on Cassidy’s Instagram account suggest their relationship began by early 2023.

In May 2023, Velez shared photographs with the San Antonio Spurs forward, publicly acknowledging their relationship. Since then, she has frequently attended basketball games and celebrated his professional achievements through social media.

Cassidy has been particularly supportive of Julian’s journey from an undrafted NBA prospect to an established member of the San Antonio Spurs.

In 2024, she shared an emotional social media tribute celebrating his progress in the league. She praised his ambition, determination and dedication to basketball while expressing pride in the sacrifices he had made to establish himself professionally.

When Did Julian Champagnie and Cassidy Velez Get Engaged?

Julian Champagnie and Cassidy Velez announced their engagement in July 2024 through a joint Instagram post.

The announcement featured photographs of the couple, including Cassidy displaying her engagement ring. Their caption celebrated the beginning of their next chapter together.

In October 2024, Julian also posted photographs with his fiancée, accompanied by a romantic message and a reference to saving the date for their wedding.

Despite their engagement, the couple initially kept details of their wedding plans relatively private.

In June 2026, People magazine reported that Julian and Cassidy were still publicly identified as an engaged couple and that no wedding announcement had been confirmed at the time.

Cassidy continued supporting her fiancé during the San Antonio Spurs’ 2026 playoff run. After the team advanced to the NBA Finals, she celebrated Julian’s achievement through an enthusiastic Instagram message.

As of now, Cassidy Velez is Julian Champagnie’s most recently confirmed romantic partner and fiancée. No subsequent wedding announcement has been reliably established.

Julian Champagnie’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?

There is no publicly verified information indicating that Julian Champagnie has children. The San Antonio Spurs forward has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and established reports about his personal life do not identify him as a father.

Much of the available information about Champagnie’s life outside basketball focuses on his relationship with Cassidy Velez, his parents and his brothers.

Although Julian occasionally shares personal moments on social media, he has not confirmed having children with Cassidy or from any previous relationship.

As of now, Julian Champagnie has no publicly confirmed children.

Julian Champagnie’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?

Julian Champagnie was born to Ranford Champagnie and Christina Champagnie in New York. His parents raised him and his two brothers in Brooklyn, where sports became an important part of their everyday lives.

Ranford and Christina worked hard to provide their children with educational opportunities and a supportive family environment despite the financial challenges associated with raising twins in New York City.

Both parents encouraged Julian and Justin to participate in different sports, including baseball, soccer and basketball, before the twins eventually concentrated on basketball.

Julian Champagnie’s Father: Ranford Champagnie

Ranford Champagnie is Julian Champagnie’s father and a former college soccer player who later became a successful soccer coach.

Originally from Jamaica, Ranford moved to the United States and grew up in the Bronx, New York. He attended St. John’s University, where he played soccer for the Red Storm during the 1990s.

Ranford was part of the St. John’s men’s soccer team that won the 1996 NCAA Division I national championship. His collegiate career also included success in the Big East Conference.

After completing his playing career, he remained involved in soccer through coaching and player development.

Ranford became the head coach of the Baruch College men’s soccer program following the 2003 season. Under his leadership, the team won five City University of New York Athletic Conference tournament championships and made five appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

He also received multiple conference Coach of the Year awards for his achievements.

In September 2023, York College announced that Ranford had joined its men’s soccer coaching staff as an assistant coach.

Despite his extensive soccer background, Ranford encouraged his sons to develop their own athletic interests rather than insisting they follow his career path.

Julian and Justin initially played several sports, including soccer, before discovering their passion for basketball.

Ranford also helped his children access educational and athletic opportunities. When the twins were preparing to attend Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn, he took on coaching responsibilities at the school, helping make their education more affordable.

His involvement in sports provided Julian with an early understanding of discipline, competition and the dedication required to succeed at a high level.

Julian Champagnie’s Mother: Christina Champagnie

Christina Champagnie is Julian Champagnie’s mother and an elementary school educator who has spent more than two decades working with young children in Brooklyn.

