From Fredericksburg to the bright lights of the WNBA, Shakira Austin has carved her path with quiet determination. Her towering presence isn’t just physical—it’s the result of relentless work and ambition shaping her every move.
Drafted third overall in 2022, she quickly became a central piece for the Mystics. Her game blends finesse with power, a reflection of countless hours on the practice floor, forging a player both feared and admired across the league.
Even amid injuries and the physical toll of professional basketball, her resilience shines. Each comeback tells a story of perseverance, hinting that her journey has many chapters yet to be written, both on the scoreboard and in her career.
How old is Shakira Austin?
Born on July 25, 2000, Shakira Austin is 25 years old as of August 2025. Her youth belies her maturity on the court, where she has already established herself as a cornerstone for the Washington Mystics.
Shakira Austin of the United States celebrates Team USA winning the Gold Medal during the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Final match. (Source: Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
Shakira Austin’s nationality
Shakira Austin is an American citizen, born in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She proudly identifies with her African-American heritage, tracing her roots through both parents. Her commitment to her community and culture is evident both on and off the court.
How tall is Shakira Austin?
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters), Shakira Austin’s height gives her a significant presence in the paint. Her stature, combined with her agility, makes her a formidable force in the WNBA.
Shakira Austin’s family
Shakira Austin’s parents, David Austin and Jessica King, have been instrumental in her basketball journey. Her father introduced her to the game, allowing her to choose the sport for herself, while her mother has been a constant source of support.
What is Shakira Austin’s jersey number?
Shakira Austin proudly wears the number 0 jersey for the Washington Mystics. Her choice reflects her desire to make a unique impact in the league and to honor her path to the WNBA. The number has become synonymous with her identity on the court, symbolizing her commitment to excellence and her role as a cornerstone.
Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics watches her shot against the Dallas Wings during the second half at College Park Center on June 28, 2025. (Source: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Shakira Austin’s career highlights
2022 WNBA Draft – Turning Pro: She was selected third overall by the Washington Mystics, a milestone that marked the official start of her professional career. Coming off an impressive college career at Ole Miss, Austin had demonstrated dominance in the paint, averaging 18.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game in her senior season. Her selection highlighted not only her raw talent but also her potential to become a franchise cornerstone. The Mystics, recognizing her combination of size, skill, and athleticism, envisioned her as a player who could immediately impact both ends of the court.
WNBA All-Rookie Team (2022) – Immediate Impact: Her debut season confirmed the expectations placed on her. She was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team, showcasing her ability to transition seamlessly from college to the professional level. Her presence in the paint, rebounding dominance, and shot-blocking capabilities allowed her to influence games immediately. Beyond statistics, her composure and basketball IQ made her a reliable option for the Mystics, often serving as the anchor in critical defensive and offensive sequences.
2023 Israeli Championship – Overseas Success: During the WNBA off-season in 2023, her played for Elitzur Ramla in Israel. Her contributions helped the team secure the Israeli Championship, demonstrating her versatility and ability to adapt to different styles of basketball. Playing overseas is often a test of a player’s resilience, and Austin excelled, balancing professional commitments abroad while maintaining her development trajectory for the WNBA season. This championship win added an international dimension to her resume, showing she could thrive in competitive environments outside the United States.
2023 Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP – Recognition Abroad: Her performance in Israel didn’t go unnoticed. Austin earned the MVP award in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, acknowledging her as the most valuable player in the competition. This accolade reflected not just her scoring and rebounding, but also her leadership on the court. Teammates and coaches credited her ability to elevate team dynamics and consistently deliver under pressure, highlighting her growth as a well-rounded professional athlete.
2x First-team All-SEC (2021, 2022) – Collegiate Excellence: Before turning pro, she was a standout at Ole Miss, earning First-team All-SEC honors in consecutive years. These accolades recognized her as one of the premier players in a highly competitive conference. Her dominance in scoring, rebounding, and defense showcased her complete skill set, and she became a focal point for the team’s strategy. This period solidified her reputation as a top prospect capable of making an immediate impact in the professional ranks.
2x Gillom Trophy (2021, 2022) – Mississippi’s Best: She also received the Gillom Trophy twice, awarded to the best women’s basketball player in Mississippi. These honors reflected her dominance at the state level and her consistency over multiple seasons. Winning back-to-back Gillom Trophies underscored her ability to maintain peak performance and leadership qualities, traits that have continued to define her professional career.
Big Ten Honors (2019-2020) – Early Recognition: She began her collegiate career at Maryland, where she earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2020 and was named to the All-Defensive Team in 2019. Additionally, she was selected for the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. These early accolades highlighted her immediate impact and potential, demonstrating her ability to compete at a high level from the start. Her defensive instincts, rebounding ability, and shot-blocking skills made her a force to be reckoned with in the conference.
McDonald’s All-American (2018) – High School Stardom: Even before college, she was recognized nationally as one of the top high school players in the country, earning a McDonald’s All-American selection in 2018. This honor placed her among the elite prospects entering college basketball, highlighting her as a player with the potential to succeed at the highest levels. Her combination of height, athleticism, and skill set her apart early and paved the way for her collegiate and professional accomplishments.
