Show summary Hide summary
Dr. Ali Marks Brunson, the wife of New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, is a licensed physical therapist and fitness entrepreneur who has been by his side since they met as teenagers at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. The couple began dating in October 2013, and after nine years together, Jalen proposed to her in September 2022 on the basketball court of their alma mater’s gym — the same place where their love story began.
Quick Facts
- Met in high school — Jalen and Ali both attended Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, and began dating in October 2013.
- Married July 29, 2023 — The couple wed at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago in a lavish celebration with lights, lasers, and a fun DJ.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy — Ali earned her doctorate from Northwestern University in 2021 and specializes in pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise.
- Founder of AMB Method — Ali created a Pilates-inspired fitness program focused on deep core strength and mindful movement.
From High School to the Altar
Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks’ relationship spans more than a decade, rooted in their teenage years at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. The couple dated long distance while pursuing higher education — Jalen attended Villanova University, where he played Division 1 basketball, while Ali studied kinesiology and exercise science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating in 2017. She then earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 2021.
Their relationship endured through college and into Jalen’s professional career. In September 2022, after nine years of dating, Jalen orchestrated a romantic proposal at center court of their high school gym, complete with an arrangement of flowers and candles in a heart shape. The couple married on July 29, 2023, at Chicago’s Ritz-Carlton. “We wanted it to be a big big party: celebratory and joyful, with lights, lasers, a fun DJ, good food, good drinks,” Ali told People Magazine. For the ceremony, she wore a custom off-white Eva Lendel gown and later changed into her 2015 prom dress as a surprise.
Jalen Brunson’s wife Ali Marks: High school sweetheart turned NBA spouse
Anna Paulina Luna condemns flash mob destruction in Florida
A Career in Physical Therapy and Fitness
Beyond her role as an NBA spouse, Ali has built a professional identity as a physical therapist and fitness innovator. After graduating from Northwestern with her doctorate in 2021, she became certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist. She began her clinical career at W.B. Carrell Memorial Clinic in Dallas, Texas, where Jalen was playing at the time.
Ali later created the AMB Method, a deep core-focused workout program designed to help individuals build foundational stability and move with strength and confidence. The program emphasizes low-impact, mindful movement and includes targeted resistance training, weight-bearing exercises, and balance work. The AMB Method has expanded to multiple locations, including a launch at Community of Play in Scarsdale, New York, and reflects Ali’s commitment to making fitness accessible and sustainable.
Building a Family and Giving Back
In July 2024, Jalen and Ali welcomed their daughter, Jordyn James Brunson, marking a new chapter in their family life. Throughout Jalen’s career milestones — from his $104 million, four-year contract with the New York Knicks in June 2022 to the team’s historic run to the 2026 NBA Finals — Ali has been his steadfast supporter, attending games and events courtside.
Beyond her professional and family commitments, Ali is passionate about charitable work. In October 2020, she completed her first half marathon with Project Purple, an organization supporting research and families affected by pancreatic cancer. Her father died of pancreatic cancer a decade prior, and the organization supported her family during his illness. Two years later, Ali ran another marathon for the cause, raising $5,900. “Grateful for all of my family and friends who supported me during this journey,” she wrote on Instagram, sharing photos with family members holding signs of encouragement.
Sources
- People.com — Comprehensive profile of Ali Brunson, including her education, career, proposal, wedding details, and family life.
- Yahoo Sports — Verified timeline of when the couple met, began dating, and married.
- South China Morning Post — Confirmed high school meeting and decade-long relationship.
- Community of Play — Information about Ali’s AMB Method fitness program and her credentials as a physical therapist.
