Who Is Paul LaVine? All About Zach LaVine’s Parents

Paul LaVine is known by many people as the father of NBA star Zach LaVine. But his own life story is powerful on its own. He grew up with discipline, became a strong athlete, played professional football, and later became the driving force behind one of the most athletic families in the country.

What makes Paul LaVine special is not only his past as a linebacker. Lets Learn More About Him.

Profile Summary: Paul LaVine

His Early Life

Paul LaVine was born on May 1, 1962, in San Bernardino, California. He grew up in a space where discipline was part of everyday life. He learned early that nothing comes without hard work. This mindset stayed with him all his life and later shaped the way he trained his children.

As a young boy, Paul LaVine loved sports. He was fast, strong, and very focused when he played. People around him noticed that he had a natural gift for athletics. He could move with power and speed, and he always pushed himself to improve. This early drive helped him become a standout player before he even reached college.

His College Football Career

When Paul LaVine joined Utah State University, he took his talent to a new level. He played as a linebacker for the Utah State Aggies in the early 1980s. This role fit him well because it required strength, quick thinking, and toughness — three things he had plenty of.

At Utah State, he became known for his intense work ethic. He trained hard and played with full effort in every game. His coaches saw him as a reliable player who understood the game and was not afraid of physical contact. He even recorded kick return stats in 1983, which showed how versatile he was on the field.

Paul LaVine’s Pro Football Career

After college, Paul LaVine’s hard work paid off. In 1985, he was drafted by the Portland Breakers in the USFL. He played as a right outside linebacker and wore jersey #46. This was a big moment for him. It showed that his talent and discipline could take him to the professional level.

But Paul LaVine was not done yet. In 1987, he had another chance to play professionally when he joined the Seattle Seahawks during the NFL players’ strike. He played three games as a left outside linebacker wearing jersey #55. Even though his time in the NFL was short, it was still a major step in his athletic career.

His teammates included well-known players like Joe Terry, Fredd Young, and Rico Tipton. Being around these athletes gave Paul even more knowledge about training, toughness, and preparation. He also had a tryout with the Oakland Raiders, but an injury cut that opportunity short.

Paul LaVine’s Marriage & Who is Cheryl Johnson-LaVine?

Behind every strong man, there is often a strong partner. For Paul LaVine, that partner is Cheryl “CJ” Johnson-LaVine. She was also an athlete, known as a standout softball player. This meant that both Paul and Cheryl understood sports, competition, and the hard work needed to reach goals. They shared the same mindset, which created a powerful foundation for their family.

Cheryl brought more than just athletic talent into the home. She brought warmth, balance, and deep values. She taught her children honesty, hard work, and resilience. Many people learned about her strong side when she and Paul went to Zach’s school in fourth grade to defend his dream. When a teacher told young Zach to choose a more “realistic” job, Cheryl and Paul stepped in and said, “Do not mess up our son’s dream.” This moment shows how united they were as parents.

Cheryl also grew into a creative voice. She later spoke publicly about identity, art, and how tall women like herself (she is 5’10”) navigate the world.

The LaVine Children

Paul LaVine and Cheryl raised four children, and each child grew up in a home filled with sports and strong values. The most known is Zach LaVine, an NBA star with the Sacramento Kings. But the other children also played important roles in the family.

Zach LaVine became a two-time NBA All-Star, a two-time Slam Dunk Champion, and an Olympic Gold Medalist. His success is deeply connected to the training and mindset he learned from Paul LaVine. Zach married Hunter LaVine (née Mar), a former soccer player at Seattle University. Together they have three children: Saint Thomas, Elijah, and a daughter born in early 2025.

Camryn LaVine, the youngest sibling, followed her own athletic path. She became a strong sprinter, winning a conference title in the 200m at Golden West Junior College and later competing for Cal State LA in the 100m, 200m, and 400m races. She studied communications and even went viral at times for dance videos and her support for her brother at NBA games.

Chandi Leishman and Linda Carter prefer private lives, but they are respected inside the family. Paul and Cheryl always mention that all their children formed the core of a loving, disciplined, and supportive home. The family also has a close connection to MLB star Blake Snell, who is often treated like a brother-in-law.

Paul LaVine’s Training Style

Paul LaVine became famous for his unique way of training Zach. His methods were simple but very intense. One of his most creative drills was the “fish pool” drill. He bought plastic kiddie pools from Goodwill, filled them with 50 or 60 balls, and placed them around the yard. Zach had to shoot ball after ball without stopping. This helped him build rhythm, speed, and focus.

