When Shaquille O’Neal and Shaunie Henderson (formerly O’Neal) divorced in 2011 after nine years of marriage, they seemingly ensured not to let it affect their relationship with their kids. Shaunie has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to co-parenting their children, regularly attending games, sharing proud moments on social media, and ensuring their kids maintain strong relationships with both parents. Now, 13 years post-divorce, she faces perhaps her toughest parenting challenge yet.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Shaunie revealed the scheduling conflict that would test any parent’s Solomon-like wisdom. Both her children, Mearah and Shaqir O’Neal, are set to start in their respective games tonight, forcing their mother to make an impossible choice. “The moments I wish I could split myself in half…. Both my babies game openers tonight. I’ll be sitting in the stands watching one while holding my phone watching the other. MOTHERHOOD! I love every minute of it. Cheering for both at the same time!” wrote Shaunie as the caption of the post.

Me’Arah O’Neal is ready to wow and help the Florida Gators win the upcoming game against the Florida Atlantic Owls. She is the third-highest-ranked prospect in the state of Texas and the 33rd-ranked recruit in the country. While playing in the AAU circuit with Texas-based EYBL club CyFair Elite this summer, O’Neal averaged 7.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists in 19.8 minutes per game.

Last year, she signed a letter of intent with the University of Florida to continue playing college basketball for Florida. “I went on the Florida visit, and I had a feeling that’s where I belonged, and that I was going to be most successful if I went to go play at Florida,” said MeA’rah to ESPN.

Meanwhile, Shaqir O’Neal has built his own reputation as a versatile player who has a strong shooting arm.

Shaqir, who used to play for Texas Southern University, had been a real promising piece, raising his three-point shooting percentage and on court awareness as he averaged 1.6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game in 8.5 minutes last season and also made 6 of 21 attempts from 3 point range. He joined Florida A&M’s men’s basketball team back in July and will be playing the first game on November 4 against the TCU Horned Frogs.

Shaunie has yet to reveal which game she’ll attend, but one thing is certain: She will split her heart, wherever she can, to make both children feel seen, appreciated, and celebrated. 

Shaunie’s emotional post regarding Shareef O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal’s 2nd son, Shareef O’Neal’s journey has been far from typical. After a promising high school career, he committed to UCLA, hoping to make an impact in college basketball. However, in 2018, he had to go through a heart surgery, abruptly pausing his basketball career and sending shockwaves through his family.

But like very dark clouds, the gloomy period of Shareef also passed as the Sacramento Kings signed the 24-year-old to play for their G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings just last month. Mom Shaunie couldn’t be any prouder.

“I’m so proud of you @shareefoneal I can’t even talk about this without crying. I know this was always your goal and the odds you beat to finally see it happen is beyond amazing. I prayed for this day. I prayed that you would never give up, that you wouldn’t be discouraged. I know you had some doubtful days but you consistently pushed through. This is so much bigger than basketball.  You are one of the strongest, bravest and most determined people I have ever known,” wrote Shaunie in her Instagram post.

Her message reminds of the highs and lows he’s endured, celebrating his courage and determination in the face of overwhelming obstacles.