Brief Introduction of Corey Kispert
Corey James Kispert is a distinguished American professional basketball player, currently showcasing his talents as a small forward for the Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Renowned for his exceptional three-point shooting, high basketball IQ, and strong work ethic, Kispert has established himself as a key offensive player for the Wizards. His journey to the NBA was marked by a highly successful four-year collegiate career at Gonzaga University, where he was a central figure in the team’s sustained excellence. During his senior year, he received numerous accolades, including being named a consensus first-team All-American and winning the Julius Erving Award as the nation’s top small forward. Selected as the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, Kispert has consistently improved his game, becoming a reliable and efficient scorer in the professional ranks.
Corey Kispert Overview
| Full Name | Corey James Kispert |
| Date of Birth | March 3, 1999 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 26 |
| Birthplace | Edmonds, Washington, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Jenn Wirth |
| Family | Craig Kispert (Father), Deri Kispert (Mother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated $15-20 million |
Early Life and Education of Corey Kispert
Corey James Kispert was born on March 3, 1999, in Edmonds, Washington, to parents Craig and Deri Kispert. Athleticism runs deep in his family; his father, Craig, played Division II basketball at Seattle Pacific University, scoring over 1,200 points, while his mother, Deri, played volleyball for the same university. This sporting background undoubtedly influenced Kispert’s own athletic pursuits from a young age. Growing up in Edmonds, he was a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, baseball, golf, and track alongside basketball. He attended King’s High School in Shoreline, Washington, where he began to focus more intently on basketball. His talent quickly became apparent as he led the King’s Knights to back-to-back Washington 1A state championships in 2015 and 2016. As a junior, he posted impressive averages of 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game and was named the MVP of the State Championship Tournament. A four-star recruit, Kispert committed to Gonzaga University over other programs like Notre Dame before his senior year. His final high school season was cut short by a broken foot in February, but his academic prowess was also notable, maintaining a high grade-point average.
Corey Kispert’s Career
Corey Kispert’s basketball career is a testament to his consistent growth and dedication. He played four seasons at Gonzaga University, from 2017 to 2021, where he evolved from a role player into a national star. As a freshman, he played in all 35 games, starting seven, and averaged 6.7 points per game. He became a full-time starter his sophomore year, increasing his contributions. His junior year was a breakout season; he was named to the First Team All-West Coast Conference, averaging 13.9 points per game. After initially declaring for the 2020 NBA draft, he wisely chose to return for his senior season, a decision that significantly boosted his draft stock.
The 2020-2021 season was historic for both Kispert and Gonzaga. He averaged 18.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, leading the Bulldogs to an undefeated 31-0 record before falling in the national championship game. He showcased his elite shooting with a career-high 32 points, including a school record-tying nine three-pointers, in a win against Virginia. His outstanding performance earned him the WCC Player of the Year award, the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award, and consensus first-team All-American honors. He also excelled academically, being named the Academic All-American of the Year.
The Washington Wizards selected Corey Kispert with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He signed his rookie contract on August 4, 2021, and made his NBA debut on October 22 of that year. In his professional career, Kispert has shown a steady upward trajectory. He averaged 8.2 points in his rookie season, improved to 11.1 points in his second year, and further increased his scoring to 13.4 points per game in his third season. Known primarily for his sharpshooting, he has maintained a strong career three-point percentage. In October 2024, the Wizards demonstrated their confidence in his future by signing him to a four-year, $54 million contract extension, securing him as a valuable part of their core for years to come.
Corey Kispert Personal Life & Family
Corey Kispert is deeply family-oriented. He is the son of Craig and Deri Kispert and grew up in a supportive, athletic household in Edmonds, Washington. He has a strong connection to his family, who still reside on the West Coast. Kispert is a Catholic. While at Gonzaga University, he met fellow basketball player Jenn Wirth. They bonded over their shared experiences as student-athletes and began dating. Wirth, a talented player in her own right, was a key contributor to the Gonzaga women’s basketball team. The couple announced their engagement in September 2022 and were married on July 7, 2023, in San Juan Capistrano, California. Jenn, who now co-runs a health and wellness brand called Wirth Twins Wellness with her twin sister LeeAnne, has since moved to be with Corey in the Washington D.C. area full-time. Kispert’s grandfather is Dainard Paulson, a former professional football player in the American Football League.
Awards and Achievements of Corey Kispert
- Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award (2021)
- Consensus first-team All-American (2021)
- WCC Player of the Year (2021)
- Academic All-American of the Year (2021)
- Wooden All-American Team (2021)
- First Team All-WCC (2020, 2021)
- WCC All-Tournament Team (2021)
- USBWA All-District IX Player of the Year (2021)
- NABC First Team All-District 9 (2021)
Corey Kispert Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Corey Kispert’s net worth is estimated to be between $15 and $20 million. This wealth has been accumulated primarily through his NBA contracts. His initial rookie-scale contract with the Washington Wizards was a 4-year deal worth over $16 million. In a significant development for his financial future, Kispert signed a four-year, $54 million contract extension with the Wizards in October 2024. This extension, which begins in the 2025-26 season, will see his annual salary increase substantially, with him earning $13,975,000 for that season. Over the course of his career, he has signed two contracts totaling over $70 million. His income sources are predominantly his NBA salary, with potential for future endorsements and partnerships as his profile continues to grow in the league.
Legacy and Influence
Corey Kispert’s legacy is still being written, but he has already made a significant impact as a model of player development and perseverance. His career at Gonzaga is a prime example of how a four-year commitment to a college program can lead to immense growth, transforming a talented recruit into a national player of the year and a first-round NBA draft pick. He is regarded as one of the premier shooters in the game, and his ability to space the floor is a highly valued commodity in the modern NBA. Off the court, Kispert is known for his professionalism, positive attitude, and intelligence, making him a positive influence in the locker room. His journey from a multi-sport athlete in a small Washington city to a key player on an NBA team serves as an inspiration for young athletes. His work ethic and commitment to honing his craft, particularly his shooting, are qualities that coaches and teammates frequently praise.
Interesting Facts about Corey Kispert
- His grandfather, Dainard Paulson, was a professional football player who holds the American Football League’s record for most interceptions in a season.
- He met his wife, Jenn Wirth, when they were both freshman basketball players at Gonzaga University; his sister reportedly saw Wirth in their dorm hallway and immediately told Corey they would end up together.
- Despite becoming a basketball star, he grew up playing whatever sport was in season and did not dream of playing in the NBA as a child.
- He was an excellent student, earning the prestigious Academic All-American of the Year award in 2021 with a 3.49 undergraduate GPA and a 3.79 graduate GPA at Gonzaga.
- During the offseason, he has served as a “Corey-spondent” for the Wizards’ social media during media day, interviewing his teammates with a tiny microphone.
Controversies
Information not disclosed.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Corey Kispert
Corey Kispert continues to be a vital component of the Washington Wizards’ future. Having secured a long-term contract extension, he is positioned as a foundational piece for the franchise. His elite shooting ability makes him a constant threat on the court, and his continuous improvement in other areas of his game points to a high ceiling. As he enters his physical prime, Kispert is expected to take on a larger role and continue to develop into one of the league’s most reliable perimeter players. His combination of on-court skill, high character, and basketball intelligence suggests a long and successful career in the NBA. His journey from a standout collegiate athlete to a respected professional serves as a powerful narrative of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to one’s craft.