The fairy-tale romance of NBA superstar Stephen Curry and his wife, entrepreneur Ayesha Curry, began long before the bright lights of professional basketball. Their journey from childhood acquaintances to one of sports' most beloved couples is a story of patience, support, and a love that blossomed away from the public eye.
A Childhood Meeting and a Teenage Romance
Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry first crossed paths as youngsters attending the same church. In a candid revelation to PEOPLE magazine back in December 2020, Ayesha recalled the early days. She described a young Stephen as "the cute boy at church that all of the girls were obsessed with." This very popularity led her to make a quick assumption, thinking "maybe he wasn't for me."
For his part, Stephen, with his characteristic humour, admitted that his memory of their first meeting wasn't quite cinematic. "I don't remember the exact first day I saw her… There was no wind blowing in her face with a backlight," he joked. Despite this early connection, their story didn't begin immediately. It was only years later, when they were teenagers, that they started dating.
The Defining Moment: Ayesha's Selfless Advice
Recently, while promoting his new memoir Shot Ready, Stephen Curry opened up to PEOPLE about the pivotal moment he knew Ayesha was his future wife. The conversation took place about a year into their relationship, as Stephen was contemplating declaring for the NBA draft.
"She actually told me to stay in school because of how important finishing my degree was," Stephen revealed. This selfless advice, prioritizing his education over the immediate glamour of the NBA, struck a deep chord. He explained that her support showed him she would be his "biggest supporter no matter what" he chose to do. This foundation of unwavering encouragement became the bedrock of their relationship.
Building a Legacy of Love and Family
After dating for several years, Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry tied the knot in 2011. Their union, though sometimes under public scrutiny, has only grown stronger. Together, they have built a beautiful family and are proud parents to four children.
Throughout his meteoric rise to becoming one of the most popular and talented athletes globally, Stephen has consistently credited Ayesha for her role in his life. Their story is a refreshing narrative of a partnership that started in simplicity, was cemented by mutual respect and selflessness, and continues to thrive amidst global fame.