Clyde Drexler is not only celebrated as one of the most iconic names in professional basketball but also admired for the richness of his personal life and relationships.
Over the years, he has navigated significant milestones in his marital journey, first with his former wife, Gaynell Floyd Drexler, and now with his current wife, Tonya.
Clyde and Gaynell tied the knot on December 30, 1988, embarking on a union that lasted until their divorce in 2011.
Gaynell is an accomplished corporate attorney and a dedicated advocate with a profound commitment to non-profit work and community service.
Hailing from Mississippi, Gaynell pursued her undergraduate education at Spelman College before earning her Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law.
She became a member of the New York Bar and built a successful career as a transactional law associate at the prestigious firm Schulte, Roth & Zabel in Manhattan.
Throughout her career, community service has remained a cornerstone of Gaynell’s professional and personal endeavors.
For ten years, she was associated with the Houston Habitat for Humanity board, including serving as chairperson between 2015-2017, with unique engagement in constructing homes economically suitable to families who require those specific needs.
She has also been involved with the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, whose mission is to develop Houston’s greenway system.
The community recognizes her; in 2018, Vaskey Media Group named her one of the Top 30 Most Influential Women in Houston.
Although Clyde and Gaynell divorced, they remained on good terms, more so when rearing their children.
Clyde Drexler Has Four Children With His Two Wives, Gaynell And Tonya, All Of Whom Are Successful In Their Careers
In March 2014, Clyde married his second wife, Tonya Outen, whom he met through NBA star Dominique Wilkins.
The wedding took place in Texas, and many famous basketball players attended the joyous union.
Though Drexler’s wife, Tonya, has maintained a relatively low profile, she has appeared with Clyde at some events, showing that the partnership is strong and seems to work well away from the limelight.
Clyde and Tonya attended the Ring Ceremony and Walk of Fame Unveiling for the Houston Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
Drexler’s family life is rich with connections beyond his marriages. Clyde and Gaynell have four children: Austin, Elise, Adam, and Erica, with Tonya.
His children have inherited his passion for sports; notably, his son Adam pursued basketball professionally in Japan before joining the Big3 league in the States.
This continuity of athleticism within the family highlights Clyde’s influence as a father.
His daughter Kathryn Elise Drexler is a storyteller and social advocacy enthusiast who dedicated her life to exploring and expressing the complexities of the Black American experience through art.
She is a proud graduate of Columbia University and holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film Directing from UCLA.
Austin Drexler is completing the trio of Clyde’s talented children, who has established himself as a Game Developer and Project Specialist at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies since January 2019.
Austin earned his Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media Design and Games from the University of Southern California.
Another notable member of Drexler’s family is his daughter Erica Drexler, the CEO and Founder of Abstinence Inspires Millions, a Christian non-profit organization.
Both Women Have Played Significant Roles In Clyde Drexler’s Life
Drexler’s wife, Tonya, and ex-wife, Gaynell, have played significant roles in his life, shaping his experiences and contributing to his legacy as an athlete and community member.
While Gaynell focused on advocacy and legal work that benefited many in Houston, Tonya has been a reliable partner supporting Clyde’s ongoing basketball endeavors and beyond.
With Clyde still active in basketball, serving as commissioner of the Big3 league but never losing contact with his family, both past and present relationships play an integral part in who he is today.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In the 1983 NBA draft, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Drexler with the 14th overall pick.
- Drexler retired at 35 to leave on his terms.
