Kiki Rice was born to John Rice and Andrea Rice, both former Yale University athletes.
John played basketball for the Bulldogs, while Andrea was a member of the Yale tennis team.
Beyond their athletic backgrounds, both parents went on to establish significant professional careers, a combination that has clearly influenced Kiki’s approach to both basketball and academics.
Who Are Kiki Rice’s Parents?
If you’ve ever watched Kiki Rice dissect a defense at UCLA and wondered where that poise comes from, the answer is simple. It came from home.
Kiki Rice was born in San Francisco, California, to John and Andrea Rice.
Both parents were collegiate athletes at Yale University, John played basketball, and Andrea played tennis.
Two Ivy League athletes, one powerhouse household, and a daughter who is now rewriting UCLA women’s basketball history.
John Rice- Kiki’s Father, the Basketball Brain
John attended Yale University and graduated in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies. He was a standout on the court, but his biggest plays came after graduation.
After Yale, John became a Senior Manager at The Walt Disney Company, spearheading operations in Miami and Orlando.
His passion for basketball then led him to the NBA, where he served as Managing Director of the NBA’s Latin America and Japan division for four years.
Then came his most impactful move. In 2002, he founded Management Leadership for Tomorrow, a non-profit dedicated to helping talented underrepresented minorities advance into senior leadership roles, combining exceptional coaching, skills training, and a powerful professional network.
John didn’t just pass down a jump shot. He passed down a winning mindset.
Andrea Rice- Kiki’s Mother, the Tennis Star Turned Executive
Andrea attended Yale at the same time as John, was a member of the varsity tennis team, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1989.
Happy Mother’s Day to this amazing woman. Love you and thank you for everything you do❤️ pic.twitter.com/f2tiok2nig
— Kiki Rice (@kiki_rice0) May 10, 2020
She then attended Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where she co-founded the Sports Management Club and was a member of the Black Business Students Association.
Her professional path is just as impressive. Andrea is a board member of Bolster and the Managing Director of Management Leadership for Tomorrow, the same organization her husband founded.
They literally run the family mission together.
At home, Andrea shaped Kiki’s mindset by consistently stressing balance among academics, sports, and personal growth.
The discipline of a competitive athlete, combined with the vision of a business executive, Kiki absorbed all of it.
Kiki’s Famous Extended Family
The Rice family story doesn’t stop at two impressive parents.
Kiki’s aunt is diplomat Susan Rice, who served as U.S. National Security Advisor under President Obama and Director of the Domestic Policy Council under President Biden.
Her cousin is former NBA star Allan Houston, a two-time All-Star and nine-year New York Knicks veteran.
Her brother Teo followed in their father’s footsteps, playing basketball at Yale and serving as team captain. Yale, it seems, is practically a family tradition.
How Her Parents Shaped a Champion
Andrea Rice told WTOP:
Coming out of high school, Kiki had her choice of colleges. She was drawn to UCLA for the opportunity to build something special. She wanted to help bring the program to places it hadn’t been before. She has absolutely done that.
That’s not just a proud parent talking, that’s someone who raised a kid with a vision, not just talent.
John contributes strategic insights, helping Kiki understand game flow and leadership roles, while Andrea shapes her mindset around balance among academics, sports, and personal growth.
Together, they’ve produced one of college basketball’s most complete players.
Kiki Rice’s Parents: Quick Facts
| John Rice | Andrea Rice | |
|---|---|---|
| Sport at Yale | Basketball | Tennis |
| Graduated | 1988 | 1989 |
| Post-grad education | Not Identified | Stanford GSB |
| Career | NBA executive, non-profit founder | Business executive, Bolster board member |
| Shared venture | Management Leadership for Tomorrow | Management Leadership for Tomorrow |
Frequently Asked Questions About Kiki Rice’s Parents & Family
Is Kiki Rice related to Susan Rice?
Yes. Susan Rice is Kiki’s aunt, her father John’s sister. Susan served as U.S. National Security Advisor under President Obama and as Director of the Domestic Policy Council under President Biden. Athletic talent meets diplomatic power, all in one family tree.
Who is Kiki Rice’s father?
Kiki’s father is John Rice, a former Yale basketball player who became an NBA executive and later founded Management Leadership for Tomorrow, a non-profit helping underrepresented minorities reach senior leadership positions.
Who is Kiki Rice’s mother?
Kiki’s mother is Andrea Rice, a former Yale tennis player who built a career spanning high-tech startups, multinational organizations, and social sector leadership.
What was Kiki Rice’s GPA?
High enough to earn a prestigious national honor. Kiki received the Elite 90 Award at the 2026 Final Four, given to the student-athlete with the highest GPA across all 90 NCAA championship events that year. She wins in the classroom, too.
Is Kiki Rice a good basketball player?
That’s an understatement. In the 2024–25 season, Kiki averaged 12.8 points per game as UCLA’s second leading scorer, led the team with 5.0 assists per game, and shot career-best percentages from the floor (.485 FG%) and from three (.365 3FG%).
Where is Kiki Rice’s family from?
John and Andrea Rice are both American nationals raised in Bethesda, Maryland, where Kiki also grew up. Kiki herself was born in San Francisco, California.
