Allisha Gray, an American professional basketball player for the Atlanta Dream, has supportive parents who were present at most of her games.
Her parents encouraged her athletic career and were even present at the 2020 Olympics to watch her play.
Highlights
- Allisha Gray’s parents, Dr. Allen and Annie Gray, have been married for 35 years and have four children.
- Dr. Allen is a principal at Washington County High, and Annie is the nurturing force in the household.
- They supported whatever she decided to do whenever she told them about her dreams.
Allisha was a shooting guard for Washington County and led her team to a 3A state championship in 2010–11. She played for the 3-on-3 National and U18 USA Basketball National teams.
Despite Kentucky, Maryland, and South Carolina offering, she played for Coach Sylvia Hatchell at North Carolina.
However, she transferred to South Carolina due to UNC’s athletic-academic scandal and won a National Championship in her first season of eligibility.
Allisha entered the 2017 WNBA draft, forgoing her final season of college eligibility, and the Dallas Wings drafted her.
She won the 2017 Rookie of the Year Award on September 19, 2017. The Wings traded her to the Atlanta Dream in January 2023.
I was playing video games when I first got the call that Dallas was trading me to Atlanta, but I just remember being super happy. Playing in my home state has been a blessing. I get to see my parents every home game. That’s super exciting because I didn’t have that opportunity in Texas.
Allisha Gray
Allisha Gray’s Parents Are The Pillars Behind Her Success
Allisha Gray, the daughter of Dr. Allen and Annie Gray, was born on January 12, 1995, in Greenwood, South Carolina. Her parents raised her alongside three siblings, Marlo East, A.J., and Ashley Gray.
She has always been vocal about her parents’ unwavering support, which was crucial to her basketball journey.
Allisha’s parents’ sacrifices, from driving her to practices and games to instilling the values of hard work and perseverance, have been instrumental in her rise to stardom.
She made history as part of the U.S. women’s 3×3 basketball team that won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She expressed her deep gratitude to her parents during her emotional victory speech.
I also want to say a huge thank you to my parents. No one has seen the sacrifice they have made for me and without them I won’t be here today. I want to continue to have the opportunity to represent the USA for many more Olympic games and to continue to make you all proud.
Allisha Gray
Allisha further emphasized their influence. Her parents always had big dreams for her.
They supported whatever she decided to do whenever she told them about her dreams. She could talk all day about the sacrifices they made for her to be where she is today.
She is very appreciative of them and what they have done for her throughout her whole life.
Dr. Allen Gray, a principal at Washington County High, has always balanced his demanding career with being a supportive father.
@atlantadream What a wholesome moment ❤️ #wnbaallstar #atlantadream #wnbaallstargame #wnba @allisha.gray
♬ original sound – Atlanta Dream
His commitment to helping others extends beyond his profession. He has been a steadfast pillar for Allisha and her three siblings, ensuring they have the guidance and encouragement to pursue their passions.
Meanwhile, Annie Gray has been the nurturing force in the household. As a loving housewife, she was vital in raising Allisha and her siblings, creating a stable and encouraging environment that allowed them to thrive.
Furthermore, Dr. Allen and Annie have been married for 35 years, and their family’s story is about love, sacrifice, and relentless support.
Their belief in her dreams and willingness to make sacrifices to make them come true have been the foundation of her success.
Additional Information
- Allisha Gray signed with Elitzur Ramla of the Israeli League for the 2018-19 off-season and plays for Lunar Owls.
- She got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Tim Mangum Jr., a school psychologist, on March 29, 2025.
- She stands 1.83m and weighs about 76 kg.
