Rachel Banham, an American professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky, would be at the police academy just like her parents if she weren’t so wrapped up in one pursuit.
Her father started his police career in Wisconsin and met her mother on the force. Moreover, her parents are the hometown heroes who supported her athletic career.
Rachel began playing basketball at Lakeville North High School and continued her career in basketball at the University of Minnesota.
Her senior year was one of the most memorable seasons in NCAA basketball history, and she ended her college career as the sixth-leading scorer in NCAA Division I women’s history.
The Connecticut Sun selected her in the 2016 WNBA draft, and she was traded to the Minnesota Lynx on February 25, 2020.
In February 2024, she returned to the Sun and set a WNBA record with 8 three-pointers off the bench on July 14, 2024. However, she was traded to the Chicago Sky on July 17, 2024.
I just feel like I’ve been waiting for this. (The team) knows I’ve been frustrated with not hitting my shots, but it feels good. I’m confident, I’m ready, I stay in the gym, so I knew my time was coming. I wish it was sooner, but it just felt really good to kind of feel like myself and really get in rhythm, and get to stay out there. They just kept feeding me and that just gave me more confidence.
Rachel Banham
Rachel Banham’s Parents Raised A WNBA Star And A Sports-Loving Family
Rachel Banham, the daughter of Melissa and Donald Banham, was born on July 15, 1993, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Her parents raised her in a close-knit household alongside her two brothers, Cole and Blake, and a sister, Paige Banham.
Rachel Banham comes from a family deeply rooted in public service and athletics.
Her parents dedicated over five decades combined to the Minneapolis Police Department while raising four children and fostering their love for sports.
Don Banham Jr. began his law enforcement career in Wisconsin before returning to the Twin Cities, where he spent more than 25 years with the Minneapolis Police Department.
He was promoted to captain and later served as head of security for the Minnesota Vikings before retiring in 2011.
I refused to let anything get in the way of my family. When you work in an atmosphere where you see the lack of supervision and lack of parental involvement, there’s no way I was going to contribute to that with my own kids. I tried to not let work get in the way of being there for the kids.
Don Banham Jr.
Meanwhile, Mel Banham, whom Don met on the force, worked as a detective in the sex crimes unit before transitioning to the background investigations unit.
Despite the demanding nature of their jobs, both remained deeply involved in their children’s lives, especially their athletic pursuits.
Furthermore, the Banham siblings often waited anxiously for their parents to return from work, wondering if the delays meant they were in danger.
Don and Mel balanced the stresses of their careers with unwavering support for their children’s sports endeavors.
Don, a former high school running back himself, coached his sons, Cole and Blake, in youth football. On the other hand, Mel still works security at events.
It brought me and Don so much joy to see our kids develop through sports. Being a police mom, going to our kids’ games was such a positive outlet because of the stress we have on our jobs.
Melissa Banham
Rachel Banham’s Grandfather Was The First Black Police Officer
Rachel Banham carries more than just her basketball legacy. She also holds deep pride in her family’s groundbreaking contributions to civil rights and public service.
Her grandfather, Donald Banham Sr., made history as the first Black police officer at the University of Minnesota. He played a pivotal role during a defining moment in the fight for racial equality.
One of Rachel’s most cherished possessions is a photograph of her grandfather standing behind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights leader’s first visit to the university in 1963.
Don Banham Sr. led the security detail for King, ensuring his safety in a time of heightened racial tension.
It’s just really cool. It’s something we always talk about, just how courageous he was, especially in times like that, when racism was at its highest point. [As a police officer] he was protecting people who didn’t even care about him and didn’t like him. It’s cool that he was that selfless. We all brag about it. It’s something people should know.
Rachel Banham
Don Sr. met his wife, Rosamond Banham, at John Marshall High School in St. Paul and married in 1952.
They were married for 63 years and had four children: Audrey Smith, Karen Banham, Donald Jr. Banham, and Craig Banham.
Sadly, Don Sr. passed away due to kidney disease at the age of 86 on February 25, 2015.
It was not easy to get on at a police department or fire department at that time because of discrimination. He saw an ad one day for the University Police and just went in.
Rosamond Banham
Furthermore, Rachel’s admiration for public service runs deep, giving her a firsthand understanding of the sacrifices made by those who protect their communities.
Most of us can’t say we go to work every day with life or death situations or wondering if we’ll come home. I grew up with my parents doing that every single day. It’s scary and I can appreciate that they’re doing it for other people. Who wants to run towards gunfire? The rest of us would run away. They’re willing to go towards it. It’s tough work, it’s stressful, and I’ve seen how it affects my parents in some way, but they were always good at hiding it from us.
Rachel Banham
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Standing 1.78m and weighing 82kg, Rachel Banham plays the point guard position.
- She announced her engagement with her athlete boyfriend, Andre Hollins, at Williams Arena on January 2, 2022.
- As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at $2.5 million.
