The Miami Heat confirmed last month that Erik Spoelstra received a contract extension to continue coaching for the team. The 46-year-old Spoelstra, a Filipino American, is the first Asian American head coach in all four North American major sports leagues.
“I would like to thank the Arisons, [the Miami Heat franchise owners] and [President Pat Riley] for their continued confidence in me and my staff, and [I am] humbled in their trust in me as head coach,” Spoelstra said in a statement. “It has been an incredible 22 years being part of the Miami Heat family and we will look to continue our goal of winning NBA championships.”
Here are four fast facts about Spoelstra:
1. Spoelstra started his career with the Heat as an intern
In 1995, he started a summer internship with the team doing video coordinating. Spoelstra was eventually offered a position as assistant coach before becoming head coach in 2008.
2. He’s from a family of sports enthusiasts
His father, Jon, is a former executive of the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets and New Jersey Nets. Additionally, Spoelstra’s grandfather Watson worked as a sports writer for Detroit News.
3. He’s married to a former Heat employee
A former cheerleader, to be more specific. Spoelstra married Nikki Sapp last July.
4. He’s had a great NBA run
In addition to securing two NBA championships, he has led the Heat to winning 400 regular-season games, a feat reached last October.
