Maya Moore, the 2011 No. 1 pick for the Minnesota Lynx, made an immediate impact in the WNBA. A high school MVP, she carried the fire and intensity of a teenager every time she stepped on the court. It’s no wonder she captured both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in her debut year. Moore also graduated from UConn with an impressive 150-game winning streak under her belt.

As a power forward, Moore was the first UConn athlete to score a total of 3,036 points during her collegiate career. This competitive edge influenced the culture she brought into the Lynx locker room. While her achievements on and off the court are well known, it’s equally important to understand the family background that shaped the person she is today.

Who Is Maya Moore’s Mother, Kathryn Moore?

“We’d do anything for each other,” Maya said about her mother, Kathryn Moore. “We’ve been through a lot of things that brought us closer. So it’s kind of like that unspoken bond that you know you have with that person that I have with my mom.” Born on June 11, 1989, Maya was raised in Jefferson City, Missouri, by her mother. Kathryn, a single mother, juggled multiple jobs to support Maya throughout her journey. Kathryn also played a vital role in her daughter’s spiritual and athletic development, working in ministry and religious education. She introduced Maya to basketball, even setting up a hoop in their apartment when Maya was just three years old, igniting a lifelong passion.

Kathryn and Maya’s relationship goes beyond the ordinary mother-daughter bond. They are inseparable and have grown into best friends and partners. Kathryn even moved to Storrs, Connecticut, to be close while Maya attended UConn and accompanied her on international trips when Maya played in China. Their teamwork extends into Maya’s business and brand management, reflecting the depth of trust and collaboration between them. Maya often recalls how Kathryn helped her with homework and supported every step along the way, instilling values of preparation, discipline, and faith that became cornerstones of Maya’s success.

Who Is Maya Moore’s Father, Mike Dabney?

Maya’s biological father, Mike Dabney, was a notable figure in basketball during the 1970s. As a former Rutgers University player, he helped lead the 1976 Rutgers team to the NCAA Final Four. Mike went on to play professionally overseas. However, he divorced Kathryn when Maya was young and had little influence in her upbringing. Maya has openly credited her mother for raising and supporting her.

Though Mike Dabney’s presence in Maya’s life was limited, she acknowledges the basketball heritage and skills she inherited in part from him. She met her father more actively only during her senior year of high school, yet her identity and strength were primarily shaped through her mother and her faith. Maya’s strong Christian beliefs and support system helped her cope with the complexities of these family dynamics.

Does Maya Moore Have Siblings?

Maya Moore is the eldest of three siblings. She grew up with two sisters, Ashley and Olivia Dabney, in a close-knit family. However, there is limited public information about her siblings.

Ashley and Olivia also pursued athletics, with Ashley competing in track and field at Towson University and Olivia playing collegiate basketball at Sacred Heart. This athletic lineage adds to the family’s strong sports legacy, highlighting how Maya’s success is part of a broader family culture of dedication and talent.

Where are Maya Moore’s parents from, and what is their background?

Kathryn Moore and Mike Dabney are African-American and U.S. nationals. Mike hails from New Jersey and played collegiate basketball at Rutgers University, while Kathryn is from Jefferson City, Missouri, where Maya was born.