While it is well known that Nike transformed collegiate basketball in the late 1970s and early 1980s, many people are unaware of Sonny Vaccaro, who made it all possible. Before partnering with Nike, he was a basketball fanatic who was recognized for arranging thrilling and creative college basketball showcases. In fact, Sonny co-founded the Roundball Classic, widely regarded as the first high school All-Star basketball event.
Sonny also assisted Addidas in obtaining Kobe Byrant’s signature and assisted Michael Jordan in signing with Nike. While he had a successful career as a sports executive, working for companies such as Adidas, Nike, and Reebok, he chose to remain behind the scenes. However, with Matt Damon portraying him in the film ‘Air,’ people are curious in his personal life. Don’t worry, since we’re here to help!
Who is Sonny Vaccaro’s Wife?
Readers may be intrigued to learn that Sonny married his first wife, Nancy Schiffaeur, in 1961, some years before beginning his work as a sports executive at Nike. They had been longstanding sweethearts, and reports say they were quite pleased with each other. Sonny was largely engaged arranging some of the top college basketball presentations in the country at the time, and Nancy was a huge supporter of his interest when he co-founded the Roundball Classic in 1964.
Sonny and Nancy eventually relocated in Trafford, Pennsylvania, the former’s hometown, where she worked as a schoolteacher. Furthermore, the couple became proud parents to two daughters and two sons, and everything looked to be going swimmingly. However, as fate would have it, problems soon arose in their marriage, and Sonny and Nancy decided that divorce was the best option. As a result, the two finally divorced in 1979.
Although it is unknown when Sonny first met his second wife, Pamela “Pam” Monakee, the two became great friends before marrying on May 5, 1984. Later, she revealed the details of their engagement, claiming that she was the one who made the initial move. Moreover, Pam stated on Sports Illustrated regarding the proposal, “I just said, ‘Hey, have you ever thought how great it would be to spend the rest of your life with your best friend?'” Sonny, on the other hand, has been honest about his connection with her, and it is clear that they are madly in love.
Furthermore, the sports executive emphasized the importance of his wife’s support, saying, “She always supported my harebrained ideas.” I’d never had someone accompany me before.” According to sources, Pam stuck by Sonny’s side even after Nike dismissed him in 1991, and the pair has been married for over 40 years at the time of writing. Furthermore, readers will be pleased to learn that the pair was highly involved in the production of ‘Air,’ and they even visited the film set.
Does Sonny Vaccaro Have Children?
Yes, Sonny Vaccaro is a happy father of four children, all of whom he shares with his first wife, Nancy Schiffaeur. Although Sonny and Nancy have opted to keep their children’s names hidden, we do know the pair had two daughters and two sons. In fact, even after the parents divorced, the children stayed close to their parents, and they retain an intense familial relationship even now. They appear to have moved out of their family home and are busy making their way in the world. Sonny, on the other hand, is presently living in California with Pamela Monakee.
