Last updated on: November 7, 2025
Vaughn Alexander is best known as the father of NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and is of Antiguan origin. Growing up, Vaughn had an avid interest in sports, especially in basketball.
He attended Georges Vanier Secondary School, where he quickly became one of the stars of his team. During the early 1990s, Vaughn was part of the high school team that won a city championship. His skills, leadership, and determination made him a well-known athlete in his community.
Quick Facts About Vaughn Alexander
| Full Name | Vaughn Alexander |
| Birthdate | 1965 |
| Age | 61 years old |
| Occupation | Coach, Mentor, Contractor, Painter, Drywaller |
| Husband/Wife | Charmaine Gilgeous (former Olympic sprinter; separated/divorced) |
| Education | Georges Vanier Secondary School, Toronto |
| Parents | N/A |
| Siblings | Nicole Alexander (mother of NBA player Nickeil Alexander-Walker) |
| Children | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (born July 12, 1998), Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander (born December 2000) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
From Player to Coach
After high school, Vaughn continued to stay close to sports. He coached and mentored young athletes in Toronto. His love for basketball never faded, and he wanted to share what he learned with the next generation.
He not only coached his children but also other kids in the neighborhood. Vaughn’s coaching emphasized discipline, teamwork, and focus. Many young players he had trained admired his passion and tough-love approach.
Teaching Discipline at Home
At home, Vaughn was a very focused and disciplined father. His sons, Shai and Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander, were brought up by Vaughn to avoid distractions and put in all their effort. As kids, Shai was not allowed to watch TV or play video games. Most of his time went into practicing basketball or soccer.
Vaughn felt success was about dedication and effort. Certainly, his lessons played a great part in shaping Shai’s mind as an athlete. Even today, Shai often credits his father with teaching him to stay humble and work harder than everyone else.
The No Flukes Foundation
Vaughn created a nonprofit organization called the No Flukes Foundation to assist even more young athletes. This Foundation provides financial, emotional, and educational support for children in the Greater Toronto Area to pursue their dreams of playing sports.
Vaughn, through the foundation, helps children access better training and resources. His goal is to make sure every young athlete has a fair chance to pursue their dreams, no matter their background. This goes to show how Vaughn values giving back to his community.
Family and Relationships
Vaughn was married to Charmaine Gilgeous, the former Olympic sprinter from Antigua. Charmaine represented her country in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Together, they have two sons: Shai and Thomasi.
Shai was born on July 12, 1998, and Thomasi in December 2000. Both sons were raised under Vaughn’s watch playing sports. The family loves athletics.
Vaughn’s sister, Nicole Alexander, is the mother of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, another NBA player. That makes Shai and Nickeil first cousins. Vaughn has been a guiding figure for both of them, encouraging their passion for the game from a tender age.
Work and Life Beyond Sports
Other than coaching, Vaughn has been a contractor, a painter, and a drywaller. He is known to be hardworking and down-to-earth. His success did not come easily, but his dedication has always been apparent: to the field and to raising his family.
Vaughn’s strong values of honesty, respect, and effort are seen in all that he does. These same values have now become part of how Shai lives his life as a professional athlete.
READ ALSO: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Net worth, Age, Girlfriend, Family, Facts & More
Legacy and Influence
The influence of Vaughn Alexander goes way beyond his family: he has molded one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, but more importantly, his lessons show how discipline, hard work, and love can guide a family towards success.
Vaughn continues helping others through his coaching, mentoring, and foundation to reach their fullest potential. It’s not just about raising an NBA player; it is about building a whole community of strong, focused, and confident young people. Vaughn Alexander is more than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s father; he is a mentor, leader, and role model who will have a lasting impact for years to come.
