When Joe Mazzulla, a kid from Rhode Island, hoisted the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, the world saw a young coach making history. But behind that moment lies a story of love, sacrifice, and unwavering support. Throughout his journey leading one of basketball’s most legendary teams, the Boston Celtics, one person remained by his: his wife, Camai Robertson.

Their journey started in 2001 at Glenville State College, where they were both coaching. Two ambitious individuals with dreams and aspirations, sitting across from each other at a cozy breakfast table, laughter blending with the scent of coffee. Little did they know, this was only the beginning of a journey that would intertwine their lives in ways they could never have imagined.

From meeting to making sacrifices

Joe and Camai’s love story isn’t your typical romance. Camai was already making waves as the head coach of the women’s volleyball team while Joe was the new assistant coach, fresh off his playing days at West Virginia University. As Camai once said, “I organized a breakfast for the athletic department, and the only person who showed up was Joe.”

What started as a simple meeting blossomed into a friendship. They didn’t hit it off immediately, but over time, their chemistry grew. “It worked out great because we started off as just friends,” Camai shared in an interview with More Than a Season.

Fast forward a few years, and Joe proposed, leading to their marriage on August 9, 2014. “Even when the sky comes falling, even when the sun don’t shine, I got faith in you and I,” Camai captioned a sweet Instagram post on their anniversary, quoting singer Miguel’s song “Sure Thing.

As Joe climbed the coaching ladder, it became clear that his aspirations would require sacrifices from both of them. “I could tell he had a deeper passion for coaching than I did,” Camai reflected. With a deep love for sports but a different calling, she made a pivotal decision: to step back from coaching and support Joe’s dreams.

“My passion wasn’t as strong in coaching as his was. I love sports. Obviously, I’ve done it my whole life, but his passion is just like out of this world and mine wasn’t,” she explained. This was not just a sacrifice; it was a conscious choice to put their family’s future first. She transitioned to a deputy clerk role and later became a probation officer while pursuing her master’s degree in criminal justice.

Looking back, she admitted, “I was coaching a fourth-grade basketball team, had a four-month-old, getting my master’s, and working a full-time job. I didn’t even think anything of it.” Talk about juggling responsibilities!

Getting married and strengthening Bonds

Their family grew when Camai gave birth to a son Emmanuel in August 2016. “It made me grow up,” Joe said in a Sports Illustrated interview, emphasizing how the responsibility of being a stepdad changed his perspective on life.

Joe often shares his admiration for Camai’s strength and dedication. In a heartfelt letter to Fairmont State Athletics, he wrote, ” My wife Camai, my stepson Michael and my youngest son Emmanuel are the most important people in my life. Thank you Camai for your love, support and sacrifice. You are the true face of our family by how you keep us all together and give everything you have every day”. 

Their family dynamic is rich with love, and Joe is proud to involve his kids in his life. Emmanuel even made a memorable appearance during a press conference after a game against the Dallas Mavericks, proving that family always comes first.

When Joe became the head coach of the Boston Celtics, it came with unique challenges. However, instead of pulling them apart, Joe believes it brought their family closer. “Under the circumstances of last year, a lot of families could break apart and go the other way,” he reflected during an interview with The Boston Globe. “I felt like the biggest gift last year brought was our marriage got stronger and our family got closer, because we were navigating something new together and nobody else could understand what we were learning and going through”. 

The couple navigated the pressures of high-stakes basketball together, turning potential stress into opportunities for growth. Joe mused, “To go through a year like we did and come out with a stronger marriage and stronger family, I think is the best gift you could have.”

Celebrating Success Together

In June 2024, when the Celtics won the NBA Championship, Camai was right there, celebrating on the court. She had witnessed the blood, sweat, and tears that led to that moment. After the victory, reporters captured a tender moment: “It’s 3:20 a.m. and Joe Mazzulla and his wife are holding hands, walking around the parquet. They’ve done a few laps already. Mazzulla is pointing to a few places around the arena. Soaking it all in,” noted a tweet from reporter Andrew Callahan.

The couple took their time reveling in the victory, creating memories that would last a lifetime. They walked the court, reminiscing about the journey they’d taken together—the sacrifices, the struggles, and now, the triumph.

Joe Mazzulla may be celebrated as the youngest head coach to win an NBA Championship, but the heart of his success lies in his partnership with Camai. Together, they’ve navigated the complexities of career ambitions and family life, proving that love and support can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.

As they continue their journey, one question remains: what will they achieve next, together?