Last updated on: December 9, 2025
Kaliyah Leonard is the daughter of NBA star Kawhi Leonard and his longtime partner Kishele Shipley. She was born in 2016 and is the couple’s first child. Even though her father is one of the most famous basketball players in the world, Kaliyah lives a quiet and private life. Her parents have made a clear choice to keep her childhood normal and away from media attention.
Fans are often curious about the families of sports stars, but Kaliyah draws attention for no other reason than that her father is known to be calm, private, and family-focused.
Quick Facts About Kaliyah Leonard
| Full Name | Kaliyah Leonard |
| Birthdate | 2016 |
| Age | 10 years old |
| Occupation | Student |
| Education | N/A |
| Parents | Kawhi Leonard (father), Kishele Shipley (mother) |
| Siblings | One younger brother (born 2019) |
| Husband/Wife | Not Married |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Family Background
Kaliyah was born in the year Kawhi Leonard was still playing for the San Antonio Spurs. For him, it was a very special year: he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, an achievement that came at the same time he became a father. In this respect, 2016 for Kawhi became unforgettable both on and off the court.
Her mother, Kishele Shipley, met Kawhi around 2014. They had a mutual connection via San Diego State University. They have been together since then and also created a close family life. In 2019, Kaliyah got to be a big sister when her parents welcomed a baby boy. His name is yet to be revealed.
A Childhood Kept Private
Kaliyah Leonard is absent from social media, and family pictures are rarely posted by her parents. That is no accident. Kawhi Leonard believes kids should be allowed to grow up without pressure or public judgment. He has always avoided the spotlight off the court.
Fans usually see Kaliyah when she attends special moments. These rare glimpses make fans smile, but they are few and far between.
Rare public appearances
One of Kaliyah’s most famous outings came in 2019 when she walked the red carpet with her parents at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California. It was a warm, delightful moment; fans enjoyed Kawhi in this casual family setting.
She also came into the limelight during the 2019 NBA Finals celebrations. Kawhi had just helped the Toronto Raptors win their first championship. Kaliyah stood near him during the celebrations, creating a scene which went viral.
READ ALSO: Kawhi Leonard Net worth, Age, Partner, Family, Facts & More
Interests and Personality
As Kaliyah grew older, the small details have come out about her interests. During a 2025 interview, Kawhi shared that she developed a strong love for tennis by the time she was nine years old. The interest apparently grew after she attended the 2022 US Open with her father.
Her love of the sport even inspired one of the designs for Kawhi Leonard’s New Balance sneakers. An example of how Kawhi links family life with his creative ideas.
Family is First for Kawhi Leonard
Where Kaliyah grew up is a reflection of the life choices of her father. Kawhi has often put family first in making career decisions. Moving to the Los Angeles Clippers kept him closer to home and more present for his children. The reason for this balance in her life is likely why very little is known about Kaliyah’s school life or daily routine. Those things remain private, and that choice is widely respected.
