Last updated on: December 9, 2025
Kishele Shipley is best known as the long-time partner of NBA star Kawhi Leonard. While Kawhi shines on the basketball court, Kishele lives a calm and private life away from attention. She values family, education, and balance. Her story is simple, real, and inspiring in its own way.
Quick Facts About Kishele Shipley
| Full Name | Kishele Shipley |
| Birthdate | April 10, 1989 |
| Age
Height |
36 years and 8 months old
1.73 m |
| Occupation | Human Resources Professional |
| Husband/Wife | Not married; partner is Kawhi Leonard |
| Education | San Diego State University |
| Parents | Kenneth Shipley, Cathy Marie Shipley |
| Siblings | Two sisters: Kenisha Shipley, Kassandra Shipley |
| Children | Two – daughter Kaliyah Leonard (born 2016), one son (born 2019) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Background
Kishele Shipley was born on April 10, 1989, in San Diego, California. She grew up in a caring family that believed in hard work and learning. Her parents are Kenneth Shipley and Cathy Marie Shipley.
Growing up, Kishele was very quiet and composed. She liked her life stable rather than being in the limelight, and that was something that defines her even today.
Education and Career
She attended San Diego State University. She got a Degree in Public Administration. All this helped her understand leadership, teamwork, and organization.
After college, she had been working as a professional in Human Resources in San Diego; her job was related to people and the work place system. This suited her quiet personality quite well. She handled her career with care and purpose, even as her personal life changed.
Meeting Kawhi Leonard
She met Kawhi Leonard at San Diego State University. Shared campus life did much to develop a strong bond between them. They started dating in 2014.
This year was big for Kawhi’s career, too: he won his first NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs. Despite all this success, the couple chose to keep their relationship quiet and personal.
Life Together and Family
In 2014, Kishele relocated with Kawhi to Texas as his NBA career progressed. The two eventually started a family together.
They welcomed their daughter, Kaliyah Leonard, in 2016. In 2019, they had a son whose name they continue to keep private.
She is described as a nurturing and protective mother. She prioritizes her children and strives to raise them in a typical manner. Her daughter Kaliyah did a rare public appearance with her parents during the 2019 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
Sibling and Family Support
She is the second of three sisters. The older sister, Kenisha, works in academic research at San Diego State University; the youngest, Kassandra, who graduated from California State University.
Education runs strong in the family. This supportive upbringing helped Kishele stay grounded even while being attached to a world-famous athlete.
A Private and Balanced Life
Unlike most of the wives of sports stars, Kishele avoids social media. She does not give interviews or seek fame. This helps her to keep her family and personal space safe.
Kawhi Leonard has always spoken to the importance of family. He even pointed to family reasons when he signed with the LA Clippers back in 2019. Kishele’s role in creating stability is clear, even if it happens quietly.
READ ALSO: Kawhi Leonard Net worth, Age, Partner, Family, Facts & More
Relationship Today
Still, Kishele Shipley and Kawhi Leonard remain together and quite serious about it. They are not publicly married. There was a big ring worn by her in 2022, which stirred up the news of their engagement. The couple remained mum, being loyal to their private nature.
Their long-lasting relationship is indicative of trust, respect, and strong values. In absence of public attention, they focus on that which really matters.
Why Kishele Shipley Stands Out
Kishele Shipley reminds that power can come softly. She supports from behind and leads with care. Her life really has shown that one does not need loud attention to make a strong impact. Behind Kawhi Leonard’s calm focus is a steady home life. Kishele plays a key role in that balance. Her story is about family, patience, and staying true to yourself.
