Kayla Thornton was supposed to be the Golden State Valkyries’ torchbearer into the playoffs. She was leading the expansion side with poise, earning the first All-Star nod in her 10-year career, but then disaster struck. Thornton suffered a knee injury in practice and ultimately underwent surgery. “PT Week 1: survived & thriving 💥Thanks for the support—this is just the beginning,” Thornton wrote along with a highlight reel of her recovery process.
It was an unfortunate injury for Thornton as she was having a career year in all aspects. However, she will be back on her feet soon, considering her continued tenacity and probably back with the Valkyries next year, continuing to build the Valkyries into a title-contender. Before the spotlight found her, the architects were already at work. Let’s meet the parents who built this superstar from day one.
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Who Is Kayla Thornton’s Mother, Merteen Thornton?
Kayla Thornton was born to her mother, Merteen Thornton, on October 20, 1992. Kayla’s Mother was a preacher in an El Paso local church, but is retired as of 2023. Merteen is always giving Kayla something to smile about. Back in 2023, with the Liberty, Kayla lost it laughing when her mom hilariously botched Courtney Vandersloot’s name.
“My mom, she’s so funny. She’s always messing up somebody’s name. She probably called Sloot [Liberty point guard Courtney Vandersloot], ‘Vanderbilt,’ ” Thornton said, laughing. “She was probably saying, ‘Vanderbilt had a great game!’ Probably something like that.” However, Merteen is also her biggest supporter.
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“My mom, that’s like my best friend right there. My mom. She is a preacher, and we have a routine every game. Whether she’s with me or away, we pray before each game. We’ve been doing that my whole life. The impact she’s had is just unbelievable. I can always talk to her, and she always gives me the most encouraging words. She just knows what to say.” Thornton says.
Merteen loved the way Thornton was playing at the Valkyries and how the move impacted her. “I think with the Valkyries, she’s playing like she played at UTEP. No worries, no overthinking. If she sees the ball, she’s shooting or assisting because she’s happy,” said Merteen. “When you can feel free, you can really accomplish a lot. And I think that’s where my daughter is right now. She feels free. She feels good. The team is wonderful.” While her injury limited her to only half of the season with the Valkyries, Thornton played her best basketball in the expansion team. It was a new start for the veteran in a new team.
Who Is Kayla Thornton’s Father, Lewis Thornton?
Lewis Thornton, her father, is a former US military officer who was posted to Germany, where Kayla was born. After military service, he served as a church deacon, but Lewis is now completely retired. Lewis initially thought Kayla had the goods to become a track star rather than a basketball player.
“There was always something unique about her,” Lewis said. “She started off in track and field, and she was doing great there, but then (one day) she had an itch. ‘I want to play basketball,’ and I said, ‘No darling, no, no no, you are a track star.’”
A multi-event track standout, Thornton eyed the WNBA, and,after some nudging, added basketball to her slate.“But God knows what to do, right? And she did both. So that proved her point. And (her success) made me like, ‘Look, sit down, have a seat,’” Lewis said. “That’s my daughter, and she knew what she was doing.” The love of both of Kayla’s parents for their daughter is adorable, and the feeling is mutual. Kayla pays respect to her parents every chance she gets. “My parents mean everything.” She says.
Does Kayla Thornton Have Siblings?
Kayla Thornton grew up in El Paso, Texas, with two brothers who remain largely outside the public eye. While their names and personal details are not disclosed in reliable sources, Kayla has offered small glimpses into their lives on social media. In one post, she proudly celebrated her “little brother and his newly gorgeous wife” on their wedding day, showing the close bond they share.
Beyond these glimpses, not much is known about her brothers, and that’s intentional. Thornton has long kept her family shielded from the constant attention of professional sports. Still, their presence has shaped her. Growing up as the only sister, Kayla often had to hold her own against two brothers, which toughened her resolve and sharpened her competitive edge. That early environment—whether it was playful rivalry or protective support—likely gave her the grit she carried into Irvin High School, where she emerged as one of El Paso’s top athletes. While the spotlight is firmly on Kayla, her brothers remain a steady part of her support system in the background.
How Did Lewis and Merteen Thornton Shape Kayla’s Upbringing?
Thornton, who grew up in El Paso, Texas, was raised on the principles of faith and discipline.“Being from a Southern place and, you know, always saying, ‘Yes, ma’am’ and ‘Yes, sir,’ and making sure, you know, when I wake up in the morning, I make my bed up all the time,” Thornton has said. “[My parents] are also God-fearing people – we grew up in the church. … I’m still growing, I’m still learning myself, but those have been, like, the keys to why I’m kind of where I am today.” After Kayla made the 2025 All-Star team, she dialed her parents immediately after the news, further underscoring their importance. Faith instilled in her by her mother and discipline instilled in her by her father make Kayla who she is today.
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The support of Lewis and Merteen has remained constant even during her biggest professional milestones. When Kayla received her first All-Star selection in 2025, the first thing she did was call her parents to share the moment. Both have also made efforts to travel from El Paso to see her games in San Francisco with the Valkyries, further underscoring their presence in her life. Between her father’s lessons in discipline and her mother’s lessons in faith, Kayla was given not just the tools to succeed in sports but the mindset to persevere through adversity.
Kayla Thornton’s journey to becoming an All-Star with the Golden State Valkyries isn’t just a story of personal grit—it’s a family story. While her siblings remain largely out of the public eye, the role of her parents, Lewis and Merteen, is clear. Their mix of discipline, faith, and unwavering support molded her into the competitor and leader she is today. Even as she battles setbacks like injury, the foundation they built ensures that Thornton’s story is far from finished. For Kayla, family is more than background—it’s the core of her strength, and the reason she keeps rising.