Last Updated on October 10, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Coby White is an American professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. Born on February 16, 2000, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, his full name is Alec Jacoby White. He is the youngest of three children born to Donald White and Bonita White. His older siblings are William “Will” White and Tia White, both of whom have played important roles in his personal development and professional basketball career.
White’s family story is particularly meaningful because of his close relationship with his late father, Donald, who died of liver cancer on August 15, 2017. A former college basketball player at North Carolina Central University, Donald introduced Coby to basketball and became his greatest inspiration. Today, Coby continues honoring his father’s memory through his NBA career and the Coby White Family Foundation. Although his parents and siblings are well documented, his romantic life remains relatively private, and there is no verified public confirmation that he is married or has children.
Who Is Coby White’s Girlfriend?
As of now, Coby White has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend or romantic partner.
Although the Charlotte Hornets guard has attracted considerable attention throughout his NBA career, he generally prefers to keep his dating life away from media coverage.
Most of his public interviews focus on basketball, his family, his father’s legacy, and the charitable initiatives he supports in North Carolina and Chicago.
However, there has been some speculation about his romantic relationships in entertainment and sports publications.
Is Coby White Dating Danyelle Williams?
In January 2025, EssentiallySports published an article discussing speculation that Coby White was romantically involved with Danyelle Williams, a former college volleyball player.
The publication reported that the two had been seen together at social events and appeared to share a connection through social media.
However, the article explicitly acknowledged that neither White nor Williams had publicly confirmed a romantic relationship.
Danyelle Williams has a background in competitive sports and studied at Northwestern University, where she played volleyball.
She later continued her education at Tulane University.
Her father, Aaron Williams, is a former professional basketball player who competed in the NBA.
Danyelle is also listed among the executive team members of the Coby White Family Foundation, confirming that she has a professional association with White’s charitable organization.
Nevertheless, working together on a charitable project does not establish that two people are romantically involved.
As of October 2026, there is insufficient reliable information to identify Danyelle Williams as Coby White’s confirmed current girlfriend.
Is Coby White Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Coby White is married or has a wife.
His official NBA and University of North Carolina biographies do not identify a spouse.
Likewise, established sports publications have not documented a wedding or marriage announcement involving the Charlotte Hornets player.
Although White has been linked to potential romantic partners, those reports do not establish that he has entered a marriage.
As of now, his marital status remains publicly unconfirmed.
Does Coby White Have Children?
Coby White is not publicly known to have any children. There have been no verified announcements or credible reports confirming that he is the father of a son or daughter.
His public appearances frequently include family members, particularly his mother, brother, and sister.
He is also an uncle and has spent time with his sister Tia’s children.
According to a March 2024 Chicago Tribune family profile, Tia has two children who occasionally join family gatherings and trips.
During White’s rookie NBA season in 2019, ESPN also documented a family gathering that included his young nephew, Ali Pourghassemi II.
These relationships demonstrate that children are part of his extended family, but they should not be confused with White having children of his own.
His involvement with young people through basketball camps and the Coby White Family Foundation is another important part of his life outside basketball.
However, supporting children through charitable work does not establish parental status.
As of now, there is no verified public information indicating that Coby White has become a father.
Who Are Coby White’s Parents?
Coby White’s parents are Donald White and Bonita White, both of whom raised him in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Their identities are confirmed in his official University of North Carolina Athletics biography and NBA player profile.
His father was a former college basketball player who worked at a factory, while his mother worked in the insurance industry.
Both parents encouraged their three children to value education, discipline, family relationships, and personal responsibility.
In a September 2025 interview with Andscape, White credited his parents and older siblings with helping him avoid negative influences during his teenage years.
His family support helped him concentrate on basketball and pursue opportunities that eventually led to the NBA.
Coby White’s Father: Donald White
Donald White was Coby White’s father, his first basketball teacher, and one of the most influential people in his life.
He played college basketball at North Carolina Central University before establishing a career as a factory worker in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
According to a personal essay written by Coby for The Players’ Tribune in June 2019, Donald regularly worked overnight shifts to provide for his wife and three children.
