Unlocking the Talent: Exploring the Rise of Sydel Curry-Lee, Sister to NBA Star Stephen Curry

The sister of NBA sensation Stephen Curry, Sydel Curry-Lee, is carving out her own unique journey.

Sydel, the youngest of three siblings, was born in 1994 into a family deeply rooted in basketball. Her father, Dell Curry, had a successful NBA career, while her older brothers, Stephen and Seth, also found success as professional basketball players.

Despite being constantly underestimated throughout her life, Sydel has carved out her own path since graduating from Elon University in 2017. In addition to her ventures in running a lifestyle blog, hosting a podcast, and advocating for mental health, she is also happily married to NBA player Damion Lee and expecting her second child.

While she is often recognized as “Steph Curry’s sister,” Sydel is proud of the unique identity she has created for herself. She values the unwavering support of her brothers, who were ecstatic to hear about her pregnancy and stood by her side as groomsmen at her wedding in 2018.

In essence, Sydel Curry-Lee is much more than just Stephen Curry’s sister. She is a multifaceted individual with her own passions and pursuits, steadily making a name for herself outside of her famous family.

Although Sydel chose a different path from her family by pursuing volleyball instead of basketball, she made a name for herself as a player at Elon University from 2014 to 2016. After overcoming a setback with a dislocated knee cap, she started playing in 2014 and faced frequent underestimation throughout her college career. Despite doubts about her skill level, Sydel proved herself by being named the team’s MVP in 2016 and earning a spot on the NCCSIA First Team All-State.

Unfortunately, a career-ending injury led Sydel to retire from volleyball in 2017, a decision that weighed heavily on her as she had dedicated so much of her life and identity to the sport. Reflecting on the difficulty of this choice, she shared her feelings on Facebook, expressing her lifelong passion for athletics and competition. Despite the challenges, Sydel managed to graduate with a degree in psychology in the same year, showcasing her determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

Sydel is using her influence to make a positive impact. She is candid about her own mental health struggles on her Instagram and blog, “A Curry Girl.” In an interview with Essence in 2020, she expressed her passion for mental health and her desire to save lives by changing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Sydel launched a podcast called Because Life in May 2021, aiming to normalize discussions about mental health and provide practical advice for improving mental well-being.

In March 2023, she gave a speech at Ferrum College, commending the progress being made in creating safe spaces for students to openly discuss and address their mental health. Sydel shared her experience on Instagram, feeling encouraged by the positive steps taken by colleges and universities in supporting students’ mental health journeys.

Sydel and her now-husband Damion Lee, a Phoenix Suns player, first crossed paths at a college basketball game – she was studying at Elon University while he was at Drexel University. “I was sitting in the stands when he walked up the stairs, and we locked eyes,” she shared with Munaluchi Bride. After a few dates and DM exchanges, they officially became a couple.

When it came to the proposal, Sydel had one simple request – to have all her loved ones present. “My only wish was to have my entire family in the room when he popped the question.” Damion made sure to plan the special moment when both their families would be in town.

The couple tied the knot on Sept. 1, 2018, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ayesha Curry, Steph’s wife, stood by Sydel as her matron of honor, while the basketball player’s daughters were adorable flower girls.

The day after the wedding, Sydel took to Instagram to share photos and a heartfelt message to her new husband. “I love this man more than words can express. Now, I have the privilege of showing and telling him every day! I have many people to thank, but for now, I am just grateful to have found my soulmate. We are now one, and I am proud to be Mrs. Lee!”

For his sister’s wedding gift, Steph went above and beyond by having the women’s volleyball locker room at Elon University dedicated in her honor. In a heartfelt video message, Steph expressed his congratulations on her marriage and recognized her incredible contributions to the volleyball program at Elon. The gesture was a touching way for Steph to show his appreciation for all that Sydel has done for the school and the team.

On November 26, 2021, Sydel and Lee celebrated the arrival of their baby boy, Daxon Wardell-Xavier Lee.

Expressing her happiness on Instagram, Sydel said, “No words can fully capture the joy of having my precious son with us. We are lost in the bliss of having a newborn and cherishing every moment.”

Before Daxon was born, Sydel shared pictures of their nursery with PEOPLE, emphasizing that they wanted it to be a peaceful place for their baby to relax and feel at home. Lee mentioned, “It’s a sanctuary for us to escape the chaos of the world and focus on our little one.”

After their baby’s birth, the couple talked about maintaining their relationship’s spark on Sydel’s podcast, admitting that it was a challenge. Sydel recounted, “Someone suggested that we be intimate every day for a whole month. By day 15, we were like, no way.” She added, “It’s tough to keep things exciting. I think it’s rare in relationships… It’s a mental game, especially when trying to conceive.”

Not only does Sydel love basketball, but she’s also a proud member of the Swiftie fanbase. She recently posted a picture on Instagram from the opening night of the Eras Tour in Glendale, Arizona.
“I originally went for Paramore, but now I’m fully invested in whether or not Betty will take James back! #erastour Hayley Williams absolutely killed it, and Taylor Swift was just incredible! A 3 1/2 hour set without missing a beat – she totally nailed it! Big thanks to @ryanquint_ for inviting me!”

Sydel made a joyful announcement on Instagram on March 21, 2023, sharing a video that revealed the exciting news of her and Lee expecting their second child. She accompanied the post with the heartfelt caption, “August 2023 💖For this child we have prayed!”

In the following weeks, Sydel treated her followers to a close-up of her growing bump, expressing the awe and privilege of witnessing her baby’s development. She wrote, “What a blessing it is to watch you grow, to feel your movements, and to dream about who you will resemble and act like. You are treasured, my little one. Take your time, but know that we are eagerly anticipating your arrival.”