When you think about the Curry family’s basketball dynasty, most people immediately picture Stephen Curry’s three-point records or Seth Curry’s clutch shots. But there’s someone who deserves just as much credit for their success – their grandfather, Cleive Ester Adams. This West Virginia native built the foundation that would eventually produce two NBA stars, and his story is way more interesting than you might expect.
Who Is Cleive Ester Adams?
Cleive Ester Adams is a former American football player and coach who’s best known as Sonya Curry’s father and the grandfather of NBA superstars Stephen and Seth Curry. Born in West Virginia in the 1940s (with some records indicating 1926), Adams carved out an impressive career in college athletics that spans decades of coaching excellence.
But here’s what makes his story cool – while everyone’s watching his grandsons drain threes on TV, Adams built his legacy the old-school way: through grit, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to developing young athletes.
Early Life and Athletic Background
Adams grew up during a time when opportunities for African-American athletes weren’t exactly abundant. Despite the challenges, he excelled in multiple sports and earned his way to Virginia Tech, where he studied physical education. At Virginia Tech, Adams wasn’t just hitting the books – he was making his mark on the football field and track.
His college athletic career earned him several honors, setting the stage for what would become a lifelong dedication to sports and education. The values he learned during these formative years – discipline, perseverance, and teamwork – would later become the cornerstone of his family’s approach to athletics.
Coaching Career and Achievements
After college, Cleive Ester Adams transitioned into coaching, where he found his calling. His most notable coaching stint came at Averett University, where he served as head football coach from 1982 to 1987. And let’s just say the guy knew what he was doing.
During his time at Averett, Adams led the team to multiple victories and earned recognition as the Dixie Conference Coach of the Year in 1986. That’s not a participation trophy – that’s the real deal. His success at Averett opened doors to other coaching opportunities, including roles at Ferrum College and Washington & Lee.
By the time Adams stepped away from coaching in the late 1980s and early 1990s, he’d compiled a solid coaching record of 42-52. While that might not look flashy on paper, context matters. Adams was building programs, developing young men, and creating a lasting impact that went far beyond win-loss columns.
His coaching excellence was officially recognized in 2019 when he was inducted into the Ferrum Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in college athletics.
Family Life and Personal Relationships
Cleive Ester Adams married Candy Adams, who originally hails from Haiti. Together, they built a family that would eventually become one of the most recognizable names in professional sports. Their children include Sonya Curry (yes, that Sonya Curry), Cleive Adams Jr., and India Adams.
The Adams family values run deep. Christian faith, hard work, and education weren’t just talking points in the Adams household – they were non-negotiables. These principles shaped how Sonya would later raise Stephen and Seth, creating a generational impact that’s still playing out on basketball courts today.
The Curry Connection: Grandfather to NBA Royalty
Here’s where the story gets really interesting. When Sonya Adams married Dell Curry, she brought her father’s coaching wisdom and athletic mindset into a family that was already basketball-obsessed. Cleive Ester Adams became the patriarch of what would become basketball royalty.
While Dell Curry was busy with his NBA career, Adams provided stability and wisdom. His influence on Stephen and Seth Curry might not be as visible as their parents’, but it’s there. The work ethic, the humility, the understanding that success comes from preparation – these are Adams family traits that got passed down through the generations.
Stephen Curry’s famous pre-game routine? His dedication to perfecting his craft? His leadership style? These characteristics have roots that trace back to his grandfather’s coaching philosophy and family values.
Life After Coaching
After retiring from active coaching, Cleive Ester Adams didn’t just fade into the background. He continued mentoring young people and stayed involved in his community. His focus shifted toward family, but his impact on sports education and youth development continued.
Adams represents something special in today’s sports world – a coach who measured success by the men he helped develop, not just the games he won. That philosophy created a ripple effect that’s still being felt in NBA arenas across the country.
Recent Recognition and Legacy
In 2025, Cleive Ester Adams continues to be recognized for his contributions to athletics, education, and social advocacy. Recent coverage highlights his role as more than just a coach – he’s been described as a catalyst for change and inspiration within his community.
His estimated net worth is around $1 million as of 2024, though his real wealth lies in the success and values of his descendants. When you watch Stephen Curry lead the Golden State Warriors or see Seth Curry contribute to his team’s success, you’re witnessing the continuation of Adams’ legacy.
Future Outlook
The story of Cleive Ester Adams isn’t just about one man’s journey from West Virginia to the coaching ranks – it’s about understanding how true success gets built, one generation at a time.
While everyone’s obsessing over highlight reels and social media flexing, Adams was quietly creating something way more valuable. He built a family culture where excellence wasn’t just expected – it was inevitable. That’s not luck. That’s intentional.
When Stephen Curry talks about his work ethic, when Seth Curry shows up clutch in big moments, when both brothers handle success with humility – that’s Adams DNA right there. The values he instilled became the foundation for basketball royalty.
Adams represents something we’re losing in today’s instant-everything culture: the power of playing the long game. He wasn’t chasing viral moments or quick fixes. He was building character and creating a legacy that would outlast any achievement.
His story proves that greatness isn’t accidental – it’s generational. For anyone trying to build something lasting, Adams’ blueprint is simple: foundation matters more than flash.
Conclusion
Cleive Ester Adams represents everything that’s right about sports and family values. From his humble beginnings in West Virginia to his successful coaching career and his role as patriarch of basketball’s most famous family, Adams built a legacy that continues to inspire.
His story reminds us that true success isn’t measured in trophies or headlines – it’s measured in the people you influence and the values you pass down. While the world celebrates Stephen and Seth Curry’s basketball achievements, the real victory belongs to the grandfather who taught them that excellence is a family tradition.
Cleive Ester Adams didn’t just coach football – he coached life. And decades later, his lessons are still winning championships. That’s the kind of legacy that lasts forever.
