Women’s basketball is overflowing with talent, intensity, and elite skill—but let’s be honest, it’s also home to some seriously stunning athletes. This listicle of the most beautiful WNBA players of 2025 celebrates the women who pair top-tier athleticism with undeniable presence.
This isn’t about box scores or stat lines. It’s a more rounded, fun look at the players who turn heads both on and off the court—factoring in confidence, personal style, and those standout features that make them especially eye-catching. Because greatness in the WNBA doesn’t stop at the buzzer.
So, again, in no particular order of hotness, folks.
Sophie Cunningham
Sophie Cunningham is a dynamic WNBA guard known for her fearless shot-making and clutch gene—the kind of player who never hesitates when the moment gets loud. She was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury and now suits up for the Indiana Fever in the Women’s National Basketball Association, bringing confidence, fire, and deep-range shooting wherever she goes.
Before the pros, Sophie was a star at Mizzou, where athletic excellence clearly ran in the family—her parents, aunt, uncle, and grandfather all competed in sports there. She was also a McDonald’s All-American, because of course she was. And if basketball alone wasn’t enough, she earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do at just six years old and even played kicker for her high school football team, becoming the first female in school history to score points on the gridiron. Casual overachiever behavior.
In the WNBA, Sophie made history by setting the record for consecutive games with at least two made three-pointers—17 straight games in 2022—cementing her reputation as a walking heat check. Off the court, she’s shown interest in sports broadcasting, which makes sense: she’s confident, outspoken, and already knows how to command attention. Shooter, trailblazer, and future mic-holder—Sophie Cunningham stays busy.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa
Olivia Nelson-Ododa is an American professional basketball player making her mark in the WNBA as a defensive anchor and versatile post presence for the Connecticut Sun. Born on August 17, 2000, in Winder, Georgia, she followed a standout college career at UConn by quickly establishing herself as a reliable frontcourt force at the pro level—strong, smart, and tough to move.
Basketball is very much a family affair. Her father, Sebastian Ododa, played for the Kenyan national team and at Huntington University; her brother Alonzo competed at Richmond and Pittsburgh; and her sister-in-law just happens to be WNBA star Dearica Hamby. Hoops conversations at family gatherings are basically guaranteed.
Off the court, Olivia is just as distinctive. She’s known for her bold tunnel fits—often Y2K- and Bratz-inspired—and has even launched her own intimatewear label, Kayelise, because style doesn’t stop at game time. She’s also a vocal advocate for women’s reproductive health, raising awareness in honor of family members in Kenya who have been affected by cancer. Strong defender, fashion-forward, and purpose-driven—Olivia Nelson-Ododa brings substance and style in equal measure.
Skylar Diggins-Smith
Skylar Diggins-Smith (born August 2, 1990) is one of the most accomplished point guards in WNBA history—and she’s been doing it with style, grit, and longevity. A six-time WNBA All-Star and a 2020 Olympic gold medalist, she currently suits up for the Seattle Storm and also competes in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled. Elite playmaker, certified leader.
Off the stat sheet, Skylar’s résumé is just as impressive. She’s married to Daniel Smith, a former Notre Dame football player, and balances pro basketball with motherhood—famously playing the entire 2018 WNBA season while pregnant, then returning strong after a break in 2019. Built different, truly.
She also made history as the first female basketball player to sign with Roc Nation Sports, expanded her presence as an ESPN studio analyst with ESPN, and crossed into pop culture with features in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Fashion-forward, media-savvy, and still dropping dimes—Skylar Diggins-Smith is proof that greatness doesn’t have just one lane.
Alanna Smith
Alanna Smith is an Australian basketball standout who’s quietly turned into one of the WNBA’s most reliable forces. After breakout seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, she earned WNBA All-Defense honours and helped capture the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup—proof that defense can be headline-worthy. Her rise builds on a strong college career at the Stanford Cardinal and earlier WNBA stops with the Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky.
Basketball is basically in her DNA. Her father, Darren Smith, played more than 200 games in Australia’s NBL, and her uncle Jason even represented Australia at the Olympics. Alanna herself suits up for the Australia women’s national basketball team—because of course she does.
