Taylor Vetter Jenkins, born on September 12, 1984, stands at the helm of the Memphis Grizzlies as their head coach. With a background rooted in hard work and determination, Jenkins’ leadership has propelled the team into a competitive force in the NBA. Yet, beyond the court, it’s his family that forms the cornerstone of his life, providing balance and support as he navigates the pressures of professional basketball.

Who is Taylor Jenkins’ wife?

Chantall Lissette Jenkins is not just Taylor’s partner; she is an integral part of his story. Their relationship remains largely private, but the couple exchanged vows on July 27, 2013, in Travis County. What’s remarkable about her is her diverse career path. Starting in 1999 as a front-desk agent at El Caney Guest House, she has transitioned through various roles.

By 2003, she was a loan processor at World Savings and later became a loan origination specialist for USAA until 2013. Currently, she works as a sales associate at Banana Republic. However, she is a graduate of the University of the Incarnate World, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing.

Balancing act: family and coaching Life

Taylor and Chantall share a vibrant and dynamic family life, raising four children together. They have a son, Austin, and a daughter, Avery, along with Chantall’s two sons from a previous marriage, Alex and Jancarlos Gates. Balancing family and Taylor’s demanding coaching responsibilities is no easy feat. “As the head coach, you wear it,” he said.

“But then I just go home and try to turn it off because I know I’m going to have to be on the next morning, and I’ll be back on when my family goes to sleep at night, and I get back to work. I think that healthy boundaries go with my OCD. I want to be detail-oriented with my kids just as much as when I’m with my players,” Jenkins admitted in an interview with The Athletic. Yet, like any parent, he grapples with the challenges of merging professional and personal lives.

In the same interview, Jenkins opened up about the challenges of balancing work and personal life. “Are there moments inside when I’m going home about to see my wife and kids, and I’m like, ‘What the f–k are we gonna do?’ Yeah, you’re human, and we have to realistically admit those things at times. But then when I come back to work, talk to the media, talk to the team, it’s back to work.”

“What are we gonna do? JJ’s out for three weeks. Brandon’s out for X amount of weeks, and Justise isn’t back. F**king sucks. Well, the rest of the league goes through it. They do this too, so let’s go find a way to just win a ballgame. One day at a time. We keep our guys focused on the moment,” he added.

Making lives better: The philanthropic work of the Jenkins couple

When it comes to community service, Taylor and Chantall Jenkins are dedicated. Their commitment is evident in their active involvement with various charitable causes. The Jenkins couple is actively involved in local philanthropy. In 2020, they opened a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation. Taylor’s family legacy of service inspires their commitment. “Education was a big passion of our family, and that came from my granddad. How do I carry on the legacy that my grandfather built, and my mom and aunts continued, not just through monetary contributions but by time spent?” he reflects. His grandfather established the Vetter Foundation, emphasizing the importance of education.

Chantall echoes this sentiment, saying, “My dad did a lot of giving back to the community on a smaller scale, not a foundation-type thing. My family was always supportive of ways to help the military community. I want to dive into the need in this area’s military community. They’re an undervalued group of people that you don’t often hear a lot about.” Their philanthropic interests cover children, single mothers, the military, and more. Through the Coach Jenkins Assists for Education Program, they support public schools with significant contributions.

The Jenkinses are committed to deepening their ties to Memphis. “This city is a lot different. There is a stronger connection between citizens and investment to make the place better, brighter, and happier. There’s a different rallying cry. This place is unique and is built from within,“ Taylor noted. His experiences in other cities have shaped his perspective on community engagement. He appreciates Memphis’ unique spirit and dedication.

“We see our philanthropic endeavors as a way to get tied to the community even deeper. This is about all people being connected, encouraged, and excited. There’s so much life force, passion, and joy here. I get to be a recipient of that, and I want our family tied even more into this unbelievable community.” he adds. Their involvement creates connections that benefit both the family and the community. They are excited to explore new ways to give back.

Chantall is particularly enthusiastic about the LIVEGIVEmidsouth community system. It’s a comprehensive directory of 480 area nonprofits. This tool allows them to engage with various organizations effectively.

Taylor Jenkins’ journey as a coach is defined by the love and support of his family. From navigating the demands of his NBA career to championing community causes, Chantall and their children provide the foundation he relies on. As he continues to lead the Grizzlies, it’s clear that family remains a driving force in his life.

In a world where professional sports can often overshadow personal commitments, Taylor and Chantall’s story serves as a reminder: the heart of a successful coach lies not just in victories, but in the love and support that fuels their journey!