Former WNBA Star Shoni Schimmel Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charges, Faces Up to 15 Years in Federal Prison

OREGON — Shoni Schimmel, a former WNBA All-Star once hailed as a trailblazer for Native American athletes, is now facing one of the darkest chapters of her life. Schimmel pleaded not guilty on Friday to multiple felony charges related to an alleged violent assault involving her former romantic partner — a case that has shocked both the sports world and her fan base.

According to The Oregonian, Schimmel was arrested in Oregon for allegedly strangling her ex-partner and inflicting serious physical injury in an incident that occurred back in June 2021. She now faces federal charges, including assault by strangulation and domestic violence, which could carry a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, in addition to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

Details of the Allegations

The incident in question reportedly took place during a domestic dispute in the summer of 2021. Law enforcement sources claim that Schimmel physically assaulted her ex-partner, allegedly choking them to the point of restricting their ability to breathe and causing injuries that required medical attention.

She was arrested the following day after the incident and initially faced several charges, including:

Assault by strangulation

Domestic assault resulting in serious bodily injury

Criminal mischief/property damage

Though the case took time to reach the federal court level, prosecutors are now moving forward with a full jury trial, which is scheduled to begin in the coming months.

Severe Legal Consequences

If found guilty, Schimmel could spend up to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a three-year supervised probation period. On top of that, she could be required to pay up to $250,000 in fines.

Legal experts note that federal courts tend to impose harsher sentences for domestic violence-related crimes, particularly those involving strangulation, which is often seen as a strong predictor of potential homicide in abusive relationships.

Despite the gravity of the charges, Schimmel has entered a plea of not guilty, and her defense team has signaled that they intend to fight the allegations vigorously in court.

From Sports Icon to Criminal Defendant

Shoni Schimmel was once one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball. Born in 1992 and raised on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, Schimmel quickly rose to national prominence during her collegiate career at the University of Louisville, where she became the third all-time leading scorer in program history.

Her standout college performance earned her a first-round selection in the 2014 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream, and her rookie season was a sensation. She was named to the WNBA All-Star team and even won MVP honors at the 2014 All-Star Game, becoming an instant fan favorite.

She was named an All-Star again in 2015 and later played for the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces. Her last WNBA season was in 2018, after which she gradually faded from the spotlight — until now.

Fall From Grace

Schimmel’s arrest and subsequent charges have left fans stunned. Once viewed as a role model and source of inspiration for Indigenous youth across the U.S., her reputation is now clouded by serious allegations.

The mugshot released by law enforcement after her arrest only intensified the public reaction. In the photo, Schimmel appears visibly distressed and far removed from the energetic, confident athlete that fans once knew.

The mugshot went viral across social media platforms, with reactions ranging from shock and disappointment to calls for compassion and support. Some fans have expressed hope that Schimmel receives the mental health care and support she may need, while others are grappling with the disturbing nature of the allegations.

Not the First Sign of Trouble

While Schimmel largely maintained a positive public image during her playing days, reports suggest that she has struggled in her personal life over the past few years. Sources close to the former player have hinted at ongoing issues related to mental health, family tensions, and difficulties adjusting to life after professional sports.

The alleged assault could be part of a larger, unspoken narrative of emotional turmoil and unresolved trauma — a reality faced by many athletes after their careers end.

Trial Ahead: A Defining Moment

The upcoming trial could determine the course of Schimmel’s life moving forward. Her legal team has yet to comment publicly beyond her plea of not guilty, but the pressure is mounting.

If Schimmel is convicted on any of the felony counts, a prison sentence could effectively end any chance of a professional comeback and deeply impact her personal and financial future.

Legal analysts also suggest that if prosecutors present a strong case, Schimmel might be encouraged to accept a plea deal, which would mean admitting guilt to lesser charges in exchange for a reduced sentence. However, such an outcome would still carry significant consequences — not just in the eyes of the law, but also in the court of public opinion.

A Community in Shock

Schimmel’s case has particularly impacted the Native American community, where she was widely regarded as a symbol of pride and empowerment. Growing up on the Umatilla Reservation, she inspired countless young athletes by proving that a Native girl from a small tribal community could make it to the top of professional sports.

Many Indigenous leaders have remained silent on the issue so far, though some have suggested that this could be an opportunity to address the mental health crisis within Indigenous communities, especially among young women and former athletes.

“This is a tragedy no matter how you look at it,” said one Native American advocate who spoke anonymously. “But it’s also a reminder that our heroes need help, too.”

Social Media Reactions

The internet was swift in reacting to the news, with hashtags like #ShoniSchimmel and #JusticeForShoni trending on Twitter/X shortly after her mugshot was released. The online discourse has been polarizing — some users are demanding that Schimmel be held accountable, while others believe that the system is failing her.

“She was my hero growing up. This is heartbreaking,” one user tweeted.
“She hurt someone. She should face the consequences,” another wrote.
Others simply expressed disbelief: “I never thought I’d see this. Unreal.”

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the personal tragedy and legal drama, Schimmel’s case raises larger questions about the support systems in place for athletes — particularly those who come from underrepresented or marginalized communities.

How do professional leagues support players after retirement?
What resources are in place for mental health care?
Are we doing enough to protect both the victims and the accused in domestic violence cases?

These are the uncomfortable but necessary questions that now linger as the case moves toward trial.