Andrew Wiggins Parents: All About Mitchell and Marita Payne-Wiggins
As Andrew continues to excel in the NBA, his family’s legacy will continue to inspire him to reach new heights.
Andrew Wiggins, the talented Canadian professional basketball player, has a rich family history that has significantly influenced his athletic career. His parents, Mitchell Wiggins and Marita Payne-Wiggins, are both accomplished athletes who have contributed to his competitive nature and success on the court. Mitchell, Andrew’s father, was a standout collegiate basketball player at Florida State University, where he played alongside notable players like Sam Cassell and Charlie Ward.
Born in Lenoir County, North Carolina, Mitchell was a member of Team USA at the 1982 FIBA World Championships, where he helped win a silver medal. In 1983, he was selected 23rd overall by the Indiana Pacers in the NBA draft. He played in several leagues around the world during his career, including the NBA, and eventually settled in Toronto with his wife Marita after his retirement.
Mitchell Wiggins: A Standout Collegiate Basketball Player
Mitchell, Andrew’s father, was a standout collegiate basketball player at Florida State University. Born in Lenoir County, North Carolina, he was a member of Team USA at the 1982 FIBA World Championships, where he helped win a silver medal. In 1983, he was selected 23rd overall by the Indiana Pacers in the NBA draft. He played in several leagues around the world during his career, including the NBA, and eventually settled in Toronto with his wife Marita after his retirement.
Mitchell’s basketball career was marked by his impressive athleticism, strong defensive skills, and ability to score from both inside and outside the paint. His collegiate career was highlighted by his performance in the 1982 NCAA Tournament, where he led Florida State to the Sweet Sixteen. Mitchell’s achievements on the court earned him a place in the Florida State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
Marita Payne-Wiggins: A Track and Field Sprinter
Marita, Andrew’s mother, was an accomplished track and field sprinter. Born in the Bahamas, she moved to Toronto with her family at the age of nine. She attended Florida State University, where she was a 21-time National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) All-American and eight-time champion. She won medals at the Commonwealth Games (silver in 1982, gold in 1986) and Pan American Games (1983, 1987).
She made her Olympic debut at the 1984 Olympic Summer Games in Los Angeles, capturing silver medals in both the 4X100m relay and 4X400m relay races. She also represented Canada at the 1988 Olympic Summer Games in Seoul. In 2014, she was inducted into the Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame. Marita’s achievements in track and field were marked by her exceptional speed, agility, and endurance. Her dedication to the sport earned her a place among the top sprinters in the world, and her legacy continues to inspire athletes in Canada and beyond.
The Wiggins Family’s Competitive Pedigree
Growing up in a household where fierce competition was balanced by unconditional love, Andrew was encouraged by his parents to excel in sports. His older brothers, Mitchell Jr. and Nick, were both standout basketball players. Mitchell Jr. played at Southeastern University in Florida, while Nick played professionally in Germany. The brothers also have three sisters, Stephanie, Angelica, and Taya, who are also basketball players and track athletes.
This competitive environment instilled in Andrew a strong desire to succeed at the highest level, driven by his parents’ encouragement and his own ambition. The Wiggins family’s competitive nature was evident in their numerous family sports tournaments, where they would gather to compete in basketball, track, and other sports. These family events not only fostered a sense of camaraderie but also provided a platform for the siblings to hone their skills and push each other to excel.
Andrew Wiggins’ Early Life and Basketball Career
Andrew was born on February 23, 1995, in Toronto, Ontario. He grew up in the nearby suburb of Vaughan and began playing organized basketball at the age of nine. At 13, he dunked a basketball for the first time, and by 14, he had grown to 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) and shattered a glass backboard after dunking on a rim at the Dufferin Clark Community Centre in Vaughan. He attended Vaughan Secondary School and led the team to a championship.
In 2011, he transferred to Huntington Prep in Huntington, West Virginia, where he became the No. 1 ranked basketball prospect and a coveted recruit. He was awarded the Naismith Trophy and named the US high school player of the year in 2013. Andrew’s early life and basketball career were marked by his exceptional athleticism, strong work ethic, and dedication to improving his skills. His parents’ support and encouragement played a significant role in his development as a basketball player, and he continues to draw inspiration from their achievements in their respective sports.
Conclusion
Andrew’s parents, Mitchell and Marita, have played a significant role in shaping his athletic career. Their competitive nature and achievements in their respective sports have instilled in Andrew a strong desire to succeed. His parents’ support and encouragement have helped him develop into one of the top basketball players in the world.
As Andrew continues to excel in the NBA, his family’s legacy will continue to inspire him to reach new heights. The Wiggins family’s story serves as a testament to the power of family support and the impact that parents can have on their children’s lives. Andrew’s journey is a reminder that with dedication, hard work, and the right support, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.