Despite the demands of his job, he made time to support his children’s education and sporting activities.
Donald introduced Coby to basketball when he was still a small child.
He installed a basketball hoop outside the family’s home and encouraged his youngest son to practice shooting.
After returning from school, Coby would complete his homework before heading outside to play basketball.
Although Donald usually slept during the day because of his overnight work schedule, the sound of his son practicing often encouraged him to join in.
The two frequently competed in friendly shooting contests, particularly games of HORSE.
Donald also enjoyed telling his son stories about his college basketball experiences.
Those conversations helped Coby develop an appreciation for the sport long before he became a nationally recognized high school player.
How Donald White Inspired His Son’s Basketball Career
Donald White believed his youngest son had the potential to become an accomplished basketball player.
His encouragement became particularly important when Coby began attracting attention from college basketball recruiters.
During his sophomore year at Greenfield School, White received a scholarship offer from the University of North Carolina.
Donald accompanied him on a recruiting visit to Chapel Hill, where they met legendary basketball coach Roy Williams.
According to Coby’s June 2019 essay, his father immediately developed a positive impression of the coach.
The family appreciated Williams’s straightforward personality and his approach to developing young basketball players.
Only a few days after receiving the offer, Coby committed to playing for North Carolina.
For Donald, the commitment represented an important achievement.
It also meant that his son would have an opportunity to pursue high-level basketball while remaining relatively close to home.
Unfortunately, Donald became seriously ill before he could watch his son compete for the Tar Heels.
What Happened to Coby White’s Father?
Donald White died of liver cancer on August 15, 2017, when Coby was 17 years old.
His death is confirmed by ESPN, The Players’ Tribune, and the Coby White Family Foundation.
Donald had been diagnosed with liver cancer during Coby’s high school years.
Initially, the family hoped that medical treatment would help him recover.
However, the disease progressed, and his condition gradually deteriorated.
In his June 2019 essay for The Players’ Tribune, Coby described the emotional difficulty of watching his father’s health decline.
He recalled experiencing sadness, frustration, and uncertainty as the family adjusted to the seriousness of the illness.
On the morning of August 15, 2017, Coby was preparing to travel to Los Angeles for a basketball development event when his mother called to inform him that Donald had died.
His older brother Will helped him return home.
The loss represented one of the most difficult periods of White’s life.
Donald had been more than a parent. He had also been Coby’s first coach, an enthusiastic supporter, and the person who helped establish his love for basketball.
Although Donald did not live to see his son play at North Carolina or enter the NBA, his influence has remained central to Coby’s career.
How Coby White Honors His Late Father
Coby White has consistently honored Donald’s memory since his father’s death in 2017.
One of his best-known tributes is the abbreviation FMF, which stands for “For My Father.”
He frequently included the letters in his social media posts during the early years of his career.
White also had the abbreviation tattooed on his right arm alongside Roman numerals representing the date his father died.
According to an ESPN profile published in November 2019, he also kept a custom necklace featuring his father’s image in his Chicago apartment.
In June 2019, shortly before entering the NBA Draft, he published the personal essay “For My Father” in The Players’ Tribune.
The article described the family’s experiences during Donald’s illness and explained how his father’s memory continued motivating him.
Donald was also remembered for openly expressing affection toward his children.
In a March 2024 Chicago Tribune interview, Bonita described her late husband’s habit of hugging Coby and showing affection even when other people were present.
She explained that Coby had inherited many of his father’s qualities, particularly his outgoing personality and desire to support others.
His father’s influence remains visible not only in his basketball career but also in his commitment to family and charitable work.
Coby White’s Mother: Bonita White
Bonita White is Coby White’s mother and one of the most important figures in his personal life.
She raised Coby and his older siblings, Will and Tia, alongside their father in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Bonita has worked in the insurance industry, with biographical reporting identifying her as an insurance claims manager.
Throughout Coby’s childhood, she supported his education, basketball activities, and personal development.
