The world initially recognized Sonya Curry as the wife of former NBA star Dell Curry and the mother of basketball sensation Stephen Curry. However, like her daughter-in-law Ayesha Curry, Sonya has established her own identity amid the family’s fame. Those who knew her in high school, however, can attest that she was remarkable in her own right. Describing her younger self, Sonya once said she was “short, fast, and mean”—referring to her athleticism rather than her personality.
Sonya was a standout athlete at Radford High School, excelling in multiple sports. In addition to her success as a volleyball player, she also shone in basketball and track and field. Given her athletic background and a family deeply rooted in sports—two sons in professional basketball and a husband who was an NBA star—you might assume that fitness came effortlessly to her. But that’s not the full story.
In a recent interview with Black Health Matters, Sonya opened up about the challenges many athletes face after leaving the structured routines of professional sports. She noted that transitioning from the discipline of having coaches and trainers to self-directed fitness can be daunting.
“As athletes, we’re used to being pushed into healthy lifestyles and staying fit because of the nature of our careers. We’re very competitive, too,” she explained. “But when the lights go out and the career ends, we have to find a new way to stay disciplined without anyone telling us what to do.”
This transition, she admitted, was something she personally struggled with, especially in maintaining consistency. Over time, however, Sonya learned to approach fitness with self-compassion. “I’ve learned to give myself grace because we tend to put too much pressure on ourselves,” she shared.
The author of Fierce Love offered straightforward advice for staying active: “Start simple. We say, ‘Keep it simple, stupid,’” she joked. For Sonya, maintaining an active lifestyle doesn’t require dramatic changes or intense commitments.
“Begin with something as easy as walking around the block,” she suggested. “If you want to add exercises, try leg lifts or jumping jacks. Don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking you need a gym membership—you can do it all at home.”
Sonya also emphasized the value of consistency and starting small, building from there at your own pace. She encouraged incorporating community into fitness routines as well. “Find a neighbor and say, ‘I’ll walk down to your house, and you walk back up.’ Just take that first step, keep it simple, and get moving.”
