Early Life & Career [2023 Update]

Shakira Austin is a rookie WNBA player. She currently plays for the Washington Mystics of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

The Washington Mystics picked her third overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft, which kick-started her professional career.

With her boundless skills and enthusiasm, Shakira has all she needs to keep her basketball career humming.

Throughout this article, we’ll learn more about Shakira Austin’s childhood, net worth, career, and personal life.

Before we get to it, let’s look at her quick facts

Shakira Austin | Quick Facts

Full NameShakira Austin 
NameShakira Austin 
Nick NameShakira
Date of BirthJuly 25, 2000
Age23 Years Old
Birth PlaceFredericksburg, Virginia
NationalityAmerican
Zodiac Sign Leo
Height6’5″/1.96 m/196 cm
Weight189 lbs./86.2kg
Hair ColorBrown
Eye ColorBlack
Father’s NameDavid Austin
Mother’s NameJessica king 
SiblingsFive siblings; Jeff Austin, John Austin, and Tracy Austin
High SchoolRiverdale Baptist High School
EducationGraduate
UniversityMaryland and Ole Miss 
Marital StatusUnmarried
ProfessionNBA Player
PositionCentre
Leagues  Women National Basketball Association (WNBA)
NBA DraftDrafted third overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2022 WNBA draft
Debut Year 2022
Playing Teams
  • Washington Mystics (2022- present)
Awards & Achievements
  • WNBA All-Rookie Team (2022)
  • First-team All-SEC (2021, 2022)
  • Gillom Trophy (2021, 2022)
  • Second-team All-Big Ten (2020)
  • Big Ten All-Defensive Team (2019)
  • Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2019)
  • McDonald’s All-American (2018)
Net Worth  $1-$5 Million
Social MediaInstagram, Twitter
Last Update November 2023

Shakira Austin | Early Life

Shakira Austin was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on July 25, 2000. She was born to her parents, David Austin (father) and Jessica King (mother).  

She has five siblings: Jeff Austin, John Austin, and Tracy Austin. Shakira is the oldest among her five siblings. 

Sadly, there are no exact details on the childhood and family of Shakira Austin.

But it is known that Shakira has had a passion for basketball ever since she was little, and her family always encouraged her to pursue her career goals.

Her uncle, Waverly, is also a professional basketball player who played in Germany. Shakira credits her uncle for developing a defensive mindset in her while playing the game.

She started playing basketball during her school days at Riverdale Baptist High School. After that, she enrolled at a prestigious institution in Maryland to earn her degree but later transferred to Ole Miss.

Shakira Austin | Age, Height & Weight

Shakira Austin was born in 2000, which makes her 23 years old as of 2023. People born in July are Leo. 

She was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and identifies as an American.

Also, she is 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) tall and weighs around 198 lbs. (86.2 kg).

Let’s face it, Shakira is way taller than the average American woman, which kind of justifies her career choice.

However, her entire family has a tall build, and the shortest member of her family stands 6 feet 3 inches tall. Impressive!

As a matter of fact, Shakira Austin is one of the tallest players in the league. 

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Shakira  Austin | Career

Shakira Austin started her career during high school. In her junior year, she was awarded the Gillom Trophy Award, presented to the best basketball player in Mississippi each season.

She is also the first Rebel to win the Gillom Trophy and the first Ole Miss finalist since 2016.

Additionally, she was the only SEC player to complete the regular season in the top 15 for a field goal.

In the 2018 recruit, she was regarded as the fourth-best player in the country and the second-best forward.

Furthermore, she was named a McDonald’s High School All-American in 2018. After graduating from high school, she joined Maryland.

She was named to the All-Big freshman Team after setting a school record with 89 blocks in her first season at Maryland in 2018-19.

Following Austin’s second and last season at Maryland in 2019–20, she was chosen to the All-Big Ten Second Team.

However, she then announced her move to Ole Miss after her second season at Maryland.

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Professional Career

Austin started her professional career after being drafted third overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2022 WNBA Draft on April 11, 2022.

Though she has just begun professionally, experts believe she is a long horse.

Shakira  Austin | Award & Achievement

Here are some awards and achievements of Shakira:

  • WNBA All-Rookie Team (2022)
  • Two times First-team All-SEC (2021, 2022)
  • Two times Gillom Trophy (2021, 2022)
  • Second-team All-Big Ten (2020)
  • Big Ten All-Defensive Team (2019)
  • Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2019)
  • McDonald’s All-American (2018)

Shakira Austin | Relationship Status 

Shakira Austin is probably single. There has been no hint of her being engaged in a love affair or rumors about it.

As a result, we can assume that Shakira is more preoccupied with her career ambitions and does not have time for love relationships.

Social Media Presence 

Shakira Austin maintains a strong presence on social media, especially on Instagram. She is also active on other social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Make sure to follow her on her social media to get updates about her personal and professional life:

Shakira Austin’s Popularity Over the Years

Shakira Austin | Net Worth & Salary

The net worth of Shakira Austin is estimated to be between $1 and $5 million. Her net worth is derived from her primary profession as a WNBA player.

As she progresses through her professional career, her net worth is expected to increase drastically.

According to MSN, Shakira’s income was predicted to be approximately $72,141 in 2022. 

Furthermore, she also earns money through brand endorsement and sponsorships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What are the overall WNBA statistics for Shakira?

As of this writing, Shakira Austin has played 36 games with 6.4 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 0.9 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 8.5 points.

Why did Shakira leave Maryland?

Shakira Austin left Maryland because she thought there was a ceiling above her in Maryland, and she felt no growth there. She has also stated that it was a bold decision and said she does not regret it at all.

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