What makes her extra impressive? She’s been leveling up off the court too, pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology at Monash University while playing professionally. She took a noticeable leap with the Chicago Sky in 2023, earned wider recognition, and—after battling injuries and honing her game across Australia and Europe—arrived as a full-fledged WNBA star. Lockdown defender, champion, and grad student: Alanna Smith does it all without the fuss.
Hailey Van Lith
Hailey Ann Van Lith—better known as HVL—was born on September 9, 2001, and is now a professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Her college career was a full tour: she suited up for the Louisville Cardinals, the LSU Tigers, and the TCU Horned Frogs—because why settle for just one powerhouse?
A highly touted high-school scorer, HVL kept that same energy in college, eventually earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors at TCU before hearing her name called in the WNBA Draft. Along the way, she even had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet and train with Kobe Bryant—no big deal, just casual basketball history.
Internationally, her résumé is just as stacked. She won gold (and MVP) at the FIBA U18 World Cup, captured another gold at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, and added an Olympic bronze at the Summer Olympics. In short: elite scorer, proven winner, and very much built for the big stage.
Nika Mühl
Nika Mühl (born April 9, 2001) is a Croatian pro basketball player bringing her elite court vision to the Seattle Storm in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Before the WNBA, she ran the show at UConn as the point guard for the UConn Huskies—and by “ran the show,” we mean literally.
At UConn, Nika was a defensive menace and a passing savant. She was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year twice, became the program’s all-time assists leader with 686 dimes, and set records for most assists in a season (284 in 2022–23) and in a single game (15 vs. NC State on November 20, 2022). Basically, if you were open, she found you—on time and on target.
Off the court, Nika’s story is just as fun. She sharpened her English by watching Narcos and studying highlights of Maya Moore—education comes in many forms. She’s also known for her bold fashion sense, including a custom “APPROVED” shirt after finally sorting out visa issues (iconic). She wears No. 10 in honor of Sue Bird, who even congratulated her when she broke UConn’s assist record. From lockdown defense to headline-worthy fits, Nika Mühl does it all with flair.
Lexie Hull
Lexie Hull is a professional basketball player for the Indiana Fever in the Women’s National Basketball Association, selected 6th overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft. Before going pro, she starred at Stanford, where she won a national championship with the Stanford Cardinal and somehow managed to rack up both athletic and academic awards—including the Senior CLASS Award and the Elite 90 Award. Overachiever energy.
Lexie grew up in Spokane, Washington, and has an identical twin sister, Lacie, who also played basketball at Stanford—because one Hull wasn’t enough. She carried a perfect 4.0 GPA through high school and majored in Management Science & Engineering at Stanford, casually balancing elite hoops with an elite workload. Off the court, she volunteered at Crosswalk, a center for homeless teens, and coached youth basketball camps, proving her impact goes well beyond the box score.
Internationally, Lexie has shined with USA Basketball, winning gold at the 2023 Pan American Games (3×3) and bronze at the 2022 AmeriCup (3×3). And just for fun, she dropped a career-high 36 points in her final college game at Maples Pavilion—because if you’re going to say goodbye, you might as well do it memorably.
Paige Bueckers
Paige Bueckers (born October 20, 2001) is an American professional basketball star for the Dallas Wings in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Widely regarded as one of the most influential players of her generation, she’s better known by her nickname “Paige Buckets”—a title earned through elite scoring, sky-high basketball IQ, and playmaking that makes the game look easy.
A Minnesota native from Edina, Paige went to Hopkins High School in Minnetonka before becoming the face of the UConn Huskies from 2020 to 2025. Standing 6’0″, she led UConn to multiple Final Four runs and redefined consistency at the college level, which made her the no-brainer No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by Dallas.
Off the court, Paige is just as interesting. She’s applied to trademark “Paige Buckets,” advocates loudly and proudly for Black female athletes, and is affectionately known by teammates as the team’s “iPad kid” (film junkie, obviously). In 2024, she became the first college athlete ever to release a Nike Player Edition shoe—casual history-making. She grew up playing baseball, soccer, and football, is childhood friends with NBA guard Jalen Suggs, has a growing list of sponsorships, and—random but true—doesn’t eat seafood. Superstardom, but with personality.
Cameron Brink
Cameron Brink is a 6’4″ American WNBA forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, known for her lockdown defense, shot-blocking instincts, and an all-around presence that makes life very uncomfortable for opponents. She was selected No. 2 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft—and judging by her impact so far, it didn’t take long to see why.
