John Calipari, who is currently coaching at his fourth NCAA program, has solidified his position as one of the foremost college basketball coaches in history.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015, Calipari stands out as one of the top winners amongst Division I head coaches throughout history. Throughout his tenure with UMass, Memphis, Kentucky, and currently Arkansas, he has accumulated numerous awards along with several impressive performances in the NCAA Tournament.
His coaching achievements have received support from his family, who are frequently seen in the stands during Arkansas' 2025 NCAA Tournament games.
Here’s information about the Calipari clan, featuring details on John’s spouse, Ellen, along with their trio of offspring.
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John Calipari daughters
The Caliparises have two daughters named Erin and Megan Calipari.
Erin, the eldest sister, enrolled at UMass, majoring in biology and also competing as part of the university’s women's basketball squad known as the Minutewomen. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued advanced education at Wake Forest University, culminating in a Ph.D. focused on neuropharmacology.
Since 2017, Erin Calipari has been affiliated with Vanderbilt University. As part of the Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, her research concentrates on addictions and explores the brain circuits involved in both adaptive and maladaptive processes related to rewards, associative learning, and motivation.
Megan Calipari develops and pens recipes for Earthly Provisions , a site focused on vegan recipes. On her profile page for Earthly Provisions, it states that Calipari completed the professional pastry program at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in 2013. Since then, she has worked in various kitchens and bakeries throughout Boston. At present, she oversees the operations of the vegan bakery at FoMu Ice Cream.
Megan became an internet sensation along with her mother, Ellen, following Arkansas' Round of 32 triumph over St. John's. Both were spotted crying as the Razorbacks clinched their victory.
Megan Calipari shared on Instagram after the game that she and Ellen "were okay now," smiling as Arkansas now advances to the next round of March Madness. John Calipari posted side-by-side pictures on social media of Megan and Ellen together watching him coach in the 1996 tournament vs. the 2025 tournament:
John Calipari son
The Caliparis' sole son, Brad, has not only played but also assisted as a coach under his father in collegiate basketball.
Between 2016 and 2018, Brad Calipari suited up for Kentucky under Coach John. During this period, he took part in 27 matches but only attempted 13 field goals. The following year, in 2019, Calipari moved to Detroit Mercy. His highest scoring average of his career came during the 2020–21 season when he managed an impressive 6.1 points per game. Over those two years with the team, he made a total of 33 appearances.
In 2021, Calipari served as a graduate assistant under his father at Kentucky. The following year, he moved to Long Island as their director of player development before assuming the same position at Vanderbilt in 2023.
When John Calipari transferred to Arkansas, his son accompanied him. During this season, Brad Calipari has played for the team. a coaching aide for the Razorbacks And the person responsible for on-court player growth within the team.
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John Calipari wife
John Calipari’s spouse is Ellen Calipari. They tied the knot in 1986 following their encounter at the University of Kansas.
Ellen Calipari serves as the vice president of The Calipari Foundation and is frequently spotted backing John during his coaching tenure.