Monique Billings, an American professional basketball player and current power forward for the Golden State Valkyries of the WNBA, is making her parents proud with her exceptional basketball career.
The WNBA star, Monique Billings, has been a strong presence for the Golden State Valkyries in recent games, playing tough defense, grabbing rebounds, and stepping up when it matters.
She recently had a standout game against Dallas on June 18, where she scored 18 pivotal points and grabbed 8 rebounds, winning the hearts of many.
Known for her hustle and heart, Monique often honors the values her parents taught her and continues to make them proud.
Regarding her parents, Monique Charice Billings was born on May 2, 1996, in Riverside, California, United States, to her late father, Charles Franklin, also known as Chuck Billings, and her mother, Jane Billings.
Furthermore, Monique Billings never misses an opportunity to express her love for her parents, especially her late father, Chuck Billings, and credits them for instilling in her a love and passion for basketball, which has shaped her remarkable WNBA career.
In an interview, Monique Billings stated that her dad, Chuck, was a huge influence in her life.
When she was 5 years old, her late father, Chuck, asked her if she wanted to play basketball with the kids in the neighborhood.
Although Monique was hesitant at first, that was the moment she began playing basketball, all thanks to her father.
Monique Billings also often credits her parents for teaching her to embrace their culture and roots with pride.
“I love the skin I am in. I have never once doubted this and credit my parents for my convictions. They showed me what it means to be black and proud in America. From embracing black culture, my natural hair colour, the music I listen to, and the clothes that I wear, I am unapologetic about who I am.”
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While very little information about her parents’ profession is available, in Todd Durkin’s podcast, Monique Billings revealed that her late father, Chuck Billings, was her trainer, strength & conditioning coach, and main mentor.
She also often speaks about her mother, Jane Billings, who instilled in her a strong determination and a strong work ethic.
When asked about who inspires her the most, she responded by saying:
“I have to give all credit to my mom and dad. They instilled so much knowledge, character, love, and a Godly foundation within me. My dad always encouraged me to find balance in my life and have alignment with my mind my body, my spirit. My mom showed me what it means to work hard and to be a boss woman in life. Both of them gave me everything that I needed to succeed in my life.”
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Monique Billings Lost Her Beloved Father, Chuck Billings, In 2021
The WNBA star, Monique Billings, faced a tragedy when she lost her beloved father and first coach, Charles F. ‘Chuck’ Billings, in 2021.
In Todd Durkin’s podcast, Monique Billings revealed that her father, Chuck Billings, had ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a rare, terminal neurodegenerative disorder that results in the progressive loss of both upper and lower motor neurons that normally control voluntary muscle contraction.
Daddy, thank you for your contribution to this world. Thank you for being the God-fearing man that you were, and for being spirit led in all ways. I’m going to miss you, but I know your spirit will always be here, and I will see you again. Strongest man I know. Rest easy OG❤️🙏🏽✨ pic.twitter.com/OlpR2mcnyY
— Monique Billings (@moniquebillings) November 9, 2021
Monique Billings’ father, Chuck Billings, passed away just shy of his 56th birthday.
Similarly, in the Podcast video of January 2023, Monique Billings also revealed that it was her late father’s heavenly birthday and that she listened to his playlist, paying respect to her late father.
Monique also stated that she had a happy childhood and remembers growing up to her parents’ music.
Her late father, Chuck, gave her a quote that reads, “You want to be as good as yesterday…but not as good as tomorrow,” which changed Monique’s life in a positive manner.
Likewise, her father was the one who inspired Monique to write her book “Finding Balance: A Playbook for Wellness.“
"I wrote this book and dedicated it to him. He passed last year from ALS so this book is dedicated to him because he is everything that I am is because of him," said Monique, recalling the memories of her father.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Monique Billings has a younger sister named Andrea Billings. Andrea earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and currently works as a barista and shift supervisor at Starbucks in Corona, California.
- Monique serves as the Color Commentator of Pac-12 Networks.
