Early Life and Education of Dwyane Wade: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Dwyane Wade. A timeline of key moments.

Dwyane Wade, nicknamed "D-Wade" and "Flash," is a retired American professional basketball player and current co-owner of the Utah Jazz. Renowned as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, he spent the majority of his 16-year career with the Miami Heat. Wade led the Heat to three NBA championships and earned numerous accolades, including 13 NBA All-Star selections, eight All-NBA Team selections, and three All-Defensive Team selections. He holds the Miami Heat's all-time records in points, games played, assists, steals, shots made, and shots taken. He also currently hosts the American adaptation of The Cube.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1976: Marquette's Highest Ranking

In 2003, The Golden Eagles finished their season as No. 6 in the AP Poll, Marquette's highest ranking since 1976–77.

1977: Advanced to Final Four Since 1977

Dwyane Wade delivered 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists against Kentucky, leading Marquette to advance to the Final Four for the first time since 1977.

1977: Golden Eagles to the Final Four Since 1977

In 2003, Dwyane Wade helped bring the Marquette Golden Eagles to the Final Four for the first time since their 1977 national championship season.

1978: All-America First Team by AP

In 2003, Dwyane Wade was named to the All-America First Team by the Associated Press (AP), making him the first basketball player from Marquette to receive the distinction since 1978.

January 17, 1982: Dwyane Wade's Birth

On January 17, 1982, Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. was born. He is an American basketball executive and former professional player and co-owner of the Utah Jazz.

Others born on this day/year

1993: Best Record Since 1993-94 Season

Dwyane Wade led the Marquette Golden Eagles in scoring, steals, and two-point field goals. In 1993, Marquette finished with a 26-7 record, their best since the 1993–94 season.

October 14, 2001: JoLinda vowed to turn her life around

On October 14, 2001, as Dwyane Wade's basketball career blossomed, JoLinda vowed to turn her life around.

2001: Mother strengthened ties to Christianity

In 2001, Dwyane Wade's mother, Jolinda, strengthened her ties to Christianity after struggling with drug problems for years.

2002: Mother served as a minister during prison sentence

In 2002 and 2003, Dwyane Wade's mother, Jolinda, served as a minister during her final prison sentence.

2002: Marriage to Siohvaughn Funches

In 2002, Dwyane Wade married his high school sweetheart Siohvaughn Funches.

March 8, 2003: Marquette Captured Conference USA Title

Three days after JoLinda was released from prison, she saw Wade play basketball for the first time in five years. On March 8, 2003, Marquette upset the Cincinnati Bearcats, 70–61, to capture the Conference USA title.

2003: Mother served as a minister during prison sentence

In 2002 and 2003, Dwyane Wade's mother, Jolinda, served as a minister during her final prison sentence.

2003: Founded Wade's World Foundation

In 2003, Dwyane Wade founded The Wade's World Foundation, which provides support to community-based organizations that promote education, health, and social skills for children in at-risk situations.

2003: JoLinda stopped using drugs

In 2003, JoLinda Wade, Dwyane Wade's mother, stated that she has not used drugs since this year.

January 2007: Mother Ordained as Baptist Minister

In January 2007, Dwyane Wade's mother, Jolinda, was ordained as a Baptist minister and started the non-denominational Temple of Praise Binding and Loosing Ministry in Chicago.

2007: Split from Siohvaughn Funches

Dwayne Wade and Siohvaughn Funches split in 2007.

2007: Appearance on Supernanny

In 2007, Dwyane Wade appeared on Season 3, Episode 13, of Supernanny as a role model, offering advice to the family's son.

Loading Video...

May 2008: Purchase of church building

In May 2008, Dwyane Wade purchased a church building in Chicago for his mother's ministry.

December 24, 2008: Purchased Home for South Florida Woman

On December 24, 2008, Dwyane Wade purchased a new home for a South Florida woman whose nephew accidentally burned down the family home. He also donated furnishings, clothing, and gifts to the family.

2008: Began Dating Gabrielle Union

Dwyane Wade began dating actress Gabrielle Union in 2008.

September 2009: Donation to Robbins, Illinois public library

In September 2009, Dwyane Wade donated $25,000 from his foundation to the Robbins, Illinois public library to prevent its closure.

January 2010: Co-founded The Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti

In January 2010, Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning co-founded "The Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti", which raised over $800,000 in three days to support the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

2010: Divorce from Siohvaughn Funches

In 2010, Dwyane Wade divorced Siohvaughn Funches after an acrimonious court battle.

2011: Sole Custody of Children

In 2011, Dwyane Wade was granted sole custody of his two children.

December 2013: Engagement to Gabrielle Union

In December 2013, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union became engaged.

August 30, 2014: Marriage to Gabrielle Union

On August 30, 2014, Dwyane Wade married actress Gabrielle Union in Miami.

November 7, 2018: Birth of Daughter via Surrogate

On November 7, 2018, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union welcomed their first child together, a daughter, who was born via surrogate.

2019: Guest judge on America's Got Talent

In 2019, Dwyane Wade appeared as a guest judge on season 14 of America's Got Talent alongside his wife, Gabrielle Union, and pressed the Golden Buzzer for dance group V.Unbeatable.

Loading Video...

July 2020: Tweet in support of Nick Cannon

In July 2020, Dwyane Wade initially tweeted in support of Nick Cannon, who was fired from ViacomCBS after making racist remarks. However, after backlash, Wade deleted the tweet and clarified his support was for Cannon's ownership of his content, affirming his zero tolerance for hate speech.