Jalen Brunson is a popular NBA player for the New York Knicks, and his high school sweetheart, Ali Marks, aka Alison Marks, got engaged in 2022.
The love story began in high school at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
They started dating in October 2013 and became stronger over the years, resulting in a romantic engagement and a wedding.
The two had attended their senior prom together in May 2015, which showed how close they had been even in their teens.
After high school, Jalen played Division 1 basketball at Villanova University. At the same time, Ali attended the University of Illinois Urbana.
They had remained devoted to one another through the challenge of long-distance relationships.
An emotional Jalen popped the question to Ali in a candle-and-floral-decorated gymnasium at their alma mater on September 21, 2022, after his induction into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame.
Ali and Jalen married on July 29, 2023, at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, in an intimate ceremony with close family and friends, including many of Jalen’s teammates.
At their wedding, there were lights, music, and celebrations everywhere.
Ali Marks Is a Physical Therapist Who Graduated From Northwestern University!
Ali Marks was born on September 10, 1995, in Lincolnshire, Illinois, to James Marks and Kathleen Marks.
Her mother, Kathleen, has been a Substitute Teacher at Chicago Public Schools since January 2022.
Ali attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, graduating in 2017 with a Kinesiology and Exercise Science degree.
She has built a successful career as a physical therapist after earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 2021.
Ali has worked in various roles within physical therapy-from a rehabilitation aide to a physical therapist at W.B. Carrell Memorial Clinic in Dallas, before joining ATI Physical Therapy in New York.
Her responsibility does not stop at her job; she regularly volunteers as an athletic training aide and assists in research dealing with underserved communities.
Ali enjoys staying fit and ran her first half-marathon in October 2020 for Project Purple, which works to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.
Her father, James, died of pancreatic cancer a decade ago, and Project Purple helped her family during his treatment.
Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks Welcomed Their Daughter in 2024!
In July 2024, Jalen and Ali had their first child, a daughter named Jordyn James Brunson.
The couple often give a sneak peek into their life with a daughter and a Goldendoodle named Kona as they create memories together.
An adorable family moment was captured at Christmas when Ali and the newborn baby Jordyn joined Dad Jalen for a warm-up before the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks game.
Ali’s support has been very important since Jalen started his NBA journey-she had been his biggest cheerleader since high school up to today’s stardom.
Their relationship symbolizes partnership and courage, where both have to tackle different challenges in the sports world. Ali is always a reassuring factor in Jalen’s life.
Their love story is not about what they have been through but what they do and accomplish together in a life filled with love and ambition.
From high school sweethearts to married life, the journey reflects a deep dedication that has continued to blossom as they move on to new adventures together as parents.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- On Wednesday, December 25, 2024, the New York Knicks won against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 117-114.
- Jalen is the son of Rick and Sandra Brunson, both athletes at Temple University, where Rick played basketball and Sandra played volleyball.
- On June 21, 2018, the Dallas Mavericks drafted Brunson 33rd overall, making him the fourth Villanova player selected in that NBA draft.