Following Donald’s death in 2017, Bonita became an especially important source of emotional support for the family.
She remained involved in Coby’s transition from high school basketball to the University of North Carolina.
When he entered the NBA in 2019, she also helped him adjust to the responsibilities associated with professional sports.
In an ESPN interview during his rookie season, Bonita spoke about the family’s determination to remain connected despite the challenges of losing Donald.
She attended Coby’s games and continued supporting him as his career developed with the Chicago Bulls.
How Bonita White Supported Coby During Difficult Times
Bonita White has remained an important source of guidance throughout her son’s professional basketball career.
In March 2024, the Chicago Tribune published an extensive profile examining how Coby’s family helped him navigate the emotional challenges associated with his father’s death.
During his early NBA years, White experienced considerable pressure while adapting to professional competition.
He also continued dealing with the loss of Donald.
When NBA activities were interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, White had additional time to reflect on his personal experiences.
During that period, he reached out to his mother for support.
Bonita traveled to Chicago, where Will was already living with Coby.
Tia also visited with her children, allowing the family to spend time together.
According to the Chicago Tribune, those family gatherings helped Coby begin discussing emotions he had previously struggled to express.
His mother continued encouraging him to communicate openly and maintain a healthy perspective on basketball.
She has also supported his decision to pursue specialized offseason training programs.
When White began spending summers training in California, Bonita and other family members occasionally joined him.
The family participated in physical training activities and spent time together between basketball workouts.
Those experiences demonstrate how Bonita has remained closely involved in her son’s life long after he became a professional athlete.
Coby White’s Siblings: Meet His Brother Will and Sister Tia
Coby White has two older siblings: William “Will” White and Tia White.
Both are identified in his official University of North Carolina and NBA biographies.
The three siblings grew up together in Goldsboro, North Carolina, under the guidance of Donald and Bonita White.
According to the Coby White Family Foundation, their upbringing emphasized the importance of supporting one another and helping people in their community.
Will and Tia have remained closely involved in Coby’s professional life, particularly through charitable activities and family initiatives.
William “Will” White – Coby White’s Older Brother
William White, commonly known as Will White, is Coby White’s older brother and a former college basketball player.
Like his younger brother, Will developed an interest in basketball during childhood.
He attended Mars Hill University in North Carolina, where he competed in college basketball.
According to Coby’s official University of North Carolina biography, Will later worked as an assistant basketball coach at Mars Hill.
His experience in competitive basketball helped establish an important sporting example for Coby during childhood.
In a March 2024 Chicago Tribune profile, the family recalled that Coby regularly attended Will’s basketball games when he was very young.
Donald sometimes took his youngest son to tournaments and other competitions involving Will.
Coby watched his brother from the stands before trying to imitate his movements at home.
Those experiences helped develop his basketball instincts and enthusiasm for the sport.
How Will White Helped His Younger Brother
Will White played an important role in Coby’s life after their father’s death.
When Donald died in August 2017, Will helped Coby return home after he received the news while preparing to travel for a basketball event.
As the older brother, Will continued providing guidance during Coby’s transition to college and professional basketball.
After the Chicago Bulls drafted Coby in 2019, Will moved into his younger brother’s apartment in Chicago.
According to an ESPN profile from November 2019, the brothers lived together in a high-rise apartment during Coby’s rookie season.
The arrangement provided Coby with familiar company while he adjusted to a new city and professional responsibilities.
Will also participated in Coby’s offseason training activities and provided encouragement during difficult periods.
In the Chicago Tribune’s 2024 family profile, Will discussed his younger brother’s development and praised his determination to improve.
He has also been involved in the Coby White Family Foundation.
The foundation’s official website lists Will among its executive team members.
His involvement demonstrates that the brothers’ relationship extends beyond basketball into charitable work and community development.
Tia White – Coby White’s Older Sister
Tia White is Coby White’s older sister and another important member of the family.
She grew up in Goldsboro, North Carolina, alongside her brothers, Will and Coby.
