7 Shocking Facts About Sonya Curry: Steph Curry's Mom's New Life, Memoir, And 2025 Dream Project
Sonya Curry, the matriarch of the NBA’s most famous family, has stepped out of the shadow of her sons' stardom to forge a powerful new identity as an author, entrepreneur, and motivational figure, with her latest projects making headlines in late 2025. The mother of Stephen, Seth, and Sydel Curry, she gained a new level of public attention following her high-profile divorce from ex-NBA player Dell Curry, a split that rocked the sports world after 33 years of marriage. Her journey since the separation has been one of fierce personal growth, chronicled in her hit memoir and culminating in a major "dream project" event this year, proving that her story is far more than just being a basketball mom.
As of December 23, 2025, Sonya Curry is actively defining her next chapter, balancing her enduring role as a supportive mother to her NBA star children with her own ambitious professional and personal endeavors. From running a school to hosting global retreats, her commitment to education, faith, and family continues to inspire millions, even as she navigates the complexities of a public "gray divorce."
Sonya Curry: Complete Biography and Profile
- Full Name: Sonya Alicia Adams
- Date of Birth: May 30, 1966
- Age (as of late 2025): 59
- Place of Birth: Radford, Virginia
- Alma Mater: Virginia Tech (VPI&SU)
- College Sports: Varsity Volleyball (Setter)
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education
- Career: Educator, Author, Entrepreneur, Speaker. Co-Founder and President of the Christian Montessori School of Lake Norman (CMSLN)
- Ex-Husband: Dell Curry (Married 1988, Divorced 2021)
- Children: Stephen Curry (NBA Player), Seth Curry (NBA Player), Sydel Curry-Lee (Former Volleyball Player)
- Major Project: Author of the memoir *Fierce Love: A Memoir of Family, Faith, and Purpose* (Published 2022)
- Current Residence: Charlotte, North Carolina area.
1. The "Fierce Love Retreat": Her New 2025 Dream Project
In a powerful display of her post-divorce focus on personal ministry and female empowerment, Sonya Curry launched her "first dream project" in 2025: the inaugural Fierce Love Retreat. Held from September 12 to 15, 2025, the event was a major milestone for the entrepreneur and author. The retreat was described as an extension of the themes found in her memoir, focusing on faith, family, and purpose for women from around the world. This project firmly establishes Sonya Curry as a public speaker and a figure dedicated to personal and spiritual growth, moving beyond her identity as the mother of Stephen Curry.
The retreat’s success highlights her entrepreneurial spirit, which was first demonstrated in 1995 when she co-founded the Christian Montessori School of Lake Norman (CMSLN) in Huntersville, North Carolina, with Dell Curry. She remains the president of the school, which has provided her with a lifelong devotion to education and a platform for her "fierce love" philosophy.
2. The High-Profile "Gray Divorce" and the Fallout
The 2021 divorce of Sonya and Dell Curry after 33 years of marriage was a major news story, often cited as an example of a "gray divorce"—a separation later in life. The split was initially amicable, but court filings soon revealed a messier picture, including accusations of infidelity from both sides.
- Dell Curry's Accusation: Dell alleged that Sonya had been dating former NFL player Steven Johnson, a 6th-round pick for the New England Patriots, before their separation.
- Sonya's Defense: Sonya maintained that her relationship with Johnson did not begin until after she and Dell had legally separated.
- Dell's Remarriage: Dell Curry has since moved on and remarried, a development that keeps the family’s dynamic in the public eye.
- Steven Johnson's Background: Johnson, who played for the Patriots, is reportedly a former high school classmate of Sonya's, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
Despite the personal turmoil, both parents have demonstrated a commitment to supporting their children. They are frequently seen attending Stephen's Golden State Warriors games and Seth's games, often sitting on opposite sides of the arena to maintain a respectful distance while still cheering on their sons.
3. The Memoir *Fierce Love* Revealed Her Parenting Secrets
Sonya Curry’s 2022 memoir, *Fierce Love: A Memoir of Family, Faith, and Purpose*, offered an unprecedented look into the Curry family's life, giving fans a deeper understanding of the woman who raised two NBA superstars and a professional athlete daughter, Sydel Curry-Lee. The book details her upbringing in Virginia, her college days at Virginia Tech playing volleyball, and the challenges of being an NBA wife.
Key takeaways from the memoir include:
- The Role of Faith: Sonya emphasizes the crucial role of Christian faith and purpose in guiding her parenting decisions and maintaining stability amid the chaotic NBA lifestyle.
- The "Fierce" Parenting Style: The book outlines her philosophy of "fierce love," a balance of unwavering support and tough-love discipline, which she credits for instilling the strong work ethic in Stephen and Seth.
- The Early Days: It chronicles the family's move to Charlotte, North Carolina, and the founding of the Christian Montessori School of Lake Norman, a project that was a constant in their lives.
- The Divorce Context: The memoir also provided context for the eventual divorce from Dell, discussing the difficulties that came with raising children while being the wife of a professional athlete.
4. Her Alma Mater and Athletic Background
Before she was Steph Curry's mom, Sonya Alicia Adams was a talented athlete in her own right. She attended Virginia Tech (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University) where she was a three-sport athlete in high school before focusing on volleyball in college. She played the setter position on the Hokies’ varsity volleyball team. Her college days were also where she first met Dell Curry, who was a basketball star for the Hokies. Their shared athletic background and commitment to sports formed the foundation of their relationship and the environment in which their children were raised.
5. Navigating Grief and Public Life in 2025
The year 2025 was marked by both professional success and personal loss for Sonya Curry. In July 2025, she shared a heartfelt tribute following the death of her grandmother, Candy Adams. Navigating such a personal loss in the public eye is a testament to her resilience. Despite these challenges, she continues to be a visible and vocal presence at her sons' games, always a beacon of support for the Golden State Warriors and the Brooklyn Nets (Seth Curry's team at the time of the divorce), showing that family loyalty transcends any personal differences with Dell.
6. The Inspiring "Sweet Tea" Legacy
The Curry family has a strong connection to the South, and Sonya Curry often speaks about her Southern roots and the importance of family traditions. Her memoir and public appearances frequently touch on the theme of "Sweet Tea," a comforting symbol of her Virginia upbringing and a metaphor for the warmth and strength of her family. This cultural element, combined with her strong Christian faith, forms the core of her public persona and resonates deeply with her audience, particularly mothers and women seeking to balance career, family, and faith.
7. The Enduring Influence on the "Splash Brothers"
While Dell Curry provided the NBA pedigree, Sonya’s influence is frequently cited as the source of the Curry children’s discipline, academic focus, and humility. She ensured that academics were prioritized over basketball, famously threatening to ground Stephen Curry from playing if his grades slipped. This "fierce love" approach is credited with shaping not just the athletic careers of the "Splash Brothers," but their character off the court. Her ability to keep her children grounded despite their father’s NBA status and their own rising fame is perhaps her most enduring legacy.
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