Darvin Ham is a former NBA player and the current head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been married to Deneitra Ham for over 25 years and they have two sons together. Who is Deneitra Ham and what is her story? Here are some facts you need to know about Darvin Ham’s wife.
Deneitra Ham is a Texas Native and a Texas Tech Graduate
Deneitra Ham was born as Deneitra Jynnell Harris on August 24, 1976, in Dallas, Texas. She attended Lincoln Humanities/Communications Magnet High School and later enrolled at Lamar University in Texas. She transferred to Texas Tech University, where she met her future husband Darvin Ham. She graduated from Texas Tech in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree¹.
Deneitra Ham is a Certified Teacher and a Non-Profit Founder
Deneitra Ham is a certified elementary and middle school teacher who has a passion for education. She is also the CEO of Urban Youth Development, a non-profit organization that she co-founded with her husband in 2003. Their mission is to provide enriched programs to the youths of today, with a focus on cultural disinterest, poor socioeconomic position, society’s deference, and/or at-risk adolescents².
Deneitra Ham and Darvin Ham Have Been Married Since 1998
Deneitra Ham and Darvin Ham tied the knot in 1998 after dating for a few years. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on February 7, 2022. Deneitra Ham posted a heartfelt message on her Facebook page to mark the occasion. She wrote: “Whether in black and white or in color, ‘What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.’ Blessed to see 24!”¹
Deneitra Ham Has Two Sons with Darvin Ham and a Stepson
Deneitra Ham and Darvin Ham have two sons together: Donovan and Dominic. Donovan was born on January 3, 1997, and Dominic was born on January 24, 2000. Both of them are basketball players who followed their father’s footsteps. Donovan played for Mississippi College and Dominic played for Georgia State University¹². Darvin Ham also has a son from a previous relationship named Darvin Ham Jr., who was born when he was still in high school. Darvin Ham Jr. is also a basketball coach who works as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks³.
Deneitra Ham Stood by Her Husband Through Thick and Thin
Deneitra Ham has been a supportive wife to Darvin Ham throughout his career as a player and a coach. She moved with him to different cities and countries as he played for various teams in the NBA and overseas. She also helped him cope with the challenges of being a coach in the competitive league. In 2005, Deneitra Ham was arrested for domestic abuse after she allegedly hit her husband with a glass bottle during an argument. However, the charges were dropped and the couple reconciled⁴. In 2020, Deneitra Ham celebrated her husband’s achievement of becoming the head coach of the Lakers by posting a congratulatory message on her Instagram account.
Deneitra Ham is more than just Darvin Ham’s wife. She is an accomplished woman who has her own career and interests. She is also a loving mother who raised three sons with her husband. She is the woman behind the Lakers coach who inspires him to be his best.