The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as strong contenders for the championship this season, earning praise not only for their performance but also for their entertaining style of play. With a young and talented core, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and others, the Thunder are poised for a bright future. Much of their success is credited to the vision and leadership of their head coach, Mark Daigneault.

While Daigneault focuses on guiding his team toward championship glory, his life off the court is equally fulfilling, thanks to the love and support of his wife, Ashley Kerr. The couple has been together for many years, sharing a bond that has grown stronger over time. Let’s take a closer look at the woman who stands by the OKC Thunder coach’s side.

Who is Mike Daigneault’s wife Ashley Kerr? How old is she?

OKC Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault is married to his lovely wife, Ashley Kerr. Born in 1988 in Plant City, Florida, Ashley has built an impressive career of her own. While the exact details of how they met remain unclear, several sources suggest that the couple began dating during their time at the University of Florida, where both served as assistant coaches in their respective sports.

Their journey together hasn’t always been easy. When Daigneault was offered the opportunity to coach the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder’s G-League affiliate, it was a career-defining moment. However, accepting the position came with challenges—it meant moving to Oklahoma, leaving Ashley in Florida, and navigating a long-distance relationship. At the time, Ashley was thriving in her role as an assistant coach and felt it wasn’t the right moment to uproot her career.

Despite the challenges, Ashley was incredibly supportive of Daigneault’s decision. In an interview with The Oklahoman, she reflected on the difficulty of the situation, saying, “It just didn’t make sense in that moment, in that time, that I come out. I was in such a great situation, I was still learning, I loved it, I wasn’t ready to leave.” Her encouragement and understanding allowed Mark to pursue his professional aspirations while maintaining their strong bond.

What does Ashley Kerr do for a living? A look into her career in Gymnastics

Ashley Kerr’s journey into the world of sports began at an early age when she excelled as a gymnast. As a teen, she was part of the Orlando Metro Gymnastics Team, where her talent and dedication were evident. In 2004, she claimed the top spot in the all-around competition at the regional championships, showcasing her potential. The following year, she secured top-three finishes in the all-around, vault, and beam events at the 2005 USAG Level 10 State Championships.

Her gymnastics career continued at the collegiate level with the Florida Gators, where she left a lasting legacy over four seasons. Kerr earned numerous accolades, including multiple selections to the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches Scholastic All-American team and the SEC Academic Honor Roll, reflecting her excellence both on and off the mat.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Ashley pursued her academic ambitions with equal determination. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration before returning to the University of Florida to earn a master’s degree in Sports Management and Telecommunications.

Ashley Kerr transitioned into a corporate career after her time as a competitive gymnast but never strayed far from the sport she loved. Her deep connection to gymnastics eventually led her to coaching, where she has made a significant impact. Since 2020, Ashley has been serving as an assistant coach for the women’s gymnastics team at the University of Oklahoma.

Her coaching journey, however, started well before this role. Ashley played a vital part in guiding the Varsity gymnastics team to back-to-back championship finishes in 2018 and 2019. Beyond her current position, she has amassed valuable experience as both a coach and manager for several teams, including the OU Sooners Women’s Gymnastics team.

Do Mark Daigneault and Ashley Kerr have kids?

In 2021, Mark Daigneault and Ashley Kerr welcomed a baby boy into their family, naming him Alex John Daigneault. The Thunder head coach shared his heartfelt thoughts on becoming a father for the first time, saying, “Everybody tries to put it into words, and you just can’t.” The couple affectionately calls their son AJ.

Mark and Ashley are embracing parenthood together while balancing their professional lives, cherishing the joys and challenges of raising their son. Their strong bond and shared journey make their family life both fulfilling and happy.