Ashley Kerr’s words on their partnership: ‘We’ve always seen each other as a team.’
Mark Daigneault has become a rising star in the NBA coaching, transforming the Oklahoma City Thunder into a powerhouse of young talent.
His journey to becoming the head coach of the Thunder is marked by dedication, strategic thinking, and a commitment to basketball.
Starting as a student manager at the University of Connecticut, Daigneault worked his way through assistant coaching positions at Holy Cross and the University of Florida.
His persistence paid off when the Oklahoma City Blue hired him as head coach in 2014, where he spent five seasons developing players and establishing himself as a promising coaching talent.
The Thunder recognized his potential, promoting him to head coach in 2020, making him one of the youngest coaches in NBA history.
His innovative approach and ability to connect with young players quickly earned him respect throughout the league, culminating in his NBA Coach of the Year award in 2024.
Faced with Career Challenges, Kerr Chose Love and Supported Daigneault’s NBA Coaching Journey
Behind every successful coach stands a supportive partner, and for Mark Daigneault, that partner is his wife, Ashley Kerr.
Born in 1988 in Plant City, Florida, Kerr brings her own impressive athletic and professional background to their relationship.
A former collegiate gymnast for the Florida Gators, she demonstrated exceptional skills both on the gymnastics mat and in the classroom.
Multiple selections to the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches Scholastic All-America team and the SEC Academic Honor Roll distinguished her athletic career.
Kerr’s dedication extended beyond competition, earning her the Character Award and becoming part of the Southeastern Conference Gymnastics Community Service Team during her senior year.
Their love story began during their time as assistant coaches at the University of Florida, where their shared passion for sports brought them together.
When the Thunder offered Daigneault a coaching position with the Blue, their relationship faced its first significant challenge.
Kerr was deeply invested in her own career, working as a gymnastics team manager and intern.
Moving would mean leaving behind her professional opportunities, but she chose to support Daigneault’s dreams.
After three years of a long-distance relationship, Kerr took a leap of faith and moved to Oklahoma.
Her risk paid off when the University of Oklahoma hired her as a volunteer assistant coach for their gymnastics team, where she contributed to the program’s success in 2018 and 2019.
The couple’s commitment to each other extends beyond their professional achievements.
In 2021, they welcomed their first child, Mark Jr. (nicknamed AJ), demonstrating their ability to balance demanding careers with family life.
The Thunder organization supported Daigneault during this personal milestone, allowing him to be present during his son’s birth despite being in the middle of a road trip.
Kerr herself has been vocal about their partnership, stating,
“We’ve always seen each other as a team. He is incredibly supportive of my career, my dreams, my aspirations, and I’m the same for him.”
Via Clutchpoints
Their relationship exemplifies mutual respect, support, and shared ambition.
While Mark continues to make waves in NBA coaching, Ashley remains a strong pillar of support, pursuing her own passions in sports management and coaching.
Together, they represent a modern partnership where individual achievements are celebrated, and professional dreams are nurtured collaboratively.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Mark Daigneault was born in Leominster, Massachusetts, and attended Leominster High School before pursuing his education at the University of Connecticut.
- During his time as head coach of the Oklahoma City Blue, he won three NBA G League Coach of the Month awards and led the team to a 143-107 record, the most wins by a coach in franchise history.
- Before becoming the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Daigneault was an assistant coach to Billy Donovan, and he became the second youngest head coach in the NBA at the time of his hiring in 2020.