Although Tia did not pursue the same nationally recognized basketball career as her youngest brother, she has played an important role in supporting his personal development.
Her relationship with Coby became particularly significant following their father’s death in 2017.
As the family adjusted to the loss, Tia remained involved in supporting her younger brother through important educational and professional milestones.
She has also become actively involved in his charitable organization.
The Coby White Family Foundation lists Tia as a member of its executive team.
Her participation helps maintain the organization’s focus on family values, community assistance, and youth development.
Tia White’s Children and Relationship With Coby
Tia White is also a mother, making Coby White an uncle.
According to a March 2024 Chicago Tribune family profile, Tia has two children who have participated in family gatherings and visits.
In November 2019, ESPN documented a moment involving Coby and his young nephew, Ali Pourghassemi II, before the basketball player’s NBA debut.
The family had gathered to support him as he prepared to begin his professional career.
Bonita was holding her grandson while encouraging him to greet Coby.
The moment reflected the close connections between different generations of the White family.
Tia and her children have also spent time with Coby during summer training periods.
When the basketball player began spending his offseasons in California, family members occasionally traveled to join him.
The visits gave the siblings opportunities to maintain their relationships despite living in different cities.
Although Tia has maintained a relatively private life, she has remained an important part of Coby’s personal support system.
How Coby White’s Family Influenced His Childhood in Goldsboro
Coby White was born and raised in Goldsboro, a city in eastern North Carolina.
He grew up in a household where hard work, education, and family responsibilities were emphasized.
His father worked overnight shifts at a factory, while his mother pursued a career in the insurance industry.
Despite financial limitations, his parents provided opportunities for their children to participate in sports and educational activities.
During childhood, White spent considerable time playing basketball outside the family’s home.
He also attended his older brother’s games and participated in youth basketball programs.
In a September 2025 interview with Andscape, White discussed the difficulties some young people faced while growing up in Goldsboro.
He explained that several childhood friends became involved in harmful activities and that basketball helped him remain focused on positive opportunities.
He credited his parents and siblings with teaching him to make responsible decisions.
Those lessons became increasingly important as he progressed through school and began attracting attention from college basketball recruiters.
White subsequently used his professional success to support young people experiencing circumstances similar to those he witnessed during childhood.
Coby White’s High School Basketball Career
Coby White attended Greenfield School in Wilson, North Carolina, where he developed into one of the state’s most accomplished high school basketball players.
During his high school career, he became known for his scoring ability, perimeter shooting, ball handling, and confidence.
His performances attracted attention from major NCAA Division I basketball programs.
During his junior season, White averaged approximately 31 points and nine assists per game.
He also set a North Carolina single-season high school scoring record with 1,069 points.
As a senior, he averaged 30.4 points and nine assists per game.
He finished his high school basketball career with 3,573 points, establishing the North Carolina all-time high school scoring record at the time.
His accomplishments earned him North Carolina Mr. Basketball honors in 2018.
He was also selected for the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic.
White played Amateur Athletic Union basketball for Team CP3, a program associated with NBA star Chris Paul.
Through the program, he developed a relationship with Paul, who later became one of his basketball mentors.
His father, Donald, had strongly supported his development during the early stages of high school.
However, Donald’s death in August 2017 meant he did not live to see Coby complete his outstanding senior season.
White dedicated much of his subsequent success to his father’s memory.
How Coby White’s Family Supported His Career at North Carolina
After graduating from Greenfield School in 2018, Coby White joined the University of North Carolina basketball program.
He played under legendary head coach Roy Williams, with whom his late father had established a positive relationship during the recruitment process.
White made an immediate impact during his freshman season.
He appeared in 35 games, starting every contest, and averaged 16.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
His performances helped North Carolina win a share of the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season championship.
The Tar Heels subsequently reached the Sweet Sixteen of the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
White earned Second-Team All-ACC and ACC All-Freshman Team recognition.
He also made 82 three-pointers, establishing a UNC freshman record.
