Sam Presti has earned respect as one of the NBA’s top executives, and he’s been building the Oklahoma City Thunder for years now. Away from basketball, he has a normal family life with his wife, Shannon O’Connor.
While Sam works on the team, Shannon stays busy helping their community. They both care about their family and giving back to others.
Sam Presti’s Wife: Shannon Presti
Shannon Presti helps young people in Oklahoma City every day and arranges teen leadership programs at the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City.
Her primary focus is on students who require additional support. Many of these teens will be the first in their families to attend college. She helps them devise a plan for higher education and plan their futures.
Part of her work involves running a cultural program. This program brings together teens from distinct backgrounds. During these sessions, students share their experiences and learn from one another. They work on projects to refine their local communities.
Shannon’s approach revolves around three key areas. She provides new experiences for the teens. She shows them different possibilities they can pursue and helps them build confidence in their abilities.
This approach comes from her strong educational background. She studied education at the University of Southern California and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Urban Education.
Moreover, she completed studies in Nonprofit Management and Leadership at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Married Life and Kids
Sam and Shannon got married in 2012. Shannon has shared their wedding pictures on her social media handle.
Years after the wedding, the couple gave birth to their first child, Nicholas Presti. She posted a picture of her baby bump in February 2015, and months later, Nicholas was born on March 21st.
Similarly, in June 2018, she shared another update, revealing that she was 28 weeks pregnant with twins. The couple welcomed twins, daughters, Millie and Elise, in September of that same year.
The Prestis try to keep their kids out of the spotlight most of the time. However, Shannon occasionally shares sweet family moments online, striking a balance between their need for privacy and letting fans see glimpses of their life together.
Work keeps both Sam and Shannon pretty busy. Even with demanding careers, they consistently prioritize their families. Oklahoma City is home to them, and they stay involved with people in their community, building connections.
The Presti Family’s Big Gift to Help Kids
The Prestis did something amazing in June 2019. They donated $600,000 to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health. This substantial donation helped fund necessary renovations and new technology.
The money went especially to the Jimmy Everest Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Children and the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.
Their gift made a real difference. Two procedure rooms were completely renovated, and the pediatric care services became more comfortable, which improved the experience for everyone.
The Prestis wanted to do even more and helped create the Presti Clubhouse and Play Area as well.
This special space was carefully designed with thought and care. It features both indoor and outdoor sections. Kids can play, be creative, and feel part of a community while they heal.
The project completely transformed the east lobby. Now families can enjoy interactive play areas and cozy seating. Outside, there are fun structures built just for children.
A wagon trail winds around, and there’s even a little playhouse. Families and hospital workers finally have a place where they can relax and feel better during tough times.