Her family has longstanding connections to New York City, particularly the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn.

According to reporting by the San Antonio Express-News, Christina worked as a second-grade teacher at a private Catholic school in Brooklyn.

Christina played a central role in raising Julian and Justin while balancing her teaching career and family responsibilities.

In a 2021 interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, she recalled the challenges of discovering that she was expecting twins when she was 25 years old.

Although the prospect of raising two babies initially felt overwhelming, Christina became determined to provide her sons with the support and opportunities they needed.

During their childhood, the family lived in a small Brooklyn apartment, and their parents frequently took them to local parks to play sports and release their energy.

As Julian and Justin became increasingly committed to basketball, Christina spent considerable time transporting them to practices, games and tournaments across New York City.

She balanced those responsibilities with her work as a teacher and her pursuit of further education.

Christina also emphasized the importance of academic performance. She wanted her sons to understand that success in sports required discipline in the classroom as well as on the basketball court.

When Julian and Justin eventually decided to attend different universities, Christina initially found the separation emotional because the brothers had spent most of their lives together.

Nevertheless, she supported their decisions and encouraged them to establish their individual identities.

Her sacrifices and encouragement helped both brothers develop into professional basketball players.

Julian Champagnie’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?

Julian Champagnie has two publicly documented siblings: his identical twin brother, Justin Champagnie, and his younger brother, Jaylen Champagnie.

The three brothers grew up in Brooklyn, New York, in a family with strong athletic traditions. While Julian and Justin pursued professional basketball careers, Jaylen has largely remained outside the public spotlight.

Justin Champagnie – Julian Champagnie’s Twin Brother

Justin Champagnie is Julian Champagnie’s identical twin brother and an American professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards.

The brothers were born on June 29, 2001, and spent their childhood together in Brooklyn. Justin is reportedly the older twin by approximately seven minutes.

Growing up, Julian and Justin were practically inseparable. They attended the same schools, participated in the same youth basketball programs and regularly competed against each other.

Their competitive relationship became an important part of their athletic development. Although both were talented basketball players, they displayed different personalities and playing styles.

Julian was often described as calm and composed, while Justin was known for his energetic personality and aggressive playing style.

The brothers attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, where they became standout basketball players and attracted attention from college recruiters.

They originally hoped to continue playing together after high school, but their plans changed during the college recruitment process.

Justin committed to the University of Pittsburgh, where he played for the Panthers from 2019 to 2021.

Julian instead chose St. John’s University, allowing him to remain close to his family in New York City while pursuing his own basketball career.

Despite attending different universities, the twins maintained a close relationship and continued supporting each other’s development.

Justin entered professional basketball in 2021 after going undrafted. He initially played for the Toronto Raptors before spending time with other NBA organizations.

Julian followed a similar path in 2022, beginning his professional career with the Philadelphia 76ers before establishing himself with the San Antonio Spurs.

With Justin representing the Washington Wizards and Julian playing for the Spurs, the brothers achieved the unusual distinction of both competing in the NBA.

They have also faced each other as opponents, turning their childhood basketball rivalry into a professional competition.

Despite playing for different teams, their shared experiences and family background have remained important parts of their relationship.

Jaylen Champagnie – Julian Champagnie’s Younger Brother

Jaylen Champagnie is Julian Champagnie’s younger brother and the youngest publicly documented child of Ranford and Christina Champagnie.

His identity is confirmed in Julian’s official St. John’s University basketball biography, which identifies Justin as his twin brother and Jaylen as his younger sibling.

Jaylen grew up in Brooklyn in a household where basketball and soccer were familiar parts of family life.

Because his older brothers established professional basketball careers, Jaylen has occasionally been mentioned in interviews discussing the Champagnie family’s upbringing.

In February 2024, the San Antonio Express-News reported that Jaylen was seven years old, highlighting the significant age difference between him and his older brothers.

Although Julian and Justin have attracted considerable media attention, Jaylen remains a private individual. There is limited reliable public information about his education, sporting interests or personal activities.

