Who Is Valerie Guiliani? All About T.J. McConnell’s Loving and Loyal Wife

Have you ever heard of a love story that begins in kindergarten? That’s exactly how the story of Valerie Guiliani and NBA player T.J. McConnell began. While T.J. now plays in front of thousands of fans, Valerie stays quietly behind the scenes — always supporting him with love and care.

Valerie may not be a celebrity, but she has something even more powerful — a kind heart, a strong bond with her husband, and a beautiful story that fans truly admire. In this article, we’ll take a simple and friendly look at Valerie’s life. You’ll learn where she comes from, how she met T.J., how their love grew over the years, and why she’s such an important part of his success.

Let’s begin with who Valerie really is.

Valerie Guiliani Quick Bio

Who Is Valerie Guiliani?

Valerie Guiliani is the wife of NBA star T.J. McConnell, but she’s much more than that. She’s a kind, caring, and private woman who prefers to stay away from the spotlight. She was born on July 8 in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, a small, peaceful town where everybody knows each other.

People often admire Valerie not because she’s famous, but because of how she supports her husband without needing attention. She stays true to herself and lives a simple life — something that makes her even more special in the eyes of fans.

Though she’s now part of an NBA family, Valerie continues to stay grounded. She’s a great example of how strength doesn’t always need to be loud.

Valerie Guiliani and T.J. McConnell Grew Up Together

Valerie and T.J.’s story is something you’d expect in a movie. They grew up as neighbors on Critchfield Drive in Bridgeville, just a few steps away from each other. They went to the same school, played together as kids, and shared many fun childhood memories.

Can you imagine living next door to the person you’d one day marry? That’s what happened with Valerie and T.J. As kids, they would ride bikes, play games, and spend hours outside together. Their friendship started early — and never faded.

Even when they were too young to understand love, they already had a special bond. That bond only grew stronger as they got older.

High School Sweethearts With a Strong Bond

Valerie and T.J. both went to Chartiers Valley High School in their hometown. It was during these teenage years that their friendship turned into love. While some high school couples grow apart after graduation, Valerie and T.J. stayed close.

They supported each other through every step. T.J. was focused on basketball, and Valerie always cheered him on. At school dances, games, or just simple days hanging out, they were always together.

Their relationship was built on years of knowing each other, understanding one another, and sharing happy and hard moments. That deep connection helped them stay strong, even as life got busier.

The Day T.J. Proposed to Valerie Guiliani

After many years of being together, T.J. decided it was time to take the next step. On August 26, 2016, he planned a very special proposal. But it wasn’t just a simple question — it was a full scavenger hunt filled with sweet memories.

At each stop, Valerie found notes and little reminders of the times they had shared. The final clue led her to T.J., who was waiting with a ring and a big smile. He got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.

T.J. later shared the happy news on Instagram, calling Valerie his best friend. It was a moment filled with love and joy — and it showed how much she meant to him.

Valerie Guiliani and T.J.’s Beautiful Wedding Day

Valerie and T.J. got married on September 9, 2017, not far from their hometown in Pennsylvania. At the time, T.J. was playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, and many of his teammates came to celebrate the big day.

The wedding was full of happy moments, but one fun story stood out — Valerie didn’t like T.J.’s buzzcut and told him he had to change it before the wedding! He listened, of course, and showed up with a clean, short haircut that he still wears today.

Their wedding was full of laughter, love, and close friends. It was the perfect start to their married life, and a day they will always remember.

Valerie and T.J.’s Family Life

Three years after their wedding, on their anniversary in 2020, T.J. announced that he and Valerie were expecting their first child. He wrote a sweet message online, calling Valerie “the kindest and most beautiful person” and saying how excited he was for their new journey.

On January 8, 2021, their first son, Trace, was born. T.J. often talks about how becoming a father changed him for the better. He says Valerie is a wonderful mom who gives their children love, care, and a safe home.

In September 2023, they welcomed their second son. While they haven’t shared his name publicly, it’s clear that Valerie and T.J. are happy raising their two boys and enjoying family life together.

Valerie Guiliani’s Role in T.J. McConnell’s NBA Career

Even though she doesn’t play basketball, Valerie Guiliani is one of the biggest reasons why T.J. McConnell has succeeded in the NBA. She has been with him since the very beginning — from the playground in Bridgeville to packed NBA arenas.

Valerie gives T.J. the love and support he needs, both on good days and tough ones. When he went undrafted in 2015, she stood by him. When he finally got a spot with the Philadelphia 76ers, she cheered him on. And when he joined the Indiana Pacers, she continued to believe in him.

T.J.’s teammate Tyrese Haliburton once joked that T.J. always plays better when Valerie is watching. During a big 2024 playoff game, T.J. had an amazing night — and Valerie was right there in the crowd. It’s clear her quiet support gives him strength.

Valerie Guiliani’s Job and Work Life

While many people know her as an NBA wife, Valerie Guiliani has her own career too. She works in the dental care field. Even though she doesn’t share much about her job, it shows that she enjoys helping others and staying active in her work life.

Balancing a career, marriage, and motherhood is not easy. But Valerie does it with grace. She takes care of her children, supports T.J., and still manages to work in a field that takes care and attention.

She proves that you can be part of a sports world and still have your own goals and passions. Valerie’s strong work ethic is just one more reason people admire her.

Valerie Guiliani’s Private and Simple Lifestyle

In a world where many people post every moment online, Valerie Guiliani does the opposite. Her Instagram is private, and she rarely shares personal details on social media.

She doesn’t attend many red carpet events or give interviews. She chooses to focus on family, close friends, and a peaceful life away from the cameras. Even though she’s married to a professional athlete, she keeps things simple and quiet.

This is part of what makes Valerie so special. She shows that being real and kind matters more than being famous. Her simple lifestyle is something many people admire and even wish for.

Valerie and T.J.’s Dreams for the Future

Just like many young couples, Valerie Guiliani and T.J. have dreams for the future. They want to raise their children in a happy and loving home. One of their goals is to buy a house with a big backyard, where the kids can play and grow.

Valerie also dreams of traveling to Italy one day. Since she has Italian roots, she wants to explore the country, learn more about her family history, and share that experience with T.J. and their boys.

Another dream they have is to give back to others. One day, they hope to start a charity foundation to help families in need. This shows how thoughtful Valerie is — always thinking of ways to do good in the world.

Why Fans Love Valerie Guiliani

People love Valerie Guiliani not because she’s a celebrity, but because she’s kind, loyal, and true to herself. She supports T.J. quietly, stays away from drama, and puts her family first.

Fans admire how she and T.J. have stayed together through everything — from childhood to the NBA. Their story feels real and pure. It reminds us that love, friendship, and support are what truly matter.

Even if Valerie isn’t in the spotlight, her story has touched many hearts. She’s proof that you don’t have to be loud to make a big impact.

Final Thoughts

So, who is Valerie Guiliani? She’s the loving wife of T.J. McConnell. She’s a mother, a hard worker, and a loyal partner. But above all, she’s a woman with a big heart who helps her husband shine — not by standing in the spotlight, but by standing beside him.

From childhood neighbors to lifelong soulmates, Valerie and T.J. have shown us what true love looks like. Their journey is full of real moments, strong values, and quiet strength.

As T.J. continues his basketball career, Valerie will keep cheering him on. And whether the world sees her or not, one thing is certain — Valerie Guiliani will always be the heart behind his success.