It is an undeniable truth that across all sports, from basketball to tennis, Black women have proven to be some of the most electrifying athletes in their respective leagues. However, it’s important to recognize the ones that aren’t just making a name of their own, but are also carrying forward entire family legacies. Candace Parker, a shining star among many in the Parker family, and Angel Reese, who had both parents serving as college basketball players, are just a couple of examples that sometimes, greatness truly does run in the bloodline.
Whether it’s siblings who have both inherited an explosive ability for athleticism, children carrying their parents special spark, or entire families that are genetically gifted, here are six more Black female athletes who prove talent can be genetic.
Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff is one of the greatest athletes of her generation. However, you don’t win eleven career singles titles, including two majors at the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open’s speed, without there being some elite blood coursing through you. Corey Gauff, Coco’s father, is a former college basketball player at Georgia State. Candi Gauff, her mother, is a former college track star at Florida State. Both of the tennis star’s parents gave up their careers to focus on training their daughter. Her father later became her primary coach, while her mother oversaw her homeschooling. Coco’s mental discipline undeniably comes straight from growing up in a family built on excellence.
Teniya Morant
Teniya Morant, the younger sister of NBA star Ja Morant, has recently committed to MVSU to play basketball. She has seamlessly emerged as one of the most promising young guards in women’s basketball, proving that she and her brother share a special sauce. Ja Morant, one of the NBA’s most athletic point guards, has also exhibited a signature Morant quickness and court vision. Teniya has made herself known for her ability to play with fearlessness, though that may even come from her parental line. Tee Morant, her father, was a former basketball standout who trained both Ja and Teniya. Jamie Morant, her mother, was a high school point guard and college softball player.
Imani McGee-Stafford
Standing 6’7, Imani McGee-Stafford was never going to be anything short of greatness. It also helps she comes from arguably one of the most decorated basketball families ever. Currently playing with the Monarcas de Juana Diaz of the Puerto Rican’s women’s basketball league, played college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin. Imani uses her size, timing, and mental toughness to control the paint, which is a skillset that’s been passed down by her Olympic gold medalist and WNBA pioneer mother, Pam McGee. Beyond that, her brother JaVale McGee has also made his mark as a three-time NBA champion and her cousin is NFL player Jarron Gilbert.
Nia Dennis
Superstar gymnast Nia Dennis served as a crucial member of the USA National Team from 2012 to 2016. Her explosiveness and showmanship was most certainly a product of a home rooted in athleticism. Her father, Casey Dennis, was a college football player, while her mother, Deetra Dennis, was a track star. Thanks to them understanding and thus instilling in her the importance of excellence, Nia grew up in a household built for power and performance.
Diamond DeShields
WNBA star Diamond DeShields is one of the most naturally gifted athletes in the league. Her agility is unmatched, though that makes sense given her lineage: Father Delino DeShields Sr. is an MLB legend, brother Delino DeShields Jr. is an MLB outfielder, and mother Tisha DeShields is an all-American heptathlete and college track star. Diamond emulated her mother before entering the WNBA, serving a world-class track athlete and proving her athletic DNA can expand across every kind of sport.
Kaela Davis
Daughter of former NBA All-Star and 13-year league veteran Antonio Davis, Kaela Davis has made a name for herself in the world of basketball. At 6’2″, her height, confidence, and basketball IQ make her on of the most exciting names in the sport. Now a free agent, she previously played for the Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, Atlanta Dream, Seattle Storm and the Phoenix Mercury. Proving the DNA doesn’t lie, her twin brother Antonio Davis Jr. is also a promising collegiate athlete.