Arnetta Yardbourgh, Shaquille O’Neal’s Ex-Girlfriend: Her Journey, Career, and Life Today

Have you ever thought about who was in Shaquille O’Neal’s life before he became a big star? Before the TV shows, the basketball wins, and the fame — there was someone special by his side. Her name is Arnetta Yardbourgh.

Arnetta is not just Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-girlfriend. She is a kind, smart, and strong woman who built her own life. Even though she was with one of the most famous basketball players, she always stayed private. That’s why many people want to know more about her.

In this article, we’ll share her full story, from her early life and relationship with Shaq, to her career as a coach, and what her life looks like today in 2025. Let’s begin!

Arnetta Yardbourgh Quick Bio

Arnetta Yardbourgh’s Early Life

Arnetta Yardbourgh was born on December 10, 1971, in Houston, Texas. She grew up in a close-knit family with strong values. Her mother, Cheryl Richardson, worked as a health educator and hairstylist. Arnetta also has a sister named Kinika Richardson, who spent 20 years in the airline industry and later became an entrepreneur.

Growing up, Arnetta showed a mix of kindness, focus, and energy. She wasn’t just a quiet kid — she also had a sporty side. During her college years, she even played volleyball as a middle blocker.

Her early years shaped her into someone who wanted to help others, lead with strength, and live a calm, meaningful life — something that still shows in her work today.

Arnetta Yardbourgh’s Education Journey

Arnetta’s educational background is just as impressive as her personality. She has spent many years learning and growing — and not just in one subject. She holds several degrees and certifications from well-known schools.

Here’s a look at her step-by-step education path:

• She graduated from Judson High School in San Antonio in 1990.

• She earned a Master of Liberal Arts and General Studies from Schreiner University in 1992.

• Then, she studied Speech Communications at the University of Houston, finishing in 1995.

• From 1997 to 1999, she went to Houston Christian University for graduate studies in humanities.

• She earned a CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) from the Coaches Training Institute in the early 2000s.

• Finally, in 2014, she completed a Doctorate in Psychology from Walden University.

Her love for learning never stopped. This shows that she truly values growth — not just for herself, but also for the people she works with in her coaching business.

How Arnetta Yardbourgh Met Shaquille O’Neal

Many people wonder how Arnetta ended up in a relationship with one of the biggest names in basketball. The story isn’t flashy or wild — it’s actually very simple and real.

Reports suggest that Arnetta and Shaquille O’Neal may have met during their teenage years in Texas. Some even say they went to the same high school or knew each other around that time. When Shaq was drafted into the NBA in 1992, they were already together.

Their relationship started before the fame, before the spotlight, and before the championships. That’s what makes their story so interesting — they were just two young people figuring out life, side by side.

Arnetta Yardbourgh and Shaquille O’Neal’s Relationship

Their love story lasted about four years, from 1992 to 1996. During that time, Arnetta supported Shaquille as he began his professional career. She was there when he was drafted by the Orlando Magic, and she was by his side as he became one of the NBA’s rising stars.

Although they never got married, their bond was strong, and they had a daughter together. In January 1996, they quietly ended their relationship. Six months later, their daughter Taahirah was born.

Even though they split, there was no drama in the public eye. In fact, both Arnetta and Shaq handled their breakup in a very mature and peaceful way — something that is still respected today.

Their Daughter, Taahirah O’Neal

Taahirah O’Neal was born on July 18, 1996, and she’s the first child of Shaquille O’Neal. After her birth, Arnetta moved to Houston with her daughter to raise her in a calmer, more private setting.

Today, Taahirah is doing very well. She graduated from Oglethorpe University with a degree in sociology and now works at PepsiCo as a brand communications and community engagement analyst. She also helps with social media at Shaquille’s company, Mine O Mine.

Arnetta and Shaq have always worked together as co-parents, putting their daughter first. In a 2022 interview, Shaq said something beautiful:

“I have two wonderful women that have given me beautiful, gorgeous children. I have to protect and love them forever.”

This shows the strong respect that still exists between Arnetta and Shaq, even years after their breakup.

Arnetta Yardbourgh’s Career and Business Life

After the breakup, Arnetta Yardbourgh didn’t chase the spotlight — she built her own path. In 2010, she launched her own company, AY & Associates, LLC, based in Houston.

