According to reports, Shakira Austin’s mother, Jessica King, is the owner of a small business and an assistant general manager at McDonald’s.
The WNBA officially announced that Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played from June 16, 2025, to June 22, 2025.
This marks the first Player of the Week honor of Austin’s career and makes her the ninth Player in franchise history to receive the recognition.
Austin helped lead the Mystics to a 2-1 record during the week (June 16-June 22), averaging 19.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 2.0 steals while shooting 58.5% across three games.
She was the only Player to average at least 17.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 2.0 steals during that span.
During the week, Austin recorded a career-high 28 points (13-17 FB), along with 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks against the Atlanta Dream on June 20.
She joins Sylvia Fowles (2011) and Liz Cambage (2018) as the only players in WNBA history to post 28+ points, 10+ rebounds, 2+ blocks, and 2+ steals while shooting 75.0% or better from the field.
The fourth-year center followed up that outing with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in a 91-88 overtime victory against the Dallas Wings on Sunday, June 22.
Through 11 games this season, Austin is averaging 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks.
Austin is the first Mystic to earn Player of the Week honors since Elena Delle Donne (July 12 – July 17, 2022).
Shakira Austin’s Parents Supported Her From Childhood In Achieving Her Basketball Dreams
Born on July 25, 2000, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States, Shakira Austin, 24, was raised by her father, David Austin, and her mother, Jessica King.
Her parents have been married for 19 years. On May 13, 2024, Jessica took to her official Instagram account and wished David a 19th wedding anniversary. She wrote,
Happy Anniversary to my baby Theodore Biggz King. 18 and counting love you 😘❤️😍
Jessica King
Shakira’s father, David, was her first basketball coach. He had no experience playing basketball competitively but took on the role of coaching his daughter.
When David introduced her to basketball, there was no pressure: he wanted her to decide whether she liked that game, and initially, she didn’t.
During one of the interviews, Shakira said,
“When I was in fourth grade,” “I actually hated it.”
Shakira Austin
Later, Shakira spoke with her father, David, and expressed her desire to play basketball seriously and earn a scholarship. She said,
“I told [my dad] I wanted to play basketball and take it serious and get a scholarship,” “He was always there just pushing me and making me better, and he still is, even though I’m a McDonald’s All-American.”
Shakira Austin
David has spent countless hours in the gym working on Austin’s footwork and rim protection.
On the other hand, Shakira’s mother, Jessica, has also supported her in pursuing a career in basketball.
Jessica serves as the owner of a small business and an assistant general manager for McDonald’s.
On May 9, 2022, Shakira took to her official Instagram handle and wished Jessica a happy Mother’s Day by stating,
Happy Mothers Day to the woman who could never be replaced. To wake up everyday and chose to keep going, to still fight, and to be the best mother you know how no matter what is thrown at you, is why you will always be my inspiration. You question why so much has happened to you but I know God tests his strongest soldier and mama you strong as hell🥺you motivate me to push through no matter how many times the devil tries to knock you over. You question yourself like there’s a handbook for life but look at how far we’ve come. The fact that you’re creating a name for yourself and starting a business while working double shifts is just a testimony to the woman I want to become. I LOVE YOU MORE THAN LIFE❤️I can’t thank you enough ma 🥰keep pushing!
Shakira Austin
Currently, David and Jessica King are feeling proud as their daughter, Shakira, has been named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
Shakira Austin’s Family Has A Deep-Rooted History With African Heritage
Although Shakira Austin and his family live in the United States, their ancestors were originally from Africa.
Therefore, Shakira holds African-American ethnicity and American nationality.
She grew up with her five siblings, who have largely stayed out of the media spotlight. Shakira is the oldest among them, as per her profile details on Team USA.
Shakira is the niece of Waverly Austin, a 6-foot-11-inch basketball player who played at South Florida and Oregon. He currently plays professionally overseas in Germany.
Waverly helped Shakira establish a strong defensive foundation early on.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Shakira Austin was rated as the fourth-ranked Player in the nation in the 2018 recruiting class and the second-ranked forward. She was also a 2018 McDonald’s High School All-American.
- On September 25, 2024, it was announced that Austin would appear and play in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. She plays for the Lunar Owls.
- Austin participated in the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup with the U.S. national team. The United States would win Gold at the tournament. She was invited to train with the senior team in 2024.
