Shakyla Hill never imagined that her basketball career at Grambling State University would lead to setting incredible NCAA records and catching the attention of NBA All-Stars. When she first arrived on campus in 2015, her focus was on becoming a lawyer, not on making it to the WNBA or achieving quadruple-doubles on the court.
However, during her time at Grambling, Hill made history by recording not one, but two quadruple-doubles. These exceptional feats made her the only Division I player with two quadruple-doubles in NCAA history. The first quadruple-double, which included 15 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds, and 10 steals, garnered national attention and praise from basketball icons like LeBron James, Chris Paul, and James Harden.
The unexpected success on the court changed the trajectory of Hill’s plans. While she still values basketball and closely follows March Madness tournaments, her focus has shifted to pursuing a career in compliance and preparing to start law school in August. Hill acknowledges that her quadruple-doubles opened up opportunities for her to continue playing basketball, but her ultimate goal is to become a lawyer.
Despite going undrafted in the WNBA, Hill chose to play professionally overseas and found success in Serbia, where she achieved another quadruple-double. Her performance in Europe showcased her talent and work ethic, disproving any doubts about her abilities as a player from an HBCU.
Now, at 28 years old, Hill has decided to retire from playing basketball and pursue her passion for law. She plans to attend law school and is considering schools like Southern, Howard, and Texas Southern. With a strong desire to practice corporate law or potentially become a district attorney, Hill’s journey from a student-athlete to a future lawyer is a testament to her dedication and determination both on and off the court.
As she transitions into this new chapter of her life, Hill’s legacy as a record-setting basketball player at Grambling State University will always be remembered. Her impact on the court, as well as her drive to succeed in the legal field, exemplifies her ability to excel in any endeavor she chooses to pursue.
