Erik Spoelstra has three kids named Santiago Spoelstra, Dante Spoelstra and Ruby Grace Spoelstra. Erik lives with his family of five in Miami.
In 2016, he exchanged vows with his long-time love Nikki Sapp, and two years later, in March 2018, he welcomed his first child, a son named Santiago, into the world in a meaningful event that brought immense joy to the couple.
Born in Evanston, Illinois, Spoelstra grew up in Buffalo, New York, before relocating to Oregon, where he played college basketball at Portland Pilots.
Erik began coaching in 1997 as an assistant coach at Miami Heat. After a decade of serving for the NBA side in an associate role, he was appointed the head coach in 2008.
With Evanston at the helm, the Heat clinched back-to-back NBA championship titles, a remarkable feat achieved in 2012 and 2013.
With the recent loss to the Wizards and Johnny Davis, Spoelstra expressed his disappointment but the game against Orlando Magic and Bol Bol will be crucial to their playoff journey in 2023.
Erik Spoelstra Children
Erik Spoelstra has been raising 3 children with his beloved partner Nikki Spoelstra. Erik is the father of two sons and a daughter named Ruby.
Santiago is the firstborn, who came to their cherished home on March 26, 2018, a couple of months before their 2nd marriage anniversary.
Santiago Spoelstra
Erik Spoelstra son Santiago was diagnosed with lymphoma in July 2022. He was four years old at that time.
Nikki took to Instagram to share the disheartening news about their young son, Santiago. Just a few months after his fourth birthday, Santiago was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma, a rare form of cancer.
However, after months of rigorous treatment and chemotherapy, the family received the report they had hoped and prayed for.
Her Instagram post following the surprising news was filled with gratitude and relief as they shared their family’s incredible journey.
The post also included a photo of Santiago ringing the bell at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s cancer wing. This joyful moment he signaled the end of his cancer battle and the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
Dante Spoelstra
Erik’s second son Dante Nicholas Spoelstra was born on December 4, 2019. The young boy is three years old.
Spoelstra, with his team, Miami Heat, left for South Florida to be with his spouse Nikki for her second delivery in two years. Dante was born healthy, Eight pounds, 20 inches, and made his close-knit family of three to four.
Similarly, Nikki dropped a picture of the newly born on her Twitter, announcing the baby’s name. With her precious child Dante nestled cozily on her chest, she flashed a bright smile of delight as she took a picture alongside Erik.
Ruby Grace Spoelstra
Ruby is the third child and the first daughter born to Erik and Nikki. She was born on September 27, 2022.
Nikki shared several pictures of the infant after the delivery on her Instagram with the caption, “Welcome to the world, my girl.” Santiago and Dante’s excitement can also be seen on their faces to see their little sister.
Though Sapp posted several hints of the forthcoming baby number three throughout the first half of 2022, it was only in June she kept it straight by revealing the new addition was soon to arrive.
Erik Spoelstra Wife Nikki Sapp Age Difference
Erik Spoelstra wife Nikki Sapp has an age difference of eight years. Erik began dating her in March 2013.
Nikki was born in Florida on March 23, 1987 whereas her husband Erik, 52 was born on November 1, 1970, in Evanston, Illinois.
The former heat-dancer recently celebrated her 36th birthday by doing her favorite thing: ice skating at Four Seasons Jackson Hole in Teton Village, Wyoming.
Nikki Sapp Hosts A Podcast
Nikki Spoelstra hosts the podcast show “The Know with Nikki Spo” on Apple Podcasts.
Before delving into the art and podcast industry, Nikki was a Miami HEAT Dancer from 2005 to 2008. Her experience as a dancer has undoubtedly contributed to her passion for the arts and her ability to connect with people.
She initiated her academic journey by pursuing a degree in Fashion Design at The Art Institutes in 2006. However, she soon realized her true passion lies in art history and graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s degree in Art History in 2010.
At the university, she developed a keen interest in photography, contemporary art, and Latin American/Native studies.
After completing her education, Nikki pursued a career in the art industry and worked as a Gallery Director at Guy Hepner Contemporary Art Gallery from 2011 to 2013.
Following her stint at the gallery, she worked as a Language Arts and Dance Teacher and Dance Program Director at Sports Leadership & Management Charter Middle/High School for five years.
In 2019, Nikki ventured into the creative industry as a Creative Director at Art Angels, where she continues to work. As a Creative Director, Nikki has been able to use her expertise in art and design to help artists create impactful and meaningful artworks.
Moreover, she has also been actively involved in the podcast industry. In January 2021, she started hosting The Know with Nikki Spo podcast, where she aims to inspire women by sharing stories of perseverance and hope.
Erik Spoelstra Family Life
Erik Spoelstra was born to dad Jon Spoelstra and mom Elisa Celino. He spent his childhood in New York and Oregon with his sister Monica.
The Miami Heat head coach’s early life was not settled in one place but spread across different states. Though he and his older sibling Monica were born in Evanston, Illinois, his family was constantly moving.
Before he turned five, Jon and Elisa had already migrated to Buffalo, New York, followed by a second move to Portland, Oregon, in the late 70s.
Erik Spoelstra Parents
Erik’s dad Jon Spoelstra is an American author of Dutch and Irish origin. He wrote the book, “Success Is Just One Wish Away,” in October 1999.
Before venturing into American Literature, Jon had a stint as a sports marketer and director. He is the former executive of several NBA franchises, such as the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, and Buffalo Braves.
In addition to his distinguished career as a sports marketer, Jon also boasts the distinction of being a co-founder of SRO Partners.
Meanwhile, Erik’s mother, Elisa, is a former college professor at Marawi State University. She is originally from San Pablo, Laguna, Philippines.
Erik Spoelstra Siblings
Erik has one sister named Monica Spoelstra Metz. She is a nutritionist and lifestyle expert.
She has her website where she shares an array of knowledge regarding diet foods, the importance of healthy staples, nutrition tips, and recipes for several veg meals.
Her main goal is to help improve people’s health by convincing them to consume less meat and more vegetables. Besides, her Facebook bio writes, “The girl who brings a salad to the party.”
Monica married and in her fifties, has gone to great lengths to stave off the signs of aging, displaying a steadfast determination to maintain her youthful allure.