Shakira Austin Bio
Shakira Austin (born July 25, 2000) is an American professional basketball player for the Washington Mystics of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and for the Rose of Unrivaled. She played college basketball at the University of Maryland and the University of Mississippi. Known for her impressive height of 6 feet 5 inches and her skills on the court, Austin has quickly made a name for herself in professional basketball since her debut in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Shakira Austin was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where she began her journey in basketball at a young age. She attended Riverdale Baptist School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where she honed her skills and developed a passion for the game. Her talent was evident early on, as she was recognized as a top player in her class, eventually becoming a McDonald’s High School All-American in 2018.
Path to Basketball
After high school, Shakira Austin signed with the University of Maryland, where she made an immediate impact. During her freshman year, she was selected to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team after setting a school record with 89 blocks. Following her sophomore season, she transferred to the University of Mississippi, where she continued to excel, earning multiple accolades including the Gillom Trophy in 2021 and being named to the First-team All-SEC in both 2021 and 2022.
Shakira Austin Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Shakira Austin was drafted third overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2022 WNBA Draft. In her rookie season, she averaged 8.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, playing in all 36 games. Her performance earned her a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team. In 2023, despite suffering a hip injury that limited her playing time, she improved her statistics to 10.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game over 19 games.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Austin’s breakthrough came during her time with the Israeli team Elitzur Ramla, where she led the team to a championship and was named the league’s MVP in 2023. This success helped solidify her reputation as a rising star in women’s basketball. In 2024, she participated in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a women’s 3-on-3 basketball league, playing for the Lunar Owls. She was later drafted by Rose BC for the 2026 season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Shakira Austin’s signature achievements include being named the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year in 2025, and her recognition as a two-time First-team All-SEC player. Her journey from high school standout to professional athlete showcases her dedication and talent in the sport.
Shakira Austin Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Shakira Austin has received several nominations and accolades, including the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2022 and the Gillom Trophy in 2021 and 2022.
Shakira Austin Awards Won
Shakira Austin has won numerous awards, including the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year in 2025, the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2022, and the Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP in 2023. She has also been recognized as a two-time First-team All-SEC player and a McDonald’s All-American in 2018.
Shakira Austin Family
Information about Shakira Austin’s family is not publicly available. Details regarding her parents, siblings, or other family members have not been disclosed.
Personal Life
Shakira Austin maintains a private personal life, with limited public information available regarding her relationships or marital status. As of now, she has no known children and focuses primarily on her basketball career.
