The greatest defensive center in WNBA history — two Olympic gold medals, two WNBA championships and the WNBA record for career rebounds, whose relentless interior presence and shot-blocking ability set a new standard for the position.
Sylvia Fowles was born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1985. Chicago Sky selected her second overall in the 2008 WNBA Draft from LSU. She won two WNBA championships — the 2012 title and the 2015 title — and the WNBA MVP and Finals MVP in 2017 with Minnesota. She won two Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016). She holds the WNBA's all-time rebounding record. She won the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award multiple times. She was a seven-time All-Star and was named to the WNBA's 25th Anniversary All-Time team. Her combination of interior defence, rebounding dominance and post scoring at the centre position set the standard for the role in the modern WNBA era. She retired in 2022 as one of the most decorated centres in league history.
Dominant center and WNBA's all-time leading rebounder
How They Played
Dominant post player with exceptional rebounding and defensive presence
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest centers in WNBA history, transformed Minnesota Lynx into championship contender
Olympic Gold 2012, 2016
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2012, 2016
- WNBA MVP 2017
- WNBA Finals MVP 2015, 2017
- WNBA all-time rebounds leader