Veronica Gutierrez played a major role in the life of Devin Booker long before he became an NBA star. She raised him in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while his father, Melvin Booker, spent much of the year playing professional basketball overseas.

One of her biggest decisions came when Devin was a teenager. She allowed him to leave Michigan and move to Moss Point, Mississippi, where he could live with his father and focus more on basketball. Devin later said his mother cried while taking him to the airport. He knew the move was hard for her, and he wanted to make the sacrifice count.

That decision helped Devin spend more time with his father while still keeping a close bond with his mother. Veronica Gutierrez remained part of his support system as he moved from high school basketball to the University of Kentucky and then the Phoenix Suns.

Quick Bio

Veronica Gutierrez Raised Devin Booker in Michigan

Veronica Gutierrez raised Devin mainly in Grand Rapids while Melvin played basketball in other countries. Basketball was already part of Devin’s life, but his mother handled much of his daily routine during his early years.

Devin grew up with two siblings. His older brother, Davon Wade, often played basketball with him. His younger sister, Mya Powell, also became an important part of his life.

The family home gave Devin a place where competition and support existed together. Davon was older, which meant Devin often had to work harder when they played. Mya would sometimes watch her brothers play and cheer for them.

His mother also worked as a cosmetologist. Devin has spoken about watching her work hard to support her children. He later connected her work ethic with his own desire to improve and take care of his family.

How Did Veronica Gutierrez Meet Melvin Booker?

She met Melvin Booker while he was playing professional basketball in Grand Rapids during the 1995 to 1996 season. Melvin played for the Grand Rapids Hoops in the Continental Basketball Association.

Their son, Devin Armani Booker, was born on October 30, 1996, in Grand Rapids.

The couple did not marry. Melvin continued his basketball career overseas, which meant he spent long periods away from Michigan.

Even with that distance, Veronica Gutierrez helped Devin keep a relationship with his father. Devin visited Melvin during school breaks and summers. These trips allowed him to see professional basketball at close range.

Melvin played in countries including Italy, Russia, and Turkey. Devin sometimes joined him abroad and saw the training, travel, and routine that came with professional basketball.

Devin Booker’s Relationship With Melvin Booker

Devin’s father had direct experience as a professional player. That became more useful as Devin grew older and showed greater basketball talent.

During one trip to Italy, Devin played basketball with Danilo Gallinari, who was one of Melvin’s teammates at the time. Devin was still young, but experiences like that introduced him to players competing at a high level.

After Melvin finished his playing career, he returned to Moss Point, Mississippi. He believed Devin could improve faster if they lived together and trained every day.

At first, the idea meant a major change. Devin had spent most of his life in Michigan with his mother and siblings.

Melvin spent months discussing the move with Devin and Veronica Gutierrez. In 2011, they agreed that Devin would move south before his sophomore year of high school.

Why Did Veronica Gutierrez Let Devin Booker Move?

The move gave Devin direct access to his father’s basketball knowledge. Melvin Booker could train him, coach him, and teach him how to prepare for stronger competition.

For his mother, it meant allowing her teenage son to live hundreds of miles away.

Devin later remembered how emotional the move was. His mother cried while driving him to the airport. He understood that she was giving up daily time with him because the family believed Mississippi offered a better basketball opportunity.

Devin enrolled at Moss Point High School, where his father worked as an assistant basketball coach.

He developed quickly. During his three high school seasons at Moss Point, Devin scored more than 2,500 points and became one of the top young players in the region.

The move also allowed Devin and Melvin to build the daily father and son relationship they had missed while Melvin played overseas.

Veronica Gutierrez and Devin Booker Stayed Close

Moving to Mississippi did not end Devin’s close relationship with his mother. They continued speaking often, and Devin returned to Michigan for family visits.

Veronica Gutierrez had spent years helping Devin maintain contact with Melvin. Once Devin moved in with his father, the same family connection worked in the other direction.

Devin has spoken with respect about the choice his mother made. He understood that letting him move was difficult, but it gave him access to training and guidance that helped his development.

His progress soon led to national attention. Devin became a highly rated high school player and later joined the University of Kentucky basketball program.

Devin Booker at the University of Kentucky

Devin played one college basketball season at Kentucky during the 2014 to 2015 season.

He joined a talented team coached by John Calipari. Kentucky finished the regular season undefeated before reaching the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.

Devin came off the bench for much of the season but became known for his shooting ability and calm play.

After one year in college, he entered the 2015 NBA Draft.

The Phoenix Suns selected Devin with the 13th overall pick on June 25, 2015. His mother, father, and family had watched his path move from Michigan to Mississippi, Kentucky, and finally the NBA.

How Did Veronica Gutierrez Influence Devin Booker?

Devin has connected much of his drive to watching his mother work.

Veronica Gutierrez supported three children while maintaining her career as a cosmetologist. Devin saw the daily effort that went into providing for the family.

He has said that watching his mother work for him and his siblings gave him motivation away from basketball. That example helped shape his view of discipline and responsibility.

