Drafted as the third overall pick in the 2022 WNBA draft, Shakira Austin is one of the most important players for the Washington Mystics. Despite the Washington Mystics seemingly having a poor campaign, she is having a strong year. Averaging her career best in points and assists till now, it’s clear that Shakira Austin’s game is developing at a steady pace. 

Behind the success of her WNBA career is a tight-knit family that supported her throughout her basketball journey. Let’s take a look behind the curtain and meet the family of Shakira Austin.

Who are Shakira Austin’s parents?

Shakira Austin’s parents are David Austin and Jessica King. Her parents have been extremely supportive throughout her basketball journey. For the beginnings of her basketball career, she has her father to thank, who introduced her to the game and allowed her to choose the sport for herself. 

When it came to committing to a college program, Maryland, being an hour away from home, played a big role. In her college’s profile, Shakira Austin said that “It’s also an hour away from home, so family support is an even bigger bonus.” This was due to the college being just an hour away, which would mean her parents could attend and support Shakira.

Does Shakira Austin have siblings and other family members in sports?

While not in her immediate family, Shakira Austin has an uncle who played college and overseas basketball. According to her college profile, her uncle, Waverly Austin, played for the University of Oregon and then proceeded to have a professional basketball career overseas. 

She has six siblings. Being the oldest one, she serves as a role model for her five younger siblings. While there’s no confirmation as to what her siblings are pursuing, seeing their eldest sibling make it to the big leagues can do wonders for their self-belief and inspire them forward. 

How did Shakira Austin’s family influence her basketball career?

Shakira Austin’s family has played a big role in her basketball career. If not for her father, she might not have a career. Her father, David Austin, was the one who introduced Shakira to the game. He was also the one who convinced her to stick with the game when she started hating it and even stopped playing during the fourth grade. However, with her father’s continued encouragement, she decided to give basketball another chance in middle school. When Shakira decided to get serious about the game, her father pushed her to her best self. In an interview with DBK News, she said, “He was always there just pushing me and making me better, and he still is.”

Family is very important to Shakira Austin. While selecting her college, she insisted on how important the Maryland team’s family environment was in swaying her decision. Now living her dream as a professional WNBA player, Shakira and her parents’ hard work have paid off. With her game steadily improving and support from her family ever strong, there’s no limit to how much Shakira Austin can improve and achieve in the WNBA.