Discover Jessica Pegula’s Parents: Terry and Kim Pegula’s Story
Jessica Pegula, a renowned tennis player, hails from a notable lineage shaped by her parents, Terry and Kim Pegula. This power couple has made a significant mark in American sports ownership, co-owning both the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres. Their story is one of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and unwavering support for their daughter’s pursuits.
Discover Jessica Pegula’s Parents: Terry and Kim Pegula’s Story
Terry Pegula: A Self-Made Billionaire
Terry Pegula was born in 1951 in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Penn State University in 1973 with a degree in petroleum and natural gas engineering. His career began at Getty Oil Co. in Texas before relocating to Olean, New York, where he founded East Resources Inc. in 1983, with a modest loan of $7,500.
- 2010: Sold East Resources for $4.7 billion to Royal Dutch Shell.
- 2011: Acquired the Buffalo Sabres.
- 2014: Purchased the Buffalo Bills for $1.2 billion, outbidding notable figures including Donald Trump.
Terry is heavily invested in community development, having donated $102 million for the Pegula Ice Arena at Penn State. His commitment to winning includes aspirations for both football and hockey championships in Buffalo.
Kim Pegula: A Pioneer in Sports Management
Kim Pegula, born in Seoul, South Korea, was adopted at the age of five and raised in Fairport, New York. She graduated from Houghton College with a communications degree. Initially aspiring to be a broadcast journalist, she met Terry in 1991 while working as a waitress. They married in 1993.
As a key figure in the Pegula sports empire, Kim serves as the president and owner of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Jessica describes her mother as integral to the success of their ventures and the heartbeat of many employees.
Challenges and Triumphs
In June 2022, Kim experienced a cardiac arrest, which led to serious health challenges. CPR administered by her daughter Kelly played a crucial role in her recovery. The emotional impact of this family tragedy has been profound, as Jessica expressed in an essay for The Players’ Tribune.
Jessica Pegula’s Heritage and Athletic Journey
From a young age, Jessica Pegula received encouragement from her parents to pursue tennis. The family moved multiple times to support her training. With a mixed ethnic background, Jessica identifies as half Korean. She embraces her heritage while representing her mother’s roots on international platforms.
Notably, after winning the 2023 Hana Bank Korea Open in Seoul, Jessica celebrated her Korean heritage publicly on social media. Her connection to her culture continues to grow, significantly impacting her identity as an athlete.
Impact on Jessica’s Career
Jessica Pegula acknowledges the vital role of both her parents in her tennis career. While her father emphasizes hard work and determination, her mother focuses on health and recovery. Jessica humorously addresses misconceptions about her upbringing, insisting that despite her family’s wealth, she leads a grounded life.
The unyielding support from Terry and Kim Pegula has undoubtedly shaped Jessica’s journey as one of the WTA’s rising stars. Their contributions to sports and their familial bond illustrate a remarkable story of success and resilience.
