Who Is Shakira Austin?
Shakira Austin is an American professional basketball player and a key member of the Washington Mystics in the WNBA. The 6-foot-5 center was selected No. 3 overall by Washington in the 2022 WNBA Draft after an impressive college career at Maryland and Ole Miss.
Austin quickly established herself as an athletic interior player. Her combination of size, rebounding, shot-blocking and finishing ability makes her one of the important pieces of Washington’s roster.
Her professional career, however, has also included several injury setbacks. After missing substantial time in 2023 and 2024, Austin made a strong comeback in 2025 and was recognized as the Associated Press WNBA Comeback Player of the Year.
Shakira Austin Injury History
Injuries have been a major storyline in Austin’s WNBA career.
She suffered a hip injury during the 2023 season, limiting her to 19 games. She averaged 10.0 points and 7.0 rebounds during those appearances. Following the season, she underwent surgery to repair a torn hip labrum.
Austin returned in 2024 but experienced another hip problem. A later left ankle injury further restricted her availability, and she played only 12 of Washington’s 40 regular-season games that year.
The injury problems made her 2025 comeback especially significant. Austin appeared in 38 games and produced a career-best scoring average to help earn AP Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Is Shakira Austin Playing Tonight?
For Saturday, August 8, 2026, the Washington Mystics schedule information available here does not show a Mystics game today.
Therefore, there is no Mystics game tonight in which Austin would be listed as playing.
For future games, Austin’s availability should be checked against the official game status and injury report because her previous hip and ankle issues have affected her availability.
Shakira Austin WNBA Stats
Austin’s WNBA numbers have improved steadily when she has been healthy.
| Season | Games | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 36 | 8.7 | 6.4 | 0.9 |
| 2023 | 19 | 10.0 | 7.0 | 0.9 |
| 2024 | 12 | 11.8 | 6.8 | 0.9 |
| 2025 | 38 | 12.7 | 6.4 | 1.8 |
The 2025 season represented an important step forward. Austin averaged 12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 blocks per game while appearing in 38 games.
Her 2025 scoring average was significantly higher than her rookie mark of 8.7 points per game.
Career WNBA Numbers
Through the end of the 2025 regular season, Austin had appeared in 105 WNBA games, starting 90. Her career averages were approximately:
- 10.7 points per game
- 6.6 rebounds per game
- 1.2 assists per game
- 0.9 steals per game
- 1.0 block per game
Those numbers demonstrate her value beyond scoring. Austin can influence games through rebounding, defense and interior presence.
Shakira Austin Parents
Austin’s parents have generally maintained a relatively private profile compared with some professional athletes.
Publicly available biographical information focuses much more heavily on her basketball development, education and professional career than on detailed information about her parents. Therefore, claims about specific family details should be treated carefully unless confirmed by Austin herself or a reliable source.
College Career
Before entering the WNBA, Austin played at Maryland and later transferred to Ole Miss.
At Maryland, she immediately showed her defensive potential. During the 2018-19 season, she recorded a school-record 89 blocks and earned All-Big Ten Freshman Team recognition.
Her move to Ole Miss elevated her offensive role. In 2020-21, she averaged 18.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. She followed that with 15.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game in 2021-22.
Those performances helped make her one of the most highly regarded players in the 2022 WNBA Draft.
WNBA Draft
The Washington Mystics selected Austin with the third overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft.
She rewarded the organization with an impressive rookie campaign, playing all 36 regular-season games and averaging 8.7 points and 6.4 rebounds. She was also named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team.
Austin’s 2025 Comeback
Austin’s 2025 season was arguably the most important chapter of her WNBA career.
After being limited by injuries during the previous two seasons, she returned to the Mystics and played 38 games. She averaged 12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists while also contributing 1.1 blocks per game.
Her comeback was recognized with the Associated Press WNBA Comeback Player of the Year award.
She also showed an expanded offensive game during 2026. In July, Austin scored 27 points against the Seattle Storm, helping Washington complete a comeback victory. The performance highlighted her ability to create offense away from the basket as well as attack inside.
Why Shakira Austin Matters to Washington
Austin’s importance to the Mystics goes beyond her scoring.
At 6-foot-5, she provides Washington with size in the frontcourt while also possessing the athleticism to defend and run the floor. Her rebounding and shot-blocking give the Mystics another defensive weapon.
Her offensive development has added another dimension. Austin has shown that she can score around the basket, attack from the perimeter and contribute as a passer.
Most importantly, staying healthy allows her to maintain consistency and continue developing into a bigger part of Washington’s long-term plans.
Final Takeaway
Shakira Austin has experienced both rapid development and difficult injury setbacks during her WNBA career. The former No. 3 overall pick emerged as an All-Rookie selection, battled hip and ankle problems, and then returned strongly enough in 2025 to win AP Comeback Player of the Year.
Her career statistics show a productive two-way center, while her improved offensive game has increased her value to the Washington Mystics. As of August 8, 2026, there is no Mystics game scheduled tonight according to the available schedule information.
FAQs
Is Shakira Austin injured?
Austin has dealt with significant hip and ankle injuries in previous WNBA seasons. She returned successfully in 2025 and remained an important player for Washington.
What are Shakira Austin’s WNBA stats?
Through 2025, she averaged 10.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game over her WNBA career.
How tall is Shakira Austin?
Austin is listed at 6 feet 5 inches.
When was Shakira Austin drafted?
The Washington Mystics selected Austin third overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft.
Did Shakira Austin win a WNBA award?
Yes. She was named the Associated Press WNBA Comeback Player of the Year for 2025.
What team does Shakira Austin play for?
Austin plays for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA.
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