James Wade is one of the prominent names in the basketball scenario. The former basketball player has now become popular for his coaching prowess. He currently serves the Chicago Sky of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). James, who was named Coach of the Year in 2019, has led his team to several victories.
The sportsman's professional success has attracted public attention to his personal life. So, many might be curious about how he is outside of court. Hence, keep reading to discover some interesting facts about him.
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Tennessee Native Basketball Enthusiast
The WNBA coach was born on August 15, 1975, in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in his hometown with his siblings, Jonathan Wade, and Jennifer Wade. Furthermore, James Wade's parents might have separated, as his mom, Carolyn McMillan Stevenson, has been married to Thomas Stevenson since July 26, 1999.
Moreover, the former basketballer often pays respect to his mom. For instance, on the occasion of 2018 Mother's Day, he thanked his mama for all the sacrifices she has made to give him the best life. Likewise, James Wade's father, James Wade Sr., might also be supportive of his career.
James Wade grew up in Memphis, Tennessee with his two siblings. Image Source: Carolyn McMillan Stevenson Facebook.
Furthermore, it has been divulged that a famous retired NBA player, Dwayne Wade is his cousin. Dwayne himself announced the news in February 2021 on TNT. Many basketball fans and viewers might have been surprised by the disclosure.
Wade attended Northside High School and started playing basketball there. After graduating in 1993, he enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University. He played basketball as a sophomore. As a result of his exemplary playing records, he received a scholarship to continue his collegiate basketball at Chattanooga State University.
Furthermore, the coach also received a scholarship at Kennesaw State University. There he played two years of Divison I basketball. He graduated in 1998.
James Wade Net Worth And Career
Following his graduation, Wade was not drafted in the 1998 NBA draft. Instead, he started his professional career abroad and eventually retired to start his coaching career. James, who comes from a humble background, has achieved so much success in his professional coaching career. Likewise, he must have earned considerably, making James Wade's net worth a commendable sum.
After going undrafted in the 1998 NBA draft, the Memphis native started his professional playing journey for the French team Cambrai from 2001 to 2004. Then, for a year, he competed for CSK VVS Samara in the Russian Basketball Super League. Afterward, he played with the Spanish team Rosalia de Castro Noyastar, Alicante Costablanca, and Usti nad Labem.
Then, in 2008, the Northside High alumnus played with Nivelles, followed by Union Carquefou-St. Luce, Aurore de Vitre and GET Vosges. Sadly, in 2013, James announced his retirement after playing two seasons with Castelnau Le Lez Montpellier.
In his 13-years-long playing career, the former basketballer traveled to France, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and Belgium. As a result, he became fluent in French and Spanish. While being part of different teams in multiple leagues, James Wade's salary must have been considerable. Therefore, he must have earned a massive fortune to his name.
Earnings From Coaching Career
Following his retirement, James was hired as a coaching intern in the spring of 2021 by the San Antonio Silver Stars, a WNBA team. His role was mainly of a player development coach, and during that time, he worked closely with Danielle Adams and Sophia Young. Then, in the following years, he became an assistant coach of the team.
The same year, the Memphis-born coach served for UMMC Ekaterinburg as an advance scout. Likewise, he was also named an assistant coach for Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration (BLMA). There, he served until 2017, before the Minnesota Lynx hired him as the new assistant coach under Cheryl Reeve. Around the same time, he was named the assistant coach of the Russian team, UMMC Ekaterinburg.
Eventually, in November 2018, Wade was named general manager and head coach of the Chicago Sky. As of 2022, he continues serving the team. The team's players are Courtney Vandersloot, Candace Parker, Allie Quigley, and many others. Now, let's take a look at James Wade's coaching career stats while serving Chicago Sky(CHI).
| Year | Games | Wins | Loss |
| 2019 | 34 | 20 | 14 |
| 2020 | 22 | 12 | 10 |
| 2021 | 32 | 16 | 16 |
| 2022 | 36 | 26 | 10 |
Table Source: Basketball Reference
The exact amount of James Wade's salary has not been revealed. But, a WNBA coach earns $350K annually on average. So, as an experienced coach, he must be amassing considerably. Therefore, James Wade's net worth is notable amount.
Married To A Former Basketball Player
How lucky is that person who finds their soulmate from the same profession? In the case of the Chicago Sky head coach, he is a fortunate man. He is happily married to Edwige Lawson-Wade. James Wade's wife is a former WNBA player. The story of how the couple met is also interesting.
In an interview with Chicago Tribune, Ann Wauters, Sky's assistant coach, revealed that the pair met during a basketball event. James played on a local team, and his then-future spouse played in northern France along with Ann. During a team function, Wade's team joined them, and the couple had their first interaction.
James Wade and his wife, Edwige Lawson-Wade first met during a basketball event. Image Source: James Wade Instagram.
Furthermore, the Kennesaw State graduate wrote, "I am going to marry you," on a paper and gave it to Edwige. The duo later went on a few dates and clicked really well. Afterward, James followed Ann and Edwige to Russia, where he was also trying to play professionally on a Russian team. Then, they all went to San Antonio in the summertime, and he started coaching there.
The smitten pair tied the knot on May 21, 2004. They must be living a blissful life together.
A Proud Father Of A Son
It has been several years since James and Edwige walked down the aisle. The married duo has welcomed a kid in all these years of being together. James Wade's son, James "Jet" Wade III, was born on January 17, 2016. The proud father shared the news of their baby boy's arrival through Instagram.
Wade and his partner often share adorable pictures of their kid. Born to athlete parents, who are former basketballers, Jet must be trained well from a very young age. For instance, in September 2017, the Sky coach shared a video of his little boy dribbling the ball. Since then, he has shared numerous other clips of him enjoying playing basketball. Well, only time will tell if the young Wade will follow in his parents' footsteps.
James Wade often shares videos of his dribbling the ball. Image Source: James Wade Instagram.
All in all, the WNBA head coach seems to be enjoying a blissful life. His parents and siblings must be proud of what he has achieved. Let's hope we see him leading his team to other championship titles. Nonetheless, we wish the talented personality more success ahead.
Trivia And Facts
- James is also known by his nickname Coco.
- He has won two WNBA Championships in 2017 and 2021 as an assistant and head coach, respectively.
- Wade is a French-American coach.
