“I love how in my life basketball plays a safe haven. It allows me to escape what I’m going through. I know I can always get on the court, start shooting, and just take my mind away from things,” Aari McDonald said in an interview with Girls United. Because, for Aari, basketball is everything. Growing up in Fresno, California, she would spend hours watching her three older brothers hoop in the driveway. Her love for the game was deeply rooted; both her parents were high school basketball players, and they’d often join their kids for games outside.

McDonald was selected third overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream, and now finds herself suiting up for the Indiana Fever in 2025. With Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham sidelined due to injuries, the Fever turned to McDonald under the league’s emergency hardship exception. While her stint might be short-term, it’s a golden opportunity for her to make an impact alongside one of the league’s most talked-about teams.

Naturally, with all eyes on her, fans are curious to know more about Aari McDonald–especially her roots and where she comes from. So, let’s take a closer look at her ethnicity and background!

Where is Aari McDonald from, and what is her nationality?

Aari McDonald was born on August 20, 1998, in Fresno, California, where she grew up as the youngest of six siblings. This would suggest that she is American. Before starting her college journey, McDonald starred at Brookside Christian High School. Over her final two seasons, she racked up nearly 1,500 points and recorded multiple triple-doubles, including a rare quadruple-double.

Her standout performances drew attention from top college programs, and she was considered one of the highest-rated prospects in her class. McDonald ultimately chose the University of Washington, where she made an immediate impact. As a freshman, she averaged 9.8 points per game–third-best on the team behind Kelsey Plum and Chantel Osahor and even earned a spot on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.

But it was in Arizona where Aari McDonald truly became a star. After transferring from Washington, she transformed the Wildcats into a national contender, leading them to their first-ever Final Four in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. By the end of her college career, she was Arizona’s all-time leader in points per game, a three-time AP All-American, and a three-time Pac-12 All-Defensive Team honoree. Her incredible rise was capped off when she was selected third overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft—the highest draft pick in Arizona history.

What is Aari McDonald’s ethnicity?

There are no official reports confirming Aari McDonald’s ethnicity at this time. However, some unofficial sources suggest that she may be African-American. These claims remain unverified, and we’ll update this section as soon as more reliable information becomes available.

Is Aari McDonald Christian?

There’s no official word on Aari McDonald’s religious beliefs yet. If any verified info comes up, we’ll be sure to update this. That said, here’s an interesting tidbit for you! About 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christian, according to Pew Research Center, which is roughly 224 million people. So, if we had to take an educated guess, there’s a good chance McDonald might share that faith. But hey, that’s just mere speculation!