Monique Billings Bio
Monique Charice Billings (born May 2, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Valkyries of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Hive of Unrivaled. She played college basketball with the UCLA Bruins. Billings was selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2018 WNBA draft. As a child in elementary school, she attended Saint Edward Catholic School in Corona, California.
Early Life and Background
Monique Billings was born in Riverside, California, and grew up in a supportive environment that fostered her love for sports. She attended Santiago High School in Corona, where she excelled in basketball and was a four-year letterman. In addition to basketball, she participated in track and field, specifically in the high jump. Billings was recognized as one of the top recruits in her class, receiving an invitation to the United States National Team Under-18 trials in 2014. Billings continued her education and basketball career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she played for the Bruins from 2014 to 2018. Her time at UCLA was marked by significant achievements, including leading her team to the NCAA tournament multiple times.
Path to Basketball
Billings began her basketball journey at Santiago High School, where she developed her skills and showcased her talent on the court. Her impressive performance in high school led to her recruitment by UCLA, where she made an immediate impact as a freshman. Throughout her college career, she consistently demonstrated her abilities, earning accolades such as being named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team and the All-Pac-12 Team. After a successful collegiate career, Monique Billings declared for the WNBA draft and was selected by the Atlanta Dream in 2018. This marked the beginning of her professional career, where she would continue to build on her success and make a name for herself in the league.
Monique Billings Career
Early Career (2018–2023)
Monique Billings began her professional career with the Atlanta Dream after being drafted in 2018. During her time with the Dream, she quickly became known for her defensive skills and rebounding ability. Billings was recognized as a two-time member of the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team and the All-Pac-12 team during her college years, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. In addition to her WNBA career, Billings also played overseas for teams such as the Heilongjiang Dragons in China and the Asan Woori Bank Wibee in South Korea. These experiences allowed her to gain valuable international experience and further develop her skills on the court.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
In 2024, Monique Billings signed with the Los Angeles Sparks but did not make the final roster. She was later signed by the Dallas Wings on a hardship contract, where she quickly made an impact by scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in her second game. Despite the challenges of injuries within the team, Billings proved her worth and continued to contribute to the Wings until the return of injured players led to her release. Following her time with the Wings, Billings signed a contract with the Phoenix Mercury and was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA’s expansion draft in December 2024. This move marked a new chapter in her career as she joined the Valkyries for the upcoming season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Monique Billings has established herself as a significant player in women’s basketball, earning recognition for her defensive prowess and rebounding skills. Her journey from high school to the WNBA highlights her dedication and talent in the sport.
Monique Billings Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Monique Billings has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during her time at UCLA, where she was recognized for her outstanding performance on the court.
Monique Billings Awards Won
Monique Billings has achieved notable awards during her basketball career, including being named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team and the All-Pac-12 team twice. These awards reflect her skills and contributions to her teams throughout her career.
Monique Billings Family
Information regarding Monique Billings’ family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Monique Billings maintains a low profile regarding her personal life. There are no publicly available details about her relationships or marital status.