His mother and siblings attended games and continued supporting him throughout his college season.
Although his father was no longer alive, White remained motivated by Donald’s ambition to see him compete at the highest level.
Following his successful freshman season, White declared for the 2019 NBA Draft.
Coby White’s NBA Career and His Family’s Support
On June 20, 2019, the Chicago Bulls selected Coby White with the seventh overall pick in the NBA Draft.
The selection fulfilled a childhood ambition that he had developed with encouragement from his father.
In the weeks before the draft, White published his emotional essay “For My Father” in The Players’ Tribune.
He explained that although he was excited about entering the NBA, the occasion would also be difficult because Donald could not attend.
White began his professional career with Chicago during the 2019–20 season.
His mother, brother, sister, and extended family traveled to support him during his NBA debut against the Charlotte Hornets.
He subsequently established himself as an important contributor to Chicago’s backcourt.
During his rookie season, he averaged 13.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
His performances earned him NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.
Over the following seasons, he developed his playmaking, defensive skills, and offensive consistency.
His breakout campaign came in 2023–24, when he averaged 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
He finished second in the NBA Most Improved Player voting, behind Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey.
During the 2024–25 season, White continued improving and averaged approximately 20.4 points per game.
He also recorded several memorable scoring performances, including a career-high 44 points against the Orlando Magic in March 2025.
Throughout these achievements, White maintained close relationships with his mother and siblings.
He also became increasingly involved in charitable initiatives supporting underserved communities.
Coby White’s Return to North Carolina With the Charlotte Hornets
In February 2026, Coby White experienced an important professional milestone when he was traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte acquired White and Mike Conley Jr. in a transaction that sent Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, and future draft compensation to Chicago.
The trade was particularly meaningful because it brought White back to North Carolina, where he had grown up and played college basketball.
In a February 2026 interview with the Associated Press, White expressed excitement about returning to his home state.
He also discussed his appreciation for the opportunity to play closer to family members and longtime friends.
White made his Charlotte debut on February 24, 2026, against his former team, the Chicago Bulls.
He subsequently appeared in 21 games for the Hornets during the remainder of the 2025–26 season.
He averaged 15.6 points and 3.0 assists per game during that stretch.
Following the season, Charlotte decided to retain him as part of its plans for the future.
On July 6, 2026, the Hornets officially announced that White had signed a three-year contract worth approximately $74 million.
The agreement provided additional stability for his professional career while allowing him to remain in North Carolina.
For White, returning home represented another meaningful chapter in a career that began with the support of his parents and siblings in Goldsboro.
What Is the Coby White Family Foundation?
The Coby White Family Foundation is a charitable organization established to support underserved children, young people, and families.
According to its official website, the foundation began in 2020 and subsequently expanded its activities through a major relaunch in 2025.
The organization focuses particularly on improving mental well-being, providing educational opportunities, and creating positive experiences for young people.
Its work is closely connected to White’s upbringing in Goldsboro and his personal experiences following his father’s death.
The foundation is also a family-led initiative.
Its official website identifies Coby, his mother Bonita, his brother Will, and his sister Tia among its executive team members.
White explained in a September 2025 interview with Andscape that he deliberately chose the name Coby White Family Foundation because he wanted the organization to represent his entire family rather than himself alone.
His goal was to create a lasting charitable legacy reflecting the values established by Donald and Bonita.
How Coby White’s Family Helps Young People
The foundation supports community activities in eastern North Carolina, Chicago, and other locations.
Its initiatives include youth basketball events, educational programs, mental health awareness activities, and opportunities for young artists.
On September 12, 2025, the organization held a major relaunch event at the University of North Carolina.
White attended alongside his mother, brother, and sister.
The event included a gathering at the Carolina Basketball Museum and a family-style dinner inside the university’s basketball practice facility.
According to Andscape, the event raised enough money to fund two scholarships of $10,000 each.
During the same year, the foundation also partnered with community organizations to support art competitions, youth sports activities, and holiday events.
