Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks’ superstar guard, has been in the NBA spotlight for years. Known for his sharpshooting, elite court vision, and icy confidence under pressure, Young’s meteoric rise didn’t happen in isolation. Behind his success is a deeply rooted family story—one grounded in love, basketball, and resilience. This long-form feature explores the people who molded Trae Young long before he stepped onto an NBA court: his parents, Rayford and Candice Young.
A Story That Started in Texas: The Union of Rayford and Candice
Rayford and Candice Young’s love story began in Pampa, Texas, a small town with humble beginnings and big dreams. They were high school sweethearts who followed their shared passion for sports and education to Texas Tech University. While Rayford was making waves as a basketball guard for the Red Raiders, Candice was pursuing her own goals—balancing school, faith, and a deep sense of family commitment.
In 1998, while still in college, they welcomed their first son, Trae, into the world. Having a child during college could have disrupted many young lives, but for Rayford and Candice, it ignited a shared sense of responsibility and purpose. The couple would go on to raise four children, building a family culture rooted in faith, perseverance, and relentless support.
Rayford Young: From Court Warrior to Entrepreneurial Father
Rayford Young had an impressive collegiate career at Texas Tech, where he averaged nearly 18 points per game. His explosive scoring and aggressive play made him a standout guard, drawing attention from NBA scouts. Though his stint with the Houston Rockets was brief, Rayford found success overseas in Europe, especially with FC Porto in Portugal.
This professional journey gave Rayford a realistic lens into the world of sports—its highs, lows, sacrifices, and rewards. After hanging up his sneakers, Rayford transitioned into business, working in medical device sales and eventually heading Young Family Enterprises. But basketball never left his heart; instead, it became part of his DNA as a father. Rayford’s insight and experience gave Trae a unique developmental edge, nurturing his game without forcing the sport onto him.
Rayford was never a “sideline screamer” type of dad. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a guiding voice. He knew when to step in and when to let Trae struggle. That balance gave Trae the independence to own his growth while benefiting from his father’s hard-earned wisdom.
Candice Young: The Spiritual Backbone of the Young Family
If Rayford was the basketball influence, Candice was the soul of the household. Raised by a pastor in a devout Christian home, Candice brought spiritual grounding and emotional strength to her family. She instilled in her children the values of integrity, faith, humility, and service.
Candice was unwavering in her belief in Trae—not just as an athlete, but as a person. Her consistent reminders about the importance of faith and character gave Trae emotional stability. In a high-pressure sports world filled with distractions, Candice’s influence helped Trae stay centered and confident in his identity beyond the game.
She also ensured that education and discipline were non-negotiables in their home. Trae’s ability to remain composed under pressure and avoid off-court controversies is a testament to Candice’s emphasis on character development.
Growing Up in Norman: The Making of a Modern Athlete
Though born in Lubbock, Texas, trae young parents spent most of his childhood in Norman, Oklahoma. The Young family moved there to build a stable environment for their kids. It’s where Trae refined his skills on local courts, became a high school basketball legend, and learned what it means to be part of a community.
From a young age, Trae stood out. But despite his talent, his path wasn’t always easy. He faced doubts about his size, his defense, and his ability to translate high school stats to bigger stages. What kept him going was the strong belief system at home. Rayford and Candice never pushed a narrative of stardom; they nurtured a mindset of excellence. Their focus wasn’t just on sports but on leadership, kindness, and self-accountability.
Both parents consistently sent the message, “Outwork everyone. Be humble. Let your game speak.” And Trae did.
Family First: The Young Siblings and Team Trae Young
Trae isn’t an only child—he has three siblings: two sisters, Caitlyn and Camryn, and a younger brother, Timothy. Among them, Timothy has already started following in Trae’s footsteps. At just 13, Tim plays for Team Trae Young, an AAU squad founded by the NBA star in 2018. Rayford runs the program, making it a true family operation.
Timothy’s brother has dubbed him “Trae Younger,” a nickname that speaks both to affection and promise. Trae proudly shares clips of his brother dominating youth basketball, praising his growing skills and confidence.
Meanwhile, Trae’s sisters, though more private, remain active supporters and anchors in his life. The whole family exudes a strong sense of unity, and everyone plays a role—on or off the court.
Faith, Fortitude, and Giving Back: The Young Family Foundation
The Young family’s values stretch beyond their household. In 2019, they launched the Trae Young Family Foundation, which focused on mental health awareness, social justice, and educational access. Headquartered in Norman, Oklahoma, the foundation aims to break stigmas around mental health and provide underprivileged youth with the resources they need to succeed.
The project is deeply personal. Candice, in particular, has emphasized the importance of mental well-being and the role faith can play in healing. Trae, influenced by both his parents, has used his platform to speak openly about anxiety, pressure, and staying mentally fit in a competitive world.
The foundation’s initiatives include building youth centers, organizing mentorship programs, and creating safe spaces for dialogue around wellness. It’s a full-circle moment: from being mentored by his parents, Trae is now mentoring the next generation—with his family by his side.
Rayford’s Voice: Pride and Perspective on Social Media
Rayford Young has become known in NBA circles for his active presence on social media—not as a stage parent but as a fierce advocate for fairness and respect. Whether defending his son against media snubs or simply expressing admiration for his accomplishments, Rayford’s online voice is passionate and unapologetic.
In one notable post, he wrote, “This journey has gone WAY BEYOND what I ever dreamed of for him.” That sentiment captures it all—the awe of a father watching his son soar higher than he imagined and the ongoing journey of love and legacy that binds them together.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Basketball Story
Trae Young’s story is compelling not just because of his stats or accolades but also because of the people behind the scenes—Rayford and Candice Young—who poured their wisdom, faith, and love into him. They created more than an athlete; they shaped a man of principle, purpose, and pride.
Their influence is visible in every cross-court assist, every fearless shot, and every moment Trae dedicates to giving back. It’s also visible in the next generation—Timothy and others—who are learning that greatness starts not with fame but with a foundation.
In a world eager to anoint the next star, it’s worth remembering: behind every highlight reel is a home, and behind Trae Young’s game is a family whose legacy continues to shine through him.
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