Rick Carlisle Wife
60-year-old Donna Carlisle, the wife of Indiana Pacers head coach, Rick Carlisle, who previously served as head coach for the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, and assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers and the New Jersey Nets.
Donna Carlisle
Donna Carlisle was born Donna Marie Nobile in December 1963. Donna attended graduate and medical school at Georgetown, followed by a three-year pediatric residency in Philadelphia.
According to online records, she has worked at Riley Hospital Indianapolis and University School of Medicine.
During an interview in 2011 the couple stated they are mindful not to overexpose Abby to professional sports’ glare. But one or two weekend days per month, Rick brings her to American Airlines Center. Donna a pediatrician he has known since his playing days, marry him in 2000.
Rick Carlisle Daughter
Abby Carlisle
The couple, who have been married for 24 years, are the proud parents of one child, daughter Abby Carlisle, who was born in May 2004.
Abby Carlile, now a student at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, previously attended The Hockaday School.
Rick Carlisle Playing Career
College
He began his basketball journey at Lisbon Central High School before spending a year at Worcester Academy. Continuing his athletic career, he played two years of college basketball at the University of Maine before transferring to the University of Virginia.
At Virginia, he was a key player for the Cavaliers, notably as a starter during the 1982–83 season alongside Ralph Sampson. Despite their initial dominance, the team faced setbacks, including a loss to Chaminade in 1982 and a defeat in the 1983 NCAA tournament against eventual champions North Carolina State. As co-captain in 1983–84, he helped guide the Cavaliers to the Final Four, where they narrowly lost to the Houston Cougars.
NBA Playing Career
In the NBA, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1984 and played alongside legendary figures like Larry Bird. With the Celtics, he won the NBA championship in 1986 and reached the finals in 1985 and 1987. Despite limited playing time, he showcased remarkable efficiency, notably in the 1986 finals series where he made every shot he took.
Transitioning to different teams, he played reserve roles for various franchises including the New York Knicks and the New Jersey Nets, contributing his skills under renowned coaches like Rick Pitino and Bill Fitch.
Rick Carlisle Coaching Career
Early Coaching Career
Rick Carlisle’s journey in coaching began in 1989 when he assumed the role of assistant coach with the Nets, spending five seasons under Bill Fitch and Chuck Daly. Transitioning in 1994, Carlisle joined the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the assistant coaching staff under coach P. J. Carlesimo, where he remained for three seasons.
In 1997, Carlisle became an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers under former teammate Larry Bird. During his tenure, the Pacers experienced significant success, notably reaching the NBA Finals in the 1999–2000 season.
Detroit Pistons
Moving to head coaching, Carlisle took the reins of the Detroit Pistons for the 2001–2003 seasons, achieving consecutive 50–32 records, earning Coach of the Year in 2002. However, friction led to his departure after the 2002–03 season.
Indiana Pacers (1st Stint)
Returning to the Pacers as head coach from 2003 to 2007, Carlisle led the team to their best regular-season record and a Central Division title in his first season. Despite challenges, including injuries and suspensions, he remained resilient, earning a multiyear contract extension.
Dallas Mavericks
Subsequently, Carlisle embarked on a successful tenure with the Dallas Mavericks from 2008 to 2021. Notably, he coached the team to their first NBA championship in 2011, marking a highlight in his coaching career.
Indiana Pacers (2nd Stint)
In 2021, Carlisle returned to the Indiana Pacers as head coach, overseeing a rebuilding phase and guiding the team to the playoffs in 2024 after a two-year hiatus. His leadership and coaching acumen continue to leave a mark on the NBA landscape.
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