Who Is Walter Clayton Jr.’s Girlfriend? Inside the Life of Florida’s Rising Star and His Family
Walter Clayton Jr. has been on fire this NCAA Tournament season, and all eyes are on him as the Florida Gators take the court in their quest for a national championship. With jaw-dropping performances and clutch moments, the 6-foot-3 guard from Lake Wales, Florida, has become one of the biggest names in college basketball right now.
But behind every star is a strong support system — and for Walter, that support starts with his girlfriend, Tatiyana Burney, and their adorable daughter.
A Star On and Off the Court
Throughout the 2024–25 college basketball season, Clayton has proven to be one of the most electrifying players in the country. Averaging 18.5 points, 4.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, he’s been the heart and soul of the Gators’ offense. His efficiency is just as impressive — shooting 45.1% from the field and 39.2% from three.
In the Elite Eight, he dropped a stunning 30 points against Texas Tech, and he followed that up with a 34-point performance against Auburn in the Final Four. The nation is watching — and so is someone very special.
Meet Tatiyana Burney — The Woman Behind the Star
So, who is Walter Clayton Jr. dating? His girlfriend, Tatiyana Burney, has been by his side since early 2022. Their relationship has grown beyond just being college sweethearts — they’re now a young family, and their daughter, Leilani Leigh, was born on December 11, 2023.
Though the couple keeps things relatively private, Walter made his love public with a heartfelt post about Tatiyana in May 2022. Since then, fans have occasionally seen glimpses of their close-knit bond on social media.
Love, Family, and Focus
Clayton’s mother, Cherie Quarg, recently opened up about Tatiyana’s influence on her son.
“After I met her, I realized that she lets him kind of be him,” she shared. “She knows he’s busy with his sports and that he always has kind of put that first. She never was with the high school drama… She blended right in with our little family.”
That kind of quiet support — no drama, just love — has clearly helped Walter stay focused on his game and dreams.
All Eyes on the Championship
As the Florida Gators prepare to battle the Houston Cougars in tonight’s national championship, Clayton isn’t just playing for his team or his school — he’s playing for his family. With his girlfriend and baby girl cheering him on from the stands (or the screen), there’s no doubt he’ll be stepping onto the court with even more heart.
If Florida is going to pull off this final win, they’ll need their star to deliver one more magical performance. And knowing that his biggest fans are watching? That might be all the motivation he needs.
Why Walter Clayton Jr. Is More Than Just a Basketball Star
Clayton’s rise is the kind of story fans love — not just about buckets and buzzer-beaters, but about loyalty, love, and fatherhood. He’s not just building a legacy in college hoops — he’s building one at home, too.
Keep your eyes on Walter Clayton Jr. — the baller, the boyfriend, and now, the proud dad. Because this is just the beginning.
