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Updated Oct 14, 2024Kawhi Leonard and his Relationship with Kishele Shipley
They haven't tied the knot, but here's what we know about their long-term relationship.
Photo: Kayla Oaddams / Getty Images
Kawhi Leonard, a prominent NBA player known for his exceptional skills and reserved demeanor, has maintained a private personal life alongside his professional basketball career. It's this private nature that has probably made fans wonder, who is Kawhi Leonard's wife? While Leonard isn't married, he has been in a long-term relationship with Kishele Shipley since 2014. Their partnership, which began during their college years at San Diego State University, has remained seemingly steadfast over the years.
Kawhi Leonard's girlfriend prefers to stay out of the spotlight, like several other NBA wives, girlfriends and partners. They have two children together: a daughter, Kaliyah, born in 2016 and a son born in 2019. His name has yet to be shared with the public. Known for their private nature, both Shipley and Leonard avoid social media and keep their personal lives out of the public eye. That being said, here's what we know about their journey together so far.
- Kawhi Leonard is dating Kishele Shipley. They have been together since 2014.
- Kawhi Leonard and Kishele Shipley met while attending San Diego State University.
- Kawhi Leonard and Kishele Shipley share two children together: Kaliyah Leonard, born in 2016, and a son, whose name is unknown to the public, born in 2019.
- Kawhi Leonard and Kishele Shipley are not married, but there have been rumors of an engagement.
In this article:
- Who is Kawhi Leonard's Girlfriend, Kishele Shipley?
- How Kawhi Leonard and Kishele Shipley Met
- Kawhi Leonard and Kishele Shipley's Relationship Timeline
- How the Couple Handles Life in the Spotlight
Who is Kawhi Leonard's Girlfriend, Kishele Shipley?
Kishele Shipley, born on April 10, 1989, in San Diego, California, is a public administration graduate from San Diego State University. Before relocating to Texas with Leonard in 2014, she worked as a human resources professional in San Diego. Shipley is known for her private nature, maintaining a low profile despite her association with a high-profile athlete.
How Kawhi Leonard and Kishele Shipley Met
According to a story by People, the famous couple first crossed paths at San Diego State University. Leonard played for the university's men's basketball team, the Aztecs, and Shipley pursued her degree in public administration. Their relationship began during their college years and has endured through Leonard's professional basketball career.
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Kawhi Leonard and Kishele Shipley's Relationship Timeline
2014: Kawhi Leonard and Kishele Shipley start dating
Kawhi Leonard and Kishele Shipley began their relationship while attending San Diego State University.
During the same year, Leonard won his first NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs and was named NBA Finals MVP for his outstanding performance against the Miami Heat.
2015: Kawhi Leonard receives Defensive Player of the Year award
Leonard led the league in steals and earned his first Defensive Player of the Year award.
2016: The couple welcome a daughter
The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Kaliyah Leonard. Leonard and Shipley tend to keep their family life out of the public eye, Kaliyah did make an appearance on the red carpet at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in 2019.
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2015: Kawhi Leonard is traded to the Toronto Raptors
Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors and eventually led the team to their first-ever NBA Championship in 2019. He was named Finals MVP after defeating the Golden State Warriors.
2019: The couple welcome a son and Kawhi Leonard Signs with the LA Clippers
Leonard and Shipley celebrated the birth of their second child, a son whose name has not yet been revealed to the public.
In the same year, Leonard signed with the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent and earned All-NBA First Team honors. In regard to his move from the Toronto Raptors, Leonard explained that his motivation was more about family than it was about his career.
"For me, it was a family situation more so than a basketball decision," Leonard told Yahoo Sports. "Basketball is going to be here long without me, so I feel like when we're here, we just have to make sure we share it with our loved ones, and that's one of the big reasons why I came to the Clippers."
2022: Rumors of an engagement spark
If fans of Leonard were hoping for a basketball proposal, it's entirely possible that it has already gone down privately. According to People, Shipley was seen wearing a large diamond ring on her left ring finger, which you can see in photos obtained by TMZ. These photos sparked speculation over whether or not the couple had gotten engaged.
That being said, neither Leonard nor Shipley have yet to comment on the rumors—so it's hard to say if we'll get an NBA wedding anytime soon. Fans will simply have to swoon over Jason and Micaylah Preston's nuptials for the time being!
How the Couple Handles Life in the Spotlight
Throughout their relationship, Leonard and Shipley have maintained a low public profile, focusing on their family and personal lives away from the media spotlight.
In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, Leonard's mother Kim Robertson commented on his private nature. "What people don't understand is Kawhi doesn't really care about the hype, or about this big name or that big name," Robertson said. "That's not what he's about. He just wants to play basketball, that's it."