Her company offers:

• Life coaching

• Business and executive coaching

• Wellness products

• Support for small businesses and entrepreneurs

She focuses on helping people find peace, purpose, and direction — whether they’re working professionals, business owners, or individuals seeking balance in life.

Arnetta has also been a chapter president at FemCity Houston, a business group for women. Her calm strength, education, and leadership have helped many people feel empowered in both their personal and professional lives.

Arnetta Yardbourgh’s Coaching Certifications and Skills

Arnetta Yardbourgh didn’t just stop at running her business — she also worked hard to earn many helpful certifications. These aren’t just papers on a wall. They show that she takes her role as a life coach very seriously.

She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), which is a top-level coaching certificate. She is also a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) — one of the most trusted coaching groups in the world.

Besides these, Arnetta has training in mediation, crisis support, Birkman assessments, and relationship coaching. These skills help her guide people through tough times, help them focus on their goals, and create positive change in their lives.

Arnetta Yardbourgh’s Past Jobs and Achievements

Before building her company, Arnetta Yardbourgh worked in many different roles. Each one helped shape her experience and passion for helping others.

From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a greeting card publisher for a company called On The Real Inc. After that, she spent several years as a life coach with OTR Life Coaching, helping people discover purpose and confidence. Between 2002 and 2018, she was also a coach with Houston Coaches.

One interesting job she had was being the president of the Sugar Land Legends, a semi-pro basketball team, from 2013 to 2017. This shows that even outside her wellness work, she had leadership roles in sports — a world she was once connected to through Shaquille O’Neal.

Life After Shaquille O’Neal

Many people might think life after a high-profile breakup must be full of drama. But Arnetta Yardbourgh chose a different path — one filled with peace and growth.

She didn’t chase fame or go public with interviews. Instead, she quietly built a life that made her happy. She focused on raising her daughter, growing her business, and continuing her education.

Even though she was once known as Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-girlfriend, Arnetta made sure she was never only seen that way. She became a strong, smart woman with a name and career of her own.

Where Is Arnetta Yardbourgh Now in 2025?

As of 2025, Arnetta Yardbourgh still lives in Houston, Texas, where she enjoys a quiet life. She hasn’t updated her Facebook or Instagram pages since around 2021. Her business page for AY & Associates, LLC has also been quiet online lately.

But that doesn’t mean she’s not doing anything. It could just mean she prefers to keep her work and life private now. And that’s okay. Not everyone wants to be online all the time.

What we do know is that Arnetta has always been someone who cares deeply about others. Whether she’s working quietly or just enjoying her time with loved ones, she continues to live life her way.

Arnetta Yardbourgh’s Net Worth and Income Sources

You might be wondering — how much does Arnetta make?

Well, Arnetta Yardbourgh’s net worth is estimated to be around $0.3 million. This number may not be exact, but it gives us an idea of her earnings from coaching, speaking, and business work.

She never shared her exact salary, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is that she worked hard for everything she has — through her business, coaching sessions, public speaking, and helping others improve their lives.

Final Thoughts

Arnetta Yardbourgh’s story is powerful because it shows you don’t need to be loud or flashy to be successful. She didn’t chase fame or money. She followed her heart and built a life full of purpose.

Even though she is often known as Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-girlfriend, she is so much more than that. She’s a loving mother, a trusted coach, and a woman who chose kindness and growth over fame.

Her story teaches us that it’s okay to take your own path — even if it’s quiet. Even if it’s different, as long as you stay true to yourself, you’ll find your way, just like Arnetta did.

(FAQs)

Does Arnetta Yardbourgh have kids?

Yes, she has one daughter named Taahirah O’Neal, who is Shaquille O’Neal’s first child. She was born just six months after Arnetta and Shaq broke up in 1996.

How old is Arnetta Yardbourgh now?

Arnetta Yardbourgh was born on December 10, 1971. She turned 53 years old in 2025 — many people are shocked by her age because she still looks so young!

Is Arnetta Yardbourgh related to Shaunie Henderson?

No, Arnetta is not related to Shaunie Henderson, who is Shaq’s ex-wife. Arnetta dated Shaq before he met Shaunie, and they never got married.

Who are Arnetta Yardbourgh’s parents?

Her mother is Cheryl Richardson, a health educator and hairstylist. Her father’s name hasn’t been shared publicly.

Is Arnetta Yardbourgh on Instagram?

She doesn’t use a personal Instagram, but she once ran a page called @ayacoach for her business. It hasn’t been updated in years — she now lives a very private and quiet life.