Tyler Marsh has quickly established himself as one of the sharpest minds in professional basketball coaching. Though his own playing career was limited, his coaching resume speaks volumes. Marsh won an NBA title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 and added two WNBA championships with the Las Vegas Aces as an assistant coach.
Now, he has stepped into his first head coaching role with the Chicago Sky. The team’s early struggles have tested him, but Marsh remains committed to lifting his roster higher. That resilience comes from a deep belief system shaped by his parents. So, who are the parents behind the Sky’s head coach? Let’s find out.
Who are Tyler Marsh’s Parents?
Tyler Marsh was born on December 9, 1987, in Miami, Florida, to LaRoyce and Donnie Marsh. He grew up alongside his younger sister, Sydnee, in a family where basketball was more than just a game; it was a way of life. His father, Donnie Marsh, is a longtime basketball coach who led programs like the FIU Panthers and Alabama A&M Bulldogs during a career that has spanned more than 45 years.
While not much is publicly known about his mother LaRoyce’s professional career, she has always been a steady presence for both Tyler and Donnie. Her support has been just as important in shaping the family’s journey through the ups and downs of basketball. But it was Donnie who found Tyler’s calling as a coach.
Jun 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh reacts after receiving a technical foul during the second half of a WNBA game against the Washington Mystics at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Before that, Tyler spent his first two college years playing at UAB, where his dad was an assistant, before transferring to Birmingham Southern. And Tyler had nothing but praise for his father. “I can’t tell you a game that my dad has won or lost,” he said. “The wins and losses as a head coach don’t mean much to me in the grand scheme of things. One thing I do remember is all the coaches at the Final Fours I’ve traveled with my dad to telling me how great a man he is and the impact he had on their lives. Same with the players. That’s what I’m most proud of: to say I’m a coach’s kid.” And soon the father-son duo were coaching together.
What are Marsh’s parents’ nationalities and ethnicities?
Both LaRoyce Marsh and Donnie Marsh are American citizens. However, there are not many details known about their ethnicity. But one thing is for certain: the family has coaching genes in their blood. The father-son duo is now part of the Chicago Sky roster together. However, the son is the head coach, and the father is serving as basketball operations specialist. But the person loving this the most is Tyler’s mother.
“She loves it now that I’m the head coach and he’s one of the assistants. She’s always giving him stuff about it and making sure that he stays in line for me,” Tyler revealed. However, Tyler is careful to keep his personal life separate from his professional responsibilities. On the court, he makes sure not to call Donnie “Dad,” instead adopting the same nickname his players use: “Pops.” It is his way of maintaining professionalism while still honoring their close bond.
Reflecting on his father’s influence, Tyler Marsh shared that working alongside Donnie gives him the best of both worlds: time with his dad and the chance to learn from a wealth of experience. With more than 40 years in coaching, Donnie has become a mentor not only to Tyler but also to the entire staff. Marsh emphasized that the guidance his father provides is invaluable, benefiting him personally and, most importantly, shaping the growth and development of the players.
That belief system, instilled by both his parents, is what carries Tyler through the challenges of his first head coaching season. No matter the results on the court, he knows LaRoyce and Donnie will continue to stand beside him, supporting him through every high and low.
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