Who Are MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Parents? Everything You Need to Know About South Carolina Star’s Family Life

3 going on 4 years old. That’s the age MiLaysia Fulwiley was when her mom got her a Little Tikes hoop for Christmas. Soon, the little girl started making everything from basketball and tennis balls to bubble gum balls go through it. Later, her mother set up a larger hoop outside the family home’s driveway, transforming it into MiLaysia’s home court. Little did the mother know that as she practiced, with her younger sister standing outside with her and counting down from three like a human shot clock, MiLaysia was laying the foundation for a basketball career that would one day result in her winning the NCAA championship alongside the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Despite the strong presence they have in her life, college basketball fans would not know much about MiLaysia Fulwiley’s family. If you are amongst them, then this is your chance to enlighten yourself a bit more.

Who are MiLaysia Fulwiley’s parents? What do they do?

MiLaysia Fulwiley was born back on April 21st, 2005, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Phelliccia “Phea” Mixon. While her mother has been quite visible in public and has been present throughout her daughter’s basketball journey, not much information is known about MiLaysia’s father.

Phelliccia Mixon is also a native of Columbia, South Carolina. Her father, Charles Cleophus Mixon, played defensive tackle for the W.J. Keenan’s football teams in his teens. She has two siblings: Jayla and Zyana.

MiLaysia has often been open about the contributions her mother has made to help further her basketball career. In a video released on the Gamecocks’ official YouTube channel back in late December 2024, she revealed, “My mom definitely was my hero, and I just wanted to show her how much I appreciated her. Just waking up early in the morning for my games — she went as far as quitting her night job so she would be able to go to my games once I started playing AAU and things.” She also added that “Just seeing her work hard and make sure we got what we wanted by any means necessary just made me want to do it for her actually”.

With these outings, MiLaysia’s love for basketball grew as a toddler. USC Gamecocks became her favorite team, and now she’s living the dream as their guard.

MiLaysia’s mother’s passion for basketball was transferred to her daughter, who pursued it and has been conquering the hardwood ever since. After all, Little MiLaysia did tell her mother that someday she would play for the ‘real’ team at the age of 4.

Phelliccia Mixon also played an important role in her daughter signing with the South Carolina Gamecocks. When the time came to make her choice, MiLaysia had several options in front of her. Phelliccia herself, however, wanted the player to join Dawn Staley’s squad. She highlighted her reason in an interview with ‘The Greenville News’, stating, “You need someone that’s going to say no when the time is right. Transitioning to college and the WNBA, you have to be able to change and sacrifice some things … you need someone that’s going to hold you accountable”. 

Does MiLaysia Fulwiley have any siblings?

According to reports, MiLaysia has two sisters, Zyana Mixon and Jayla Fulwiley, along with a brother, Robert McCray V.

Jayla also pursues basketball like her elder sister. She last played for the W.J. Keenan High School basketball team. According to MaxPreps, she played a total of 86 games between 2020 and 2025, and averaged 4.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.3 assists. Meanwhile, Zyana works in the cosmetic industry.

Jayla was the sister who used to act as the shot-clock outside the family home while MiLaysia Fulwiley practiced in the driveway. One can simply go to YouTube, search for the video ‘Milaysia Fulwiley’ by ‘Bball Mom’, and see for themselves the whole process with their own eyes. “Three,” Jayla would say, and Fulwiley dribbled the ball. “Two” was followed by a dribble. “One” saw a spin move, dribble, and then the shot attempt. Jayla said “Zero”, and a Thud and Swish was heard in the background as the ball hit the backboard and landed in the hoop.

Robert McCray used to play for the Jacksonville Dolphins. He was associated with the team after his debut college season with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. In early April 2025, he signed with the Florida State Seminoles men’s basketball team. During the 2024-25 college season, Robert started in 31 of his 32 games, and averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Robert continues to be a significant support system for his sister, who is also making a memorable mark in college basketball.

After MiLaysia signed with Under Armour’s Stephen Curry Brand last year, she was able to debut the first product of the collaboration, the Curry 12 ‘FamLay’. Robert reposted the Curry Brand’s post about the collaboration on his own Instagram story, and wrote a caption underneath it that read “Legendary”. MiLaysia herself reposted her brother’s repost, and added “Gang!” as caption.

What is MiLaysia Fulwiley’s parents’ nationality?

According to Sports Unfold, MiLaysia Fulwiley belongs to the American nationality, and is of Mixed ethnicity. Unfortunately, no detailed information is given about Phelliccia “Phea” Mixon’s nationality or ethnicity. We can assume that she, too, holds an American Nationality, being a native of Columbia, South Carolina. However, nothing can be confirmed without the availability of information from a reputable source.

MiLaysia Fulwiley now has the chance to be a part of a two-peat team if the South Carolina Gamecocks win the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Before that can happen, the player and her squad would have to compete against the Texas Longhorns to secure a spot in the championship game.