As the youngest member of the family, he has grown up watching his older brothers pursue basketball careers at the highest professional level.

Julian Champagnie’s Family Background and Jamaican Heritage

Julian Champagnie is American by nationality and has Jamaican ancestry through his father, Ranford Champagnie.

Ranford was born in Jamaica before moving to the United States, where he continued his education and developed his soccer career.

Julian’s mother, Christina, comes from a family with longstanding roots in Brooklyn, New York.

These different family backgrounds contributed to the cultural environment in which Julian and his brothers were raised.

The family lived in Brooklyn’s Kensington neighborhood, and Julian has frequently expressed pride in his New York upbringing.

Growing up in the city exposed him to competitive neighborhood basketball, where he learned to compete against older and more experienced players.

His parents also encouraged him to stay focused on education and productive activities, helping him avoid some of the challenges associated with growing up in a demanding urban environment.

Julian has credited his mother and father with making sacrifices to provide their children with opportunities that eventually helped him and Justin reach the NBA.

How Julian Champagnie’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career

Julian Champagnie’s development as a professional basketball player was shaped by his parents’ dedication and his competitive relationship with his twin brother.

As children, Julian and Justin regularly played basketball together in Brooklyn parks and school gyms.

The twins also played on youth basketball teams, including the New Heights Amateur Athletic Union program, where they improved their skills and attracted attention from college coaches.

At Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Julian developed into a talented forward, averaging 17.2 points per game during his senior season.

He subsequently committed to St. John’s University in 2019, choosing the same institution where his father had won a national soccer championship.

During his three seasons with the Red Storm, Julian became one of the Big East Conference’s leading players, earning First Team All-Big East honors in consecutive seasons.

Despite his impressive college performances, he went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft.

He initially joined the Philadelphia 76ers but was waived in February 2023. Shortly afterward, the San Antonio Spurs signed him to a two-way contract, giving him another opportunity to establish himself in the league.

Through consistent effort and improved shooting, Julian gradually earned a more prominent role with San Antonio.

His development culminated in an impressive 2025-26 season, during which he became an important contributor to the Spurs’ successful playoff campaign.

Throughout his journey, his family remained a source of encouragement, reflecting the close relationships that helped him overcome setbacks and pursue his NBA ambitions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Julian Champagnie’s Family

Who is Julian Champagnie’s girlfriend?

Julian Champagnie’s girlfriend and publicly confirmed fiancée is Cassidy Velez, a model who has supported his NBA career. The couple announced their engagement in July 2024.

Is Julian Champagnie married?

Julian Champagnie is publicly known to be engaged to Cassidy Velez. No subsequent wedding announcement has been reliably confirmed.

Does Julian Champagnie have children?

There are no publicly verified reports confirming that Julian Champagnie has any children.

Who is Julian Champagnie’s father?

His father is Ranford Champagnie, a Jamaican-born former college soccer player who helped St. John’s University win the 1996 NCAA national championship. He later became a soccer coach.

Who is Julian Champagnie’s mother?

His mother is Christina Champagnie, a longtime elementary school teacher from Brooklyn, New York, who helped raise Julian and his brothers.

How many siblings does Julian Champagnie have?

Julian Champagnie has two brothers: his identical twin, Justin Champagnie, and his younger brother, Jaylen Champagnie.

Is Justin Champagnie Julian Champagnie’s twin brother?

Yes. Justin and Julian Champagnie are identical twin brothers born on June 29, 2001. Both are professional NBA players.

Who is Julian Champagnie’s younger brother?

His younger brother is Jaylen Champagnie, who has maintained a relatively private life compared with his two older brothers.

What nationality are Julian Champagnie’s parents?

Julian’s father, Ranford Champagnie, was born in Jamaica and later moved to the United States. His mother, Christina Champagnie, has longstanding family roots in Brooklyn, New York.

Where is Julian Champagnie’s family from?

Julian Champagnie was born in Staten Island and raised in Brooklyn, New York. His family also has Jamaican roots through his father.