Paul also created “mock NBA Draft nights.” He would pretend to be the NBA commissioner and “draft” Zach to different teams, like the Lakers. He did this to help Zach stay calm under pressure, He also ran pretend interviews so Zach could practice answering questions like a real pro. These small moments became big lessons over time.

Paul did not stop there. He pushed Zach to watch basketball games instead of cartoons, He made him do lunges across football fields and tough jumping drills. He always told Zach, “The legs don’t lie.”

His Sacrifices and Work Life

Paul LaVine did not only teach hard work. He lived it every day. When he saw that his son needed more time and support, he made a huge choice. He left a demanding construction job so he could be present for every practice and every game. This was not an easy decision, but he believed it was the right one for his family.

To stay close to home and still earn a living, Paul started his own delivery business. This new job gave him the freedom he needed. He could drive Zach to tournaments, watch his training, and make sure he never missed a step in his growth. Many parents say they support their children, but Paul showed it through real action and sacrifice.

Sometimes, Paul even took Zach with him on delivery routes. They used this time to talk about basketball, mindset, and life.

Paul’s Snohomish Training Estate

As Zach became a star and signed major NBA contracts, he wanted to thank his parents. He told them they could choose any place in the country to live. But Paul did not pick a fancy city. He chose a quiet, peaceful piece of land in Snohomish, Washington.

On this land, Paul built something special — a real training estate. The property has a turf field, a weight room, a full basketball court, and even a recovery pool. It is not just a home. It is a private sports center. This is where Zach trains every summer. It is also where he recovers from injuries, including his season-ending surgery in 2026.

The estate also became a family space. During the offseason, everyone gathers there. Paul, Cheryl, the children, and even the grandchildren spend time together.

Paul LaVine and Zach’s Bond

The bond between Paul LaVine and Zach is one of the strongest in sports. Zach often says that his father is both his “toughest critic” and his “best friend.” This balance is rare. Paul taught him discipline, but he also showed him deep love and support.

When Zach was young, Paul pushed him very hard. Some days were tough. But Zach later said that no NBA coach could ever “break” him because he had already been trained by Paul. This shows how strong the father-son connection is. Paul made Zach mentally strong, not just physically skilled.

Even now, as a grown man and an NBA star, Zach loves spending time with Paul. They go to movies, talk about life, and even joke around like close friends.

Paul’s Legacy

Today, in 2026, Paul LaVine is still a major part of Zach’s life and career. After Zach joined the Sacramento Kings and later faced hand surgery, he returned to the Snohomish estate to recover under Paul’s guidance. Paul still watches his stride, checks his movements, and makes sure he gets stronger day by day.

But Paul’s influence goes beyond basketball. He helped build a family that values honesty, discipline, and unity. His children grew up strong because they felt supported. His grandchildren are now growing up in the same loving and athletic environment. The LaVine family has become a three-generation story of strength and effort.

Paul also created ideas that many coaches now study. The “fish pool drill,” the mock draft nights, and the mental toughness lessons are all things coaches talk about today. People often say that Paul did not just raise an athlete.

Final Thoughts

The life of Paul LaVine is more than a sports story. It is a story about belief, sacrifice, and strong values. From his early days in California to his time in professional football, and from building a backyard training lab to guiding an NBA All-Star, he lived every chapter with purpose.

Paul LaVine proved that success starts at home. He showed that tough love can still come from a gentle heart. Most of all, he built a family that supports each other, works hard, and never stops dreaming.

FAQs

1. How old is Paul LaVine in 2026?

Paul LaVine is 63 years old in 2026. He was born on May 1, 1962.

2. How tall is Paul LaVine and what was his playing size?

Paul LaVine is 6’2″ tall and weighed around 207 pounds during his football career.

3. Who are Paul LaVine’s wife and children?

Paul is married to Cheryl “CJ” Johnson-LaVine, and they have four children: Zach, Camryn, Chandi, and Linda.

4. What is Paul LaVine’s net worth?

Paul LaVine’s personal net worth is not public, but he is part of the LaVine family’s wealth, largely built through Zach’s NBA career earnings.

5. What is Paul LaVine’s ethnicity and background?

Paul LaVine is African American and grew up in San Bernardino, California, where he developed his early athletic roots.

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