After setting a new MVP record, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been subtly creating a legacy for himself outside of the NBA. Hailey Summers, his longtime girlfriend and now wife, is at the center of this journey. Their tale started long before Shai’s name was revealed in the 2018 NBA Draft, and it has grown exquisitely in tandem with his fame.
Their bond stems from their shared Canadian heritage and prowess in sports. Raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Hailey was more than just a high school crush. As an exceptional collegiate soccer player at the University at Albany, she forged her own career. Wearing the same jersey number—No. 2—that Shai now famously sports on the court, she led her team as captain and participated in 73 NCAA Division I games. Despite its smallness, that parallel seems especially representative of their silent solidarity.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Hailey Summers – Relationship Overview
| Name | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | July 12, 1998 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| NBA Team | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Position | Point Guard / Shooting Guard |
| Marital Status | Married to Hailey Summers (Feb 2024) |
| Children | One son, Ares Alexander (Born April 2024) |
| Partner’s Name | Hailey Summers |
| Partner’s Background | Former NCAA Division I Soccer Player |
| Partner’s Hometown | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada |
| Partner’s Education | University at Albany (2017–2021) |
Hailey became a very successful partner to one of basketball’s rising stars by utilizing her own athletic discipline. Her support is genuine and remarkably evident due to her comprehension of competition, training regimens, and mental exhaustion. It has been very helpful for Shai to have a partner who not only supports his dream but also recognizes the work that goes into it.
Although their relationship was made official on Instagram in early 2017, its strength has always been evident off-camera. Despite injuries and trades, Hailey has remained a mainstay from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. When the couple exchanged vows on Valentine’s Day in 2024, that presence took on even greater significance. Pink roses and a handcrafted “Just Married” sign adorned the small ceremony, which felt intimate and tastefully understated—appropriate for a couple who rarely chase attention but always command it.
Their son, Ares, was born two months later. Within weeks, Shai’s MVP speech was given, and it turned out to be one of the season’s most poignant moments. Refusing to cry, he spoke to Hailey directly and thanked her for showing him the true meaning of love and sacrifice. His words were deeply lived, not prepared. Fans who witnessed, possibly for the first time, how much Hailey influenced the player behind the numbers were moved by them as they reverberated on social media.
The Thunder won their first-ever NBA championship in the Finals, demonstrating that emotional clarity. Amidst the champagne and confetti, fans were enthralled by a brief video that ESPNW captured of Shai, Hailey, and baby Ares. It was more than just a party; it was the tangible result of hard work and dedication. A reminder that every superstar has a network of supporters who help make the struggle easier and the victory more significant.
Hailey’s ascent to fame has been especially graceful. She has more than 100,000 Instagram followers and has gained recognition for her genuineness rather than for self-promotion. Her online presence feels grounded, whether it’s through genuine reflections on her past as a student-athlete, discreet support for Shai’s accomplishments, or candid moments with Ares. In today’s influencer-driven world, it’s extremely uncommon to see someone so admired for being genuine and consistent.
Hailey is a quieter strength in a league where partners are frequently drawn into stories of glitz or controversy. Ayesha Curry and Nina Westbrook, two women who stood firmly on their own and alongside their partners, are compared to her journey. Like them, Hailey’s impact is subtle and well-established. And that may have a greater effect in many ways.
A new ideal is presented by this relationship for the league and its supporters. One that strikes a balance between humility and ambition. One that honors accomplishments without becoming overly focused. And one that prospers because it was purposefully, patiently, and privately constructed. At a time when celebrity culture so frequently conflates visibility with value, that balance is especially welcome.
Through MVP speeches, social media posts, and subtle gestures, Shai’s public recognition of Hailey feels especially novel in the way it reimagines what it means to be a modern athlete. He is challenging outmoded ideas of what leadership looks like by appreciating emotional support, embracing fatherhood, and valuing vulnerability. Consistency, consideration, and character off the court are just as important as dominance on it.
Their son Ares has emerged as a surprising fan favorite in recent days. Nowadays, pictures of the toddler cuddling up to mini basketballs or being held during postgame festivities are very common and provide a welcome diversion from the overly commercialized stories that frequently surround NBA success. It feels particularly touching when that genuineness is captured in small smiles and family hugs.
