Mariah Riddlesprigger, an American former volleyball player and girlfriend of basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, has had a remarkable career in sports. As an alumnus of Rice University, Mariah excelled in volleyball from her high school days, earning accolades such as the ‘Scholar Athlete’ and the ‘Junior League Senior Girl Athlete Award.’ Her talent continued to shine in college, where she became a standout player for her university’s team. Mariah’s exceptional skills led to numerous titles, including being named the ‘Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week’ in her senior season. Additionally, she gained valuable experience interning for a National Basketball Association (NBA) team for two consecutive years. Currently, Mariah and Giannis enjoy a loving and committed live-in relationship.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Mariah Danae Riddlesprigger
- Age: 31 Years, 31 Year Old Females
- Family:
- Father: Fresno natives Cathy, Pat Riddlesprigger
- Mother: Fresno natives Cathy, Pat Riddlesprigger
- Siblings: Makayla, Maya
- Born Country: United States
- Volleyball Players
- American Women
Birth & Education
Mariah was born Mariah Danae Riddlesprigger, on September 17, 1992, to Fresno natives Cathy and Pat Riddlesprigger. She grew up with her two younger sisters, namely, Makayla and Maya.
In 2010, Mariah graduated from ‘Bullard High School.’ She then earned a BA degree in sport management and sociology, with a minor in business, from ‘Rice University’ in 2014. Mariah holds an excellent academic record. She was also associated with the ‘African–American Student Union’ and the ‘Northpointe Community Church.’ At ‘Rice,’ Mariah was a member of the university’s ‘Student Athlete Advisory Committee.’
Volleyball Records
Mariah not only excelled in her studies but was a star sportswoman, too. She played volleyball in high school and was an asset to her university’s volleyball team. In high school, she was coached by Kieran Roblee and received the title of ‘Scholar Athlete’ and the ‘Junior League Senior Girl Athlete Award.’
Mariah entered ‘Rice University’s volleyball team ‘Rice Owls’ as an outside hitter in her freshman year. She was fourth on her team and scored 193 kills in her first season. In her sophomore year, she scored 7 double-doubles. In the third season, Mariah played in 30 matches and was ranked No. 17 in the conference, in digs per set. She recorded a season-high of 18 digs against the ‘University of Alabama’ team and was placed sixth on her team, with a score of 141 kills. Throughout her 4 years in college, she was a star player and was placed on the ‘Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll.’ On November 18, 2013, Mariah was declared the ‘Conference USA ‘Defensive Player of the Week.’ She also competed in 4 years of track and field events in college. She participated in the javelin throw and high jump events.
Career
Mariah began her career while attending ‘Rice University.’ For 2 years, she worked at the university’s athletic ticket office. From May 2015 to June 2016, Mariah was the basketball operations intern for the basketball team ‘Philadelphia 76ers.’
While at ‘Rice,’ Mariah was featured in a story about her internship with the ‘NBA’ team. The story mentioned that during her internship, she had met several high-profile sports personalities, such as American businessman, investor, and the owner of the ‘NBA’ team ‘Dallas Mavericks’ Mark Cuban and Canadian–Bahamian actor, businessman, retired basketball player, and e-sports franchise owner Rick Fox. Additionally, she also got acquainted with many team presidents, general managers, ‘ESPN’ executives, and sports agents. She also revealed in the article that she was looking forward to using her high-profile contacts to achieve her career goal, which was to work for a sports agency.
Family & Personal Life
Mariah is in a relationship with Greek professional basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who plays for the ‘Milwaukee Bucks’ of the ‘NBA.’ They live together in Milwaukee and often post about each other on their respective social-media accounts. Mariah and Giannis love to travel. The basketball player often takes his lady love to Greece to help her get acquainted with his culture and heritage. In 2018, Mariah’s pregnancy rumors surfaced after Giannis reportedly bought a $1.8 million home in Wisconsin and was also spotted shopping for a crib.
The couple welcomed their son Liam Charles in February 2020. The couple was blessed with their second child in early 2022.
Like Mariah, her sisters, too, are excellent volleyball players. Their father had played basketball at ‘Fresno State.’ Their mother, Cathy, is a regional sales manager for ‘Allstar Fire Equipment, Inc.,’ a company that trades and distributes firefighting equipment across the world.