Decorated WNBA star Chelsea Gray and Tipesa Moorer have been married for 5 years.
Chelsea and Tipesa’s love story began in 2013 when their paths crossed, and a connection sparked.
Since they were both basketball players and had a lot in common, it’s likely they connected easily, and their bond naturally grew into a committed relationship.
Tipesa, then known as Tipesa Mercedes Moorer, had already made a name for herself as a forward for California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where she played before transitioning into a career in coaching.
Chelsea, meanwhile, was rising through the ranks of professional basketball.
Over time, their relationship grew stronger, and the couple took a significant step forward when Chelsea proposed to Tipesa in 2018.
On June 27, 2018, Chelsea and Tipesa announced their engagement on social media. Just over a year later, on November 2, 2019, they exchanged wedding vows.
Fast-forward to a day before their third wedding anniversary. The couple announced their pregnancy through an Instagram post featuring Tipesa’s baby bump and Chelsea holding a onesie that read, “A Baby is Brewing.”
After over four years of marriage, Chelsea and Tipesa became parents when their son, Lennox Ali’i Gray, was born in February 2024.
Chelsea took to her Instagram to wish Tipesa her first Mother’s Day after their son was born. She wrote:
Happy FIRST Mother’s Day to you mama @tipesa_gray !
Me and X love you to the millionth power!
Chelsea Gray
Chelsea has spoken about balancing motherhood with her WNBA career, while Tipesa’s role at CSULB allows her to remain close to home as they raise their son together.
Tipesa Gray Shines as a Basketball Player Who Transitioned into Coaching!
Tipesa Moorer Gray, born on March 4, 1990, in Los Angeles County, California, has a strong basketball background herself.
She currently serves as the Director of Operations for the women’s basketball program at CSULB, a role she has held for two separate stints.
Additionally, according to her LinkedIn profile, she has worked as the Director of Athlete Relations for Transition Play, an organization focused on helping athletes navigate life after their playing careers.
She played college basketball at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where she excelled as a forward for the women’s basketball team.
During her collegiate career, she showcased both athletic and academic excellence.
In her senior year, she led the team in scoring with an average of 12.7 points per game. Likewise, Tipesa also earned her second-team All-Big West honors.
Her academic achievements were equally impressive, as she was named to the Big West All-Academic team twice.
Tipesa graduated from California State University, Long Beach, in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in Marketing, later returning to earn a Master’s degree in Sport Management in 2015.
After her playing days, Tipesa transitioned into coaching and operations. She joined the CSULB women’s basketball coaching staff in the 2013-2014 season.
She contributed to the team’s back-to-back appearances in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT).
Beyond coaching, she expanded her experience by working with the School of Skills, a year-round basketball camp in Manhattan Beach, where she helped train young athletes.
Tipesa also officiated high school games as part of the California Basketball Officials Association’s Los Angeles unit.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Chelsea Gray was born to athletic parents, James and Vickey Gray. Her father, James, played football at Clemson University, while her mother, Vickey, played college basketball.
- Beyond the WNBA, Chelsea has played for teams in Turkey and Israel, gaining international basketball experience.
- Chelsea was named the WNBA Finals MVP in 2022 after leading the Las Vegas Aces to their championship victory.