Shameka Christon
A smooth and versatile wing whose scoring prowess and defensive length made her a consistent force in the WNBA for nearly a decade.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American basketball player·Birthday: February 15·Millennials
Biography
Shameka Christon brought a sleek, scoring touch to the wing, carving out a respected WNBA career defined by her offensive versatility and defensive capability. Drafted by the New York Liberty out of Arkansas, she steadily developed into a primary scoring option, capable of shooting from deep, posting up, and attacking the rim. Her best season came in 2009 when she averaged a career-high 16.8 points per game, showcasing her ability to carry an offensive load. A trade to the Chicago Sky in 2012 saw her adapt into a key veteran presence. Throughout her tenure, Christon was known for her quiet professionalism and efficient game, using her long frame to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor until her retirement after the 2014 season.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Shameka was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Shameka Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Shameka's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Averaged a career-high 16.8 points per game for the New York Liberty in the 2009 WNBA season.
- Selected as the 5th overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty.
- Played in 303 WNBA games over 11 seasons, scoring over 3,000 career points.
Did You Know?
She was a standout college player at the University of Arkansas, where she was a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection.
She played professionally overseas in countries including Turkey, Russia, and South Korea during WNBA off-seasons.
Her final WNBA team was the Phoenix Mercury, with whom she played in 2014.
“I worked on my shot until the net felt like the only thing in the gym.”
