Hailey Summers may not be a household name like her NBA superstar husband, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but she’s quickly becoming someone fans want to know more about. As the Oklahoma City Thunder guard continues to rise in the basketball world, Hailey has quietly stood beside him as a steady partner, proud Canadian, and now, a devoted mother to their son. Their love story, built on years of support, shared values, and mutual respect, is one of the most admired in the sports world today. But who is the woman behind the MVP? From her athletic background to her life as a new mom, Hailey Summers has her own unique journey worth celebrating.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Hailey Summers
Date Of Birth: October 22, 1999
Age (2025): 26 Years Old
Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Nationality: Canadian
Education: University at Albany (NCAA Division I Soccer)
Marital Status: Married To Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Children: One Son, Ares Alexander (Born April 2024)
Known For: Being Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Wife, Former Athlete, Social Media Personality
Instagram Handle: @haileysummers
Current Residence: Likely Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Early Life In Hamilton, Ontario
Hailey Summers was born on October 22, 1999, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She was raised in a close-knit Canadian family with strong values and a love for sports. Her parents, Ron Summers and Carolyn Oliver, helped foster her competitive spirit from a young age. Hailey grew up alongside her siblings—her sister Taylor and brother Will—who, like her, shared an interest in sports and teamwork. She attended St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton, where she balanced academics with a remarkable athletic record, playing soccer, basketball, and even football.
A Multi-Sport Star With A Passion For Competition
Hailey’s high school years were filled with competitive sports, and it didn’t take long for her to stand out. She was known for her tenacity on the field and her leadership qualities, which were evident whether she was playing soccer or sprinting down a basketball court. Her athleticism and discipline led her to pursue sports at the collegiate level. It was clear early on that Hailey was not just a spectator of sports—she was a driven competitor in her own right, determined to make a name for herself through hard work and talent.
Leading On The Field At The University At Albany
In February 2017, Hailey Summers officially committed to play NCAA Division I soccer at the University at Albany (SUNY Albany). Over the next five years, from 2017 to 2021, she played in 73 games and wore jersey number 2—a subtle parallel to Shai’s own number on the basketball court. Her time on the team was marked by leadership and dedication. She served as captain in both 2019 and 2021, earning respect from teammates and coaches alike. Hailey’s career was built on grit, and when she retired from soccer in November 2021, she left with a legacy of discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
A Relationship That Started Before The NBA Fame
Hailey Summers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have been linked since 2017, well before he became a star in the NBA. Their first public photo together appeared on Hailey’s Instagram in January 2017, and the relationship blossomed from there. As Shai’s career took off, Hailey remained a constant—offering stability and support through every game, injury, and career milestone. Their love story unfolded quietly, with both valuing privacy over flashy headlines. That strong foundation built over the years would later become the key to their growing family life.
The Role Of A Partner In The NBA Spotlight
Being the partner of a professional athlete is no easy task, but Hailey handles it with grace. She has been a consistent presence in Shai’s life through his career in the NBA, supporting him through grueling seasons and emotional highs and lows. According to Shai, Hailey isn’t just a partner—she’s also his honest critic. In a 2024 interview with Andscape, he shared that Hailey often gives him tough but fair feedback about his performance, helping him stay grounded and focused. Her insights matter because, as he said, “She knows me better than anyone.”
A Private Wedding On Valentine’s Day
After years of growing together, Hailey and Shai tied the knot on February 14, 2024. The wedding was a low-key, intimate affair surrounded by close friends and family. The couple later shared a few polaroid-style wedding photos online, featuring a sign that read “Just Married, Shai & Hailey, February 14, 2024.” Their decision to keep things small was very much in line with how they’ve managed their relationship—personal, authentic, and deeply meaningful. It was a romantic milestone for a couple who had already weathered years of change and growth together.
Welcoming Their Son Ares In 2024
Just two months after their wedding, Hailey and Shai became parents. On April 25, 2024, they welcomed their son, Ares Alexander. The couple introduced Ares to the world with a heartfelt Instagram post featuring the newborn and a custom wooden sign bearing his name. Parenthood marked a new chapter in their relationship, filled with joy, sleepless nights, and first-time experiences. In April 2025, they celebrated Ares’ first birthday with a cowboy-themed party called “Ares’ First Rodeo,” attended by several of Shai’s OKC Thunder teammates. The event highlighted the warmth and love at the heart of their growing family.
Standing Beside An MVP And A Champion
Hailey’s quiet strength became evident to the world during two of Shai’s biggest moments. When he won the 2024–25 NBA Most Valuable Player award, his emotional speech included a heartfelt thank-you to Hailey, saying she was the first person to show him what love and sacrifice really meant. Just weeks later, when the Oklahoma City Thunder won their first-ever NBA Championship, Hailey and Ares joined Shai on the court to celebrate. The image of their embrace went viral, becoming a defining symbol of family, triumph, and unwavering support.
A Personal Life Shared With The World
While Hailey values privacy, she’s no stranger to social media. She started her Instagram account in 2013, and by 2025, it was verified and had grown to over 100,000 followers. Her page includes glimpses of her everyday life—family moments, travel, celebrations, and heartfelt notes to Shai. It’s a window into the life of someone who balances being a public figure with staying true to her roots. Her content is authentic, and fans appreciate how genuine she remains despite the spotlight.
Honored With Her Own Sneaker Shout-Out
In 2025, Shai launched his first signature shoe with Converse—the SHAI 001. Among the colorways released, one stood out: “Hail Clay,” named in honor of Hailey. The color was inspired by her eye color, a detail Shai revealed in a touching post describing her as his “Most Valuable Person.” It was a meaningful gesture that reflected just how deeply she influences his life and career. For fans, it was another reminder that behind every MVP is someone who helps them stay centered.
Why Hailey Summers Deserves Her Own Spotlight
Hailey Summers isn’t just Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s wife—she’s a talented former athlete, a loving mother, and a partner who brings balance to one of the NBA’s rising stars. Her journey from soccer fields in Ontario to arenas across America is rooted in strength, humility, and loyalty. She has created a life that blends personal ambition with family commitment, making her a powerful example of how to live authentically while supporting someone in the spotlight. Hailey’s story is one of quiet confidence and deep love—and it’s one that continues to inspire.
FAQs About Hailey Summers
Who Is Hailey Summers?
Hailey Summers is a former Canadian soccer player and the wife of NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. She’s also a new mom and rising social media personality.
How Did Hailey Summers Meet Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
They have been publicly linked since 2017, with their first Instagram photo together posted that year. They likely met during their teenage years in Canada.
What Sport Did Hailey Summers Play?
She played Division I soccer at the University at Albany, where she served as team captain and competed in over 70 games.
When Did Hailey And Shai Get Married?
They got married on February 14, 2024, in an intimate ceremony surrounded by close family and friends.
Do Hailey And Shai Have Children?
Yes, they welcomed their first child, a son named Ares Alexander, in April 2024.
Is Hailey Summers Active On Social Media?
Yes, she is active on Instagram and shares glimpses of her family life, travels, and special moments with over 100,000 followers.
What Makes Hailey Summers Unique?
Beyond being an NBA wife, she is admired for her athletic background, grounded personality, and the influential yet private role she plays in her husband’s life and career.
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