These programs reflect White’s desire to provide young people with opportunities beyond competitive athletics.
He has explained that growing up in a community with limited resources influenced his decision to focus on education, personal development, and mental health.
The participation of Bonita, Will, and Tia demonstrates how the family continues working together to honor Donald’s legacy.
Coby White’s Family Values and Personal Life
One of the defining characteristics of Coby White’s family is its emphasis on supporting others.
In his 2019 essay for The Players’ Tribune, White described his father as someone who regularly expressed affection and enjoyed connecting with people.
Donald was known for encouraging his children and maintaining relationships with Coby’s friends.
His personality influenced the way White approaches his teammates and professional responsibilities.
In a 2024 Chicago Tribune interview, family members observed that Coby had inherited many of his father’s habits.
They particularly emphasized his positive attitude, competitiveness, and willingness to support other people.
The family has also maintained an emphasis on faith and personal responsibility.
According to the Coby White Family Foundation, one of its guiding principles is the biblical message that people who receive significant opportunities also have responsibilities toward others.
Those values became part of the family’s approach to charitable work.
For White, achieving professional success has created opportunities not only to support his relatives but also to help younger generations in his hometown and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coby White’s Family
Who are Coby White’s parents?
Coby White’s parents are Donald White and Bonita White. They raised him and his two older siblings in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Who is Coby White’s father?
His father was Donald White, a former North Carolina Central University basketball player who later worked at a factory in Goldsboro. He died of liver cancer on August 15, 2017.
Who is Coby White’s mother?
His mother is Bonita White, who worked in the insurance industry and has remained closely involved in her son’s basketball career and charitable foundation.
How did Coby White’s father die?
Donald White died of liver cancer on August 15, 2017, when Coby was 17 years old.
What does FMF mean on Coby White’s tattoo?
FMF stands for “For My Father.” White uses the abbreviation to honor Donald White, who introduced him to basketball and inspired his professional ambitions.
How many siblings does Coby White have?
Coby White has two older siblings: a brother named William “Will” White and a sister named Tia White.
Who is Coby White’s brother?
His older brother is William White, commonly known as Will. He played college basketball at Mars Hill University and later worked as an assistant basketball coach.
Who is Coby White’s sister?
His older sister is Tia White, who is actively involved in the Coby White Family Foundation and has supported her younger brother throughout his career.
Does Coby White have a girlfriend?
As of now, Coby White has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend. Some secondary reporting has linked him to Danyelle Williams, but neither has publicly established that they are in a romantic relationship.
Who is Danyelle Williams?
Danyelle Williams is a former college volleyball player who has been linked to Coby White in unconfirmed relationship reporting. She is also listed among the executive team members of the Coby White Family Foundation.
Is Coby White married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Coby White is married or has a wife.
Does Coby White have children?
Coby White is not publicly known to have any children. However, he is an uncle and has been photographed spending time with his sister Tia’s children.
Is Coby White an uncle?
Yes. His older sister Tia has children. ESPN identified one of his nephews as Ali Pourghassemi II in a 2019 family profile.
What is Coby White’s real name?
His full name is Alec Jacoby White. He is professionally known as Coby White.
Where was Coby White born?
Coby White was born on February 16, 2000, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, United States.
Where did Coby White grow up?
He grew up in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where his parents raised him alongside his older brother and sister.
Which high school did Coby White attend?
He attended Greenfield School in Wilson, North Carolina, where he established a state high school basketball scoring record with 3,573 career points.
Which college did Coby White attend?
He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, playing for the Tar Heels during the 2018–19 basketball season.
Who drafted Coby White into the NBA?
The Chicago Bulls selected Coby White with the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Why did Coby White join the Charlotte Hornets?
White joined the Charlotte Hornets through a trade with the Chicago Bulls in February 2026. He subsequently signed a new three-year contract with Charlotte in July 2026.
What does the Coby White Family Foundation do?
The Coby White Family Foundation supports underserved young people and families through educational opportunities, mental health awareness programs, community events, and other charitable initiatives.
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.