His father gave him professional basketball knowledge. His mother gave him a different type of example based on work, family, and daily responsibility.

Both influences became part of Devin’s development.

Veronica Gutierrez’s Mexican American and Puerto Rican Roots

Veronica Gutierrez has Mexican American and Puerto Rican family roots.

Her father came from Nogales, Mexico, before settling in Michigan. Devin has spoken about visiting his maternal grandfather and learning about that part of his family.

Food became one of his strongest childhood links to Mexican culture. Devin remembered his mother cooking Mexican dishes that she had learned from her father.

Those family traditions became more meaningful after Devin moved to Arizona.

Phoenix has a large Hispanic community, and Devin began learning more about his Mexican heritage while playing for the Suns. He has spoken about feeling a strong connection with Mexican and Latino fans in Arizona.

His mother’s family history gave him a personal link to that community.

Veronica Gutierrez’s Children

Veronica Gutierrez is the mother of three children: Davon Wade, Devin Booker, and Mya Powell.

Each sibling has played a different role in Devin’s life.

Davon Wade

Davon Wade is Devin Booker’s older half-brother.

Growing up with an older brother gave Devin regular competition at home. He often played basketball against Davon and other older children.

Those games forced Devin to deal with bigger and stronger opponents. He learned to compete against players who had physical advantages over him.

The backyard competition became part of his early basketball development.

Mya Powell

Mya Powell is Devin Booker’s younger half-sister.

Mya has 22q deletion syndrome, a genetic condition that can affect development and health in different ways.

Devin has spoken publicly about how close he is to her. He has said that Mya helps him keep basketball and everyday problems in perspective.

Their relationship also influenced his work with the Special Olympics.

In 2020, Devin became a Special Olympics Global Ambassador. His connection to people with intellectual disabilities was already personal because of his relationship with Mya.

He has described her as one of the most important people in his life.

What Has Devin Booker Said About His Mother?

Devin has repeatedly credited his mother for helping shape his life.

He has spoken about watching Veronica Gutierrez work hard while raising three children. He also remembers the emotional decision she made when she allowed him to move to Mississippi.

Melvin has also credited Devin’s mother with keeping father and son connected during the years when his basketball career kept him overseas.

That cooperation allowed Devin to grow up with strong ties to both parents.

When Devin later moved in with Melvin, his mother remained closely involved in his life.

Her influence did not depend on basketball knowledge. She gave him stability during childhood and supported a change when another environment could help him improve.

Devin Booker’s Rise With the Phoenix Suns

Devin entered the NBA at age 18 and quickly developed into one of the league’s leading scorers.

He became a major player for the Phoenix Suns and helped the team reach the 2021 NBA Finals.

His career also included appearances in the NBA All Star Game and international success with Team USA.

Devin won an Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games and another gold medal at the Paris Games.

His growing fame also brought more attention to his family. Fans began learning more about his parents, siblings, and Mexican heritage.

Veronica Gutierrez remained best known as the mother who raised Devin in Michigan and supported the decision that moved him closer to his father.

Devin Booker’s Connection to His Family

Family remains an important part of Devin’s public life.

His relationship with his father is closely tied to basketball. Melvin coached him during high school and helped him understand how professional players trained.

Davon gave him competition when they were young.

Mya influenced how he views people with intellectual disabilities and helped inspire his work with the Special Olympics.

His mother connected those parts of the family during his childhood.

Devin has also carried his maternal family heritage into his life in Phoenix. Mexican food, time with his grandfather, and support from Latino fans have helped him build a stronger connection with his roots.

Facts About Veronica Gutierrez

• Grand Rapids, Michigan, is her hometown.
• Cosmetology is her known profession.
• Devin Booker was born on October 30, 1996.
• Melvin Booker is Devin’s father.
• Davon Wade is Devin’s older half-brother.
• Mya Powell is Devin’s younger half-sister.
• Mexican American and Puerto Rican roots come from Devin’s maternal family.
• Her father came from Nogales, Mexico.
• Devin spent most of his childhood in Michigan.
• Devin moved to Moss Point, Mississippi, in 2011.
• Moss Point High School became Devin’s school for his final three high school seasons.
• Phoenix Suns selected Devin 13th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft.
• Devin has credited his mother’s work ethic with influencing him.
• Her family background helped Devin connect more deeply with his Mexican heritage.

FAQs

Who is Veronica Gutierrez?

Veronica Gutierrez is the mother of NBA player Devin Booker. She raised him mainly in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while his father, Melvin Booker, played professional basketball overseas.

What does Veronica Gutierrez do for a living?

She is known to have worked as a cosmetologist while raising her children in Michigan.

What is Veronica Gutierrez’s ethnicity?

She has Mexican American and Puerto Rican roots. Her father came from Nogales, Mexico, and later lived in Michigan.

Are Devin Booker’s parents married?

No. Melvin Booker and Devin’s mother never married, but they worked together to raise their son and helped him maintain close relationships with both sides of his family.

How many children does Veronica Gutierrez have?

She has three children: Davon Wade, Devin Booker, and Mya Powell.