From record-setting volleyball star to head coach’s wife, Jocelyn Malone’s story inspires.
Born in Queens, New York, in 1971, Malone followed in his father Brendan’s footsteps into basketball coaching.
After graduating from Loyola University Maryland with a history degree in 1994, he began his coaching career at the grassroots level.
His path to the NBA started as a coaching associate with the New York Knicks in 2001, where he quickly rose to become an assistant coach.
Malone’s expertise shone through during his stints with various teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he helped guide the team to five consecutive playoff appearances and the 2007 NBA Finals.
His breakthrough came with the Denver Nuggets, where he took the helm in 2015.
Under his leadership, the Nuggets achieved their crowning glory in 2023, securing their first NBA championship in franchise history.
His coaching prowess continued to shine as he surpassed Doug Moe’s record for most wins in Nuggets franchise history in November 2024.
Jocelyn Malone Exemplifies Strength and Support as a Wife, Mother, and Former Collegiate Athlete
Jocelyn Anne Cole, now known as Jocelyn Malone, has played an integral role in Michael Malone’s success story.
Born on May 21, 1974, in Canterbury, N.H., she developed her athletic prowess at Belmont High School before embarking on a remarkable collegiate career at Providence College.
During her four seasons with the Friars’ women’s volleyball team, Jocelyn established herself as an exceptional athlete, setting an impressive school record of 346 blocks.
Her contribution helped the team achieve an outstanding 84-52 win-loss record during her tenure.
Despite her impressive athletic achievements, Jocelyn chose a different path after graduating in 1996, pursuing a career in education as a schoolteacher.
It was during her college years that fate intervened, bringing her together with Michael Malone, who served on Providence College’s coaching staff.
Their four-year courtship culminated in a wedding in 1998, marking the beginning of a 25-year journey filled with mutual support and understanding.
She actively participates in the Nuggets community, regularly attending games and maintaining a strong presence in her husband’s professional life.
Her wit and humor add a delightful dimension to their relationship, as evidenced by their playful exchanges.
One memorable instance occurred during the 2022-2023 season when she teasingly roasted her husband through a text message after the Nuggets secured the top position in the Western Conference despite losing their 82nd regular season game.
Together, Michael and Jocelyn have built a tight-knit family with their two daughters, Bridget and Caitlin.
Following in her mother’s athletic footsteps, Caitlin has been playing volleyball since age six and showcased her skills at Elevation Volleyball Club 17 Peak after attending Mountain Vista High School.
The family’s bond grew stronger through various challenges, including the emotional period during the 2020 NBA bubble when Michael publicly advocated for coaches’ families to be allowed entry.
The Malone family has faced both triumphs and tribulations together, from celebrating the Nuggets’ historic 2023 NBA championship to mourning the loss of Michael’s father, Brendan Malone.
Through it all, Jocelyn has remained a pillar of strength, balancing her roles as a mother, wife, and former athlete with grace.
Her journey from a record-setting college volleyball player to the supportive partner of an NBA championship coach exemplifies the profound impact of having a strong foundation at home while pursuing professional excellence.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He played as a guard for Loyola (Maryland) from 1989 to 1993.
- Malone’s coaching career began in 1993, leading to assistant roles with several NBA teams before becoming head coach of the Denver Nuggets in 2015.
- He led the Denver Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023 and has been an NBA All-Star Game head coach twice (2019, 2023).
