Monique Billings

Monique Billings is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Valkyries in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Hive of Unrivaled. She played collegiate basketball for the UCLA Bruins. Billings was chosen 15th overall by the Atlanta Dream during the 2018 WNBA draft. As a young child in elementary school, she was a student at Saint Edward Catholic School located in Corona, California.

Monique Billings was born on May 2, 1996, in Riverside, California, United States. She played basketball at Santiago High School located in Corona, California. During her time there, she earned a letter for four consecutive years and also took part in the high jump as a member of the track and field team. Monique Billings was recognized by numerous recruiting services as being among the top 30 players upon her graduation from high school. Additionally, she was invited to participate in the trials for the United States National Team Under-18 in 2014.

During her time at UCLA, Monique Billings made significant contributions from the outset. In her freshman year, she participated in 37 games for the Bruins and earned a spot on the Pac-12 all-freshman team. In her sophomore year, she was a starter in all 35 games, guiding the team to the NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament (the ‘Sweet 16’), where they were defeated by Texas. That year, Monique Billings also topped the team in rebounds and received an honorable mention on the all Pac-12 team. In her junior year, she once again started all 34 games for the Bruins, leading the team back to the NCAA tournament, where they again lost in the Sweet 16. Monique Billings was the leading scorer for the team that year and was recognized on the All Pac-12 team. In her senior season, she led the Pac-12 in rebounds, double-doubles, and offensive rebounds. She started 34 of 35 games for the Bruins, who advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1999.

Monique Billings was selected in the second round by the Atlanta Dream during the 2018 WNBA draft.

In February 2024, Monique Billings signed with the Los Angeles Sparks; however, she did not secure a spot on the Sparks’ roster for the season and was subsequently waived during training camp.

After not making the Sparks’ roster, Monique Billings was signed by the Dallas Wings to a hardship contract following the start of their season, as Natasha Howard had suffered an injury. She was quickly integrated into the Wings’ starting lineup and proved to be a significant contributor. In her second game with Dallas, against the Atlanta Dream on May 21, she achieved 20 points and 10 rebounds. Although Natasha Howard returned from her injury, the Wings faced additional injuries to Maddy Siegrist, Jaelyn Brown, and Satou Sabally, which allowed Monique Billings to remain with the team. After the Olympic break, as the Wings’ players regained their health, it became necessary for the team to release Monique Billings from her hardship contract.

Monique Billings entered into a 7-Day Contract with the Phoenix Mercury on August 18, 2024. Subsequently, on August 25, 2024, she secured a rest-of-season contract with the Mercury.

On December 6, 2024, Monique Billings was chosen as the Golden State Valkyries’ selection from the Phoenix Mercury’s 2024 roster during the WNBA’s expansion draft.