Yissel Raposo and Okary Lendeborg are the parents of University of Michigan basketball star Yaxel Lendeborg and both have strong athletic backgrounds of their own. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Yaxel Lendeborg’s Parents Both Played at a High Level
Yaxel comes from a family deeply rooted in sports. Yissel and Okary both played basketball for the Dominican Republic national team, according to MLive.com.
In addition to basketball, Yissel also competed in volleyball at a national level. She was playing both sports in college at the American University of Puerto Rico when Yaxel was born.
Yaxel acknowledged the influence of his parents’ athletic background, telling MLive.com, “I do have some natural ability that just comes from my parents I guess. I’m super grateful about that.”
2. Yissel Raposo Helped Her Son Achieve His Basketball Dreams
His mom has been a part of his journey every step of the way: “All I’ve ever wanted was to be someone who my mom could be proud of, someone she is proud to call her son.
Sitting here right now, during this amazing season
Yissel recognized Yaxel’s goals early and encouraged his interest in basketball from a young age.
“I always bought NBA clothes for Yaxel,” she told The Michigan Daily. “And when he was little I asked Yaxel, ‘What are you gonna do when you grow up?’ and he always said, ‘NBA.’”
Her support extended beyond encouragement. When Yaxel struggled academically and became ineligible to play during his freshman year, Yissel stepped in to help him get back on track.
3. Yaxel Lendeborg Says His Mom ‘Saved My Life’
Yaxel has spoken openly about a turning point in his life when his mother pushed him to improve academically.
“Seeing my mom in that moment, and catching a glimpse of the heartbreak she was feeling over what was happening with me — it changed the trajectory of my entire life,” he wrote in The Players’ Tribune.
He added, “My mom pretty much saved my life that night.”
The moment led him to recommit to school and basketball, shaping his path forward.
4. Yissel Raposo’s Health Battle Motivates Yaxel Lendeborg
Yaxel revealed in February 2026 that his mother had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment.
“She’s the strongest person I’ve ever known,” he wrote in The Players’ Tribune. “I’m always trying to do what she says and ‘be strong’ — I try to do that for her.”
He added that her support continues to drive him. “I can do everything in my power to make sure my mom knows how much she means to me,” he wrote. “All I’ve ever wanted was to be someone who my mom could be proud of.”
5. Yaxel Lendeborg’s Parents Have Faced Challenges
Yaxel has also shared that his relationship with Okary has had difficult moments.
In his essay, he described tension between them, writing that things “seemed to be getting even more hostile.” Yissel tried to help them work through those challenges, though progress was limited at times.
Despite those difficulties, Yaxel has continued to focus on his growth, both on and off the court, with his family playing a central role in his journey.
Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg’s Parents, Yissel & Okary: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know