Valerie Guiliani is best known as the loving wife of NBA star T.J. McConnell, the energetic point guard for the Indiana Pacers. While T.J. plays under the spotlight, Valerie lives a private, low-profile life, away from the constant attention of media and fans. Their beautiful journey began in childhood and blossomed into marriage, family, and shared milestones. This article explores every detail about Valerie Guiliani, from her early life to her present-day role as a supportive partner and mother.
Quick Bio — Valerie Guiliani
Field | Details |
Full Name | Valerie Guiliani (now Valerie McConnell) |
Known As | Wife of NBA player T.J. McConnell |
Birthplace | Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, USA |
Nationality | American |
High School | Chartiers Valley High School |
Famous For | Childhood sweetheart and now wife of NBA guard T.J. McConnell |
Engagement | 2016 (scavenger-hunt style proposal) |
Wedding Date | September 9, 2017 |
Wedding Venue | Holy Child Parish, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania |
Children | Two sons – Trace (born Jan 8, 2021) & second son (born Sept 7, 2023) |
Current Residence | Indiana, USA |
Public Presence | Maintains a private life, rarely seen in interviews |
Fun Fact | Friends since kindergarten, grew up on the same street |
Early Life and Background
Valerie Guiliani was born and raised in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a close-knit community, she lived just down the street from T.J. McConnell. Both attended Chartiers Valley High School, where they became childhood friends long before romance bloomed.
Unlike her husband, who chose a career in professional sports, Valerie has always preferred a quiet, private lifestyle. Her early years shaped her personality, teaching her the importance of family values and strong relationships.
Childhood Friends Turned Sweethearts
The love story between Valerie Guiliani and T.J. McConnell is as heartwarming as it gets. They met in kindergarten, growing up as neighbors and classmates. Over the years, their friendship slowly evolved into romance during high school.
Even as T.J. pursued basketball at Duquesne University and later transferred to the University of Arizona, Valerie stood by his side, supporting his dreams while maintaining their bond. Their relationship survived long-distance challenges, proving the strength of their connection.
Read Also: Who Is Sandee Pitnick, Jerry Lewis’s Wife?
The Romantic Proposal
In 2016, T.J. McConnell planned a scavenger-hunt-style proposal for Valerie Guiliani. Reports suggest that the hunt led her through locations holding sentimental value from their childhood, ending at the high school gym, decorated with rose petals and candles.
This heartfelt proposal reflected T.J.’s deep love and their shared history. It set the stage for their beautiful wedding the following year.
Wedding Day Bliss
On September 9, 2017, Valerie Guiliani and T.J. McConnell tied the knot in a stunning ceremony at Holy Child Parish in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. Surrounded by close friends, family, and NBA colleagues, the wedding was intimate yet memorable.
The guest list included some of T.J.’s teammates, and NBA player Nik Stauskas even stood as one of his groomsmen. At the time, T.J. played for the Philadelphia 76ers, marking the beginning of their journey together as a married couple.
Life as T.J. McConnell’s Wife
Being the wife of an NBA player means balancing family life with a hectic professional schedule. Valerie Guiliani has embraced this role with grace, always prioritizing family while supporting T.J.’s basketball career.

While her husband’s professional life often attracts attention, Valerie prefers staying out of the spotlight. Despite rarely giving interviews, she remains a constant presence at games and a source of strength for T.J. during both victories and challenges.
Family Life and Motherhood
Valerie Guiliani and T.J. McConnell share a beautiful family together. Their first son, Trace McConnell, was born on January 8, 2021. The couple welcomed their second son on September 7, 2023, though they have kept his name private to protect their family’s privacy.
Despite their busy schedules, the couple has always prioritized parenting and creating a stable home environment. Occasionally, T.J. shares glimpses of their family life on social media, but Valerie maintains a low profile.
A Good-Luck Charm for the Pacers
During the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Tyrese Haliburton, a fellow Pacers star, jokingly called Valerie Guiliani T.J.’s good-luck charm. He noted that T.J. plays better whenever Valerie attends the games.
This playful remark became a trending talking point among fans and the media, highlighting how important Valerie’s presence is to her husband’s morale and performance.
Life After the Move to Indiana
When T.J. McConnell signed with the Indiana Pacers in 2019, it meant a fresh start for the family. Valerie Guiliani supported the move wholeheartedly, adapting to life in Indiana and becoming part of the Pacers community.
While T.J. became a fan favorite for his hustle, energy, and leadership on the court, Valerie continued focusing on their family life, ensuring stability despite the demands of an NBA career.
Keeping a Private Life
Unlike many partners of professional athletes, Valerie Guiliani has successfully kept her personal and professional details private. There is no verified information about her career or net worth, making unrelated terms like “Valerie June net worth” incorrect for her profile.
Read More: CBD Business News Tips: How to Succeed in the Growing CBD Market | CBD Businessnewstips.com
Her low public presence has allowed her to shield her family from unnecessary attention while supporting T.J. behind the scenes.
Clearing Up Common Confusions
Some sources mistakenly spell her name as “Valerie Giuliani” or even confuse her with unrelated public figures, like the singer Valerie June. It’s important to note:
- The correct spelling is Valerie Guiliani.
- She is the wife of NBA guard T.J. McConnell.
- She has no connection to searches like “Valerie June net worth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Valerie Guiliani?
Valerie Guiliani is the wife of NBA star T.J. McConnell and the mother of their two sons.
2. When did Valerie and T.J. McConnell get married?
They got married on September 9, 2017, at Holy Child Parish in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.
3. How many children do they have?
Valerie and T.J. have two sons: Trace (born January 8, 2021) and a second son born September 7, 2023.
4. Does Valerie Guiliani have a public career?
No verified details exist about Valerie’s professional life. She keeps a private lifestyle focused on family.
5. Why is Valerie called T.J.’s “good-luck charm”?
During the 2024 NBA Playoffs, teammate Tyrese Haliburton joked that T.J. performs better whenever Valerie attends his games.
Final Thoughts
Valerie Guiliani is more than just T.J. McConnell’s wife—she’s his childhood friend, life partner, and pillar of support. From their early days in Bridgeville to becoming parents of two, their journey together is inspiring and heartwarming.
While T.J. thrives in the spotlight, Valerie continues to live privately, focusing on family and balance. Her story reminds us that even in the world of fame, love, loyalty, and privacy can coexist beautifully.
