Ole Miss star Shakira Austin drafted No. 3 overall in WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics; ‘I’m ready to work’
OXFORD — Ole Miss star Shakira Austin has been drafted No. 3 overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics.
With the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft, the Washington Mystics select Shakira Austin from Ole Miss! Congrats to @Theylove_kira! @OleMissWBB #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/pEnAjgLBBp
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) April 11, 2022
Austin, a two-time All-SEC award winner, is the sixth Rebel in school history to be selected in the WNBA Draft. Prior to the 2020-21 season, the 6-foot-5 Austin transferred to Ole Miss from Maryland.
A Fredericksburg, Virginia native, Austin will be heading home to play for the Mystics.
Shakira Austin's Superlatives
While at Ole Miss, Austin averaged 18.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game her junior year and 15.2 ppg, 9 rpg and 2.1 blocks per game as a senior. She finished her Ole Miss career No. 5 in program history with 114 blocks and finished this past season with 66 — the third-most in a single season at Ole Miss.
“It’s just amazing, just knowing the work I’ve put in,” said Austin, following her selection.
“To finally get to this moment and to play back home. I’ll just be continuing to work and believe in the work that I’ve put in.”
Shakira Austin on being drafted by her hometown team
After finishing as runner-up in the WNIT in the 2020-21 season, Shakira and the Rebels in 2021-2022 followed that up with their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2007, recorded a 20-win season, posted their highest finish (fourth) in SEC play since 1994, made their first SEC tourney appearance since ’93 and notched their longest winning streak (13 games) in program history.
Shakira’s head coach, Yolett McPhee-McCuin, often commented about what it meant to have a player of Shakira’s caliber come to Ole Miss.
“I don’t think we have the success as quickly had Shakira not come here,” said Coach Yo.
“Shakira coming here…that just doesn’t happen,” Coach Yo said following the Rebels’ NCAA tournament loss to South Dakota.
“People of her caliber don’t come and say ‘I’m going to come to this program and build it.’ She’s been carrying that on her shoulders for the two years that she’s been here.“
Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin on Shakira Austin
What Shakira Brings to the Mystics
The Mystics are getting an incredible defender who has both vertical and lateral quickness.
“She has a complete game and this is a great pick for the Washington Mystics.” Congrats to @Theylove_kira! 💙❤️@OleMissWBB #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/1PqG253N0S
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) April 11, 2022
In one of the pre-draft calls available to media, ESPN’s LaChina Robinson commented on Austin, saying she is “…a competitor, good size at 6’5″, good mobility, balance, athleticism, all those things that are just important as you’re making that jump to the next level.”
Shakira, herself, was asked what she will bring to the Mystics.
“I’m going to add that young vibe, that competitive energy, that versatile player that whatever they need coming off the bench, starting, regardless, I’m ready to work.“
Shakira Austin
Shakira on what she will bring to the @WashMystics. 🔥🔥#youngvibe #competitiveenergy @OleMissWBB @Theylove_kira pic.twitter.com/sObtX9JaxY
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) April 12, 2022
Hotty Toddy and congrats to Shakira!
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn’s love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
