The Oakland home lies shrouded in misery as it mourns for its master. It becomes a shrine of the legend who dedicated 60 years of his life to give the historic game of basketball and the Warriors the polished players that it brags about. The sentiments come pouring in.

“Alvin Attles did not just epitomize what it meant to be a Warrior—he was Mr. Warrior.” The Warriors family mourns the loss of the legendary Championship coach under whose shining light they were guided to clinch their first championship. The NBA community has lost a legend, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of all those lives he has touched throughout the 87 years of his life. But none is as deeply heartbroken as the lady who was always by his side through all the ups and downs. Standing firm and never giving up on him.

Wilhelmina Attles has never been a popular face to be seen smiling as the cameras flashed or waving at the crowd of fans. Neither does she indulge in the life of a celebrity, even though her late husband has been an NBA legend.

Would you not want to flaunt your Attles family name if you happened to spend an evening watching a Warriors game? Most of us would have exhausted our lungs just bragging about it!

But not Wilhelmina. If she forgot her ticket to a Warriors game, she wouldn’t reveal her identity and try talking her way into Oracle Arena. She would make sure that she pays for the ticket out of her own purse. She doesn’t like the tag of celebrities and does not carry it with her everywhere she goes.

Not much is known about her life. But it has been nothing short of inspiring. While Al Attles was on court shaping the lives of rookies into future NBA stars, Wilhelmina was busy in nurturing young talent and fueling those passionate flights of imagination. She knew she had her task cut out as those innocent eyes looked up to her with pure wonder and delight.

Wilhelmina Attles – The Lady at the Helm of Resounding Greatness

Hailed as the “Destroyer” for his tenacious defense, the Warrior legend, Al, found a perfect companion in Wilhelmina’s calm and mature approach towards life. The couple tied the knot back in 1963 when Al had been playing as point guard for the Warriors and what better choice for his best man during his intimate close-knit wedding than his Warriors teammate and friend-for-life Walt Chamberlain!

Being a player for 11 years and a player coach for two seasons spanning more than 13 years, Al was always on the move. He did not have the luxury of time to be there with his family, as he had another Warrior family waiting for his expertise back on the court. But with Wilhelmina by his side, he had nothing to be worried about! While her husband was away, she played the dual role of father and mother for her two kids. And how did she manage all of it? Well, she belongs to the Warrior family, remember!

“It wasn’t easy, but you know what women do,” she shared in a rare interview with the East Bay Times. “You do what you have to do, getting them to school and to all their activities.” This was also acknowledged by Al, who had huge respect for his wife’s amazing and relentless sense of dedication. “The burden of the marriage was on her,” said Al. “She was working at the time, so she had double duty, taking care of the (Attles’ two) children. She did a great job. It wasn’t easy.”

During the interview, Al also recalled a study that suggested how a typical NBA marriage began one year after the player entered the league, and hit an end on the road exactly one year after he left. But with the humility that they carried in their married lives, with no space for the all-consuming ego, despite the occasional “bumps in the road,” their bond was as strong as ever. “I so appreciated what she did with our children,” Al shared. “I never really had to discipline them.” To which the ever-so-humble Wilhelmina jokingly responded, “That was mainly because of his deep voice.”

Despite being his wife, Wilhelmina never rode on her husband’s waves of popularity and his celebrity status. Finding her own sense of individuality, she went ahead to carve out her own niche as an elementary school teacher.

She dedicated 22 years of her life to teaching at the Montclair Elementary School before retiring in 2006 and finding her own sense of purpose. Sensing that something troubled Juan Toscano-Anderson, an 8-year-old homeless student in her third-grade class, she took up the role of his mentor. Now a well-established player from the NBA G League, Anderson attributed his success story to Wilhelmina’s impact, stating, “She just changed my life.” 

The family shifted from San Francisco to Oakland and made the Oakland Hills their newfound home in 1974. Living there for more than 34 years, the Attles had become strong pillars of the community, soaking its way of life far from the glitzy world of celebrities. The family avoided throwing or attending lavish parties but remained largely grounded as best as Al’s Warriors status could allow them to. “We were fortunate to have good friends in the neighborhood,” Wilhelmina Attles said.

“They had kids, too, and we did things together. So there was no star. We were all the same, so that kept a balance.” And like all other things in their relationship, their love for Oakland was mutual. “It’s the diversity,” said Al. “Where we live is a godsend.” To which Wilhelmina added, “Here, in this little area, it doesn’t typify all of Oakland. You feel safe. But what I really like about Oakland as a teacher is its history and glory. There’s a lot of promise.”

Serving in the capacity of a player-coach, a team ambassador and community relations representative, a devoted husband, and a dedicated father, Al played many roles in his ever-dynamic life, and guess what? He was the best in every single one! With a 557-518 record for the most coaching wins and being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Al had someone who encouraged him to be the best version of himself, both personally and professionally.

His beloved wife – Wilhelmina Attles who lived true to her vows of To Death do us part!

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.