Before going pro, Cameron starred at Stanford, where she helped lead the Stanford Cardinal to an NCAA championship and collected multiple Pac-12 honors along the way. Defense was her calling card, but her game grew into something far more complete—smart, physical, and quietly ruthless.
Basketball is basically her family language. Both of her parents played at Virginia Tech, and her mom was college roommates with Sonya Curry—yes, that Curry—making Stephen Curry her godbrother. Casual. As a kid, Cameron even lived in Amsterdam for three years while her parents worked at Nike, giving her an unexpectedly international upbringing.
Ironically, despite all that basketball DNA, she didn’t initially love the sport. As a kid, she was more into art and creative pursuits, only fully falling for basketball around age 13. Fast-forward a few years, and she’s one of the most feared defenders in the league.
Off the court, Cameron has become a fashion favourite, known for her bold, trendy game-day outfits—often shared on TikTok—and proving that you can swat shots and serve looks in the same night. Defense, drip, and depth? Cameron Brink checks all the boxes.
Lexie Brown
Lexie Brown is an American professional basketball guard who’s built a reputation on resilience, range, and leadership. She’s played across the WNBA with teams like the Chicago Sky—where she won a championship in 2021—and the Seattle Storm. Drafted 9th overall in 2018, Lexie entered the league after a college career split between the Maryland Terrapins and the Duke Blue Devils, because one powerhouse program apparently wasn’t enough.
Her journey hasn’t always been smooth. In 2024, Lexie was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which sidelined her for part of the season—but she returned healthy, managed the condition, and quickly became an outspoken advocate for athletes dealing with chronic illness. Tough, transparent, and still knocking down shots.
Beyond the court, Lexie is also helping shape the future of the sport. She serves on the executive committee for Athletes Unlimited, giving players a real voice in league decisions. On the stat sheet, she’s had big nights too, including a career-high 26 points during stints with Minnesota in 2020 and Phoenix in 2023.
Athleticism runs deep in the family—her father is a former NBA player, and she has relatives who’ve competed in professional football and college sports. Add it all up, and Lexie Brown is more than just a sharpshooter: she’s a champion, a leader, and proof that perseverance belongs in every box score.
Katie Lou Samuelson
Katie Lou Samuelson is a 6’3″ American WNBA forward celebrated for her silky three-point shot, high basketball IQ, and a résumé that reads like a highlight reel. She became a star at the UConn Huskies, where she won national championships and even set an NCAA record by going a perfect 10-for-10 from deep in a single game. When Katie Lou gets hot, the net barely moves.
Basketball is basically the family business. Her father, Jon, played professionally in Europe; her mother, Karen, was an All-England netball standout before moving to the U.S.; and her sisters Bonnie and Karlie both played college hoops at Stanford. Katie Lou herself started playing at age five and went on to dominate at Mater Dei High School, sweeping major honors like Gatorade, USA Today, and the Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year awards.
Fun details? She wears No. 33 as a nod to Larry Bird, brings a calm, veteran presence to the floor, and somehow makes tough shots look routine. Elite shooter, hoops lifer, and born winner—Katie Lou Samuelson is exactly who you want spacing the floor when it matters.
Kelsey Plum
Kelsey Plum is one of the most accomplished—and unapologetically confident—players in women’s basketball. A star guard for the Los Angeles Sparks in the Women’s National Basketball Association, she’s also an Olympian, a walking bucket, and a certified big-moment performer. Fans know her as “Plum Dawg,” a nickname that fits her fearless style perfectly (and yes, it’s also the name of her basketball camps).
Before the WNBA, Plum made history at the Washington Huskies, where she shattered the NCAA all-time scoring record. In the pros, she’s collected hardware like the Sixth Woman of the Year Award, an All-Star MVP, and Olympic gold in 3×3 basketball—because apparently winning once wasn’t enough.
Her journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Kelsey has openly said that tearing her Achilles was “the best thing that happened to her,” forcing her to reset, grow, and gain a new perspective on the game and life. She’s also been candid about having dyslexia and how it shaped her experience in school, using her story to encourage others who learn differently.
Athleticism runs deep in her family—her parents and sisters all played college sports across volleyball, football, and baseball—and Kelsey herself was a state champion in both basketball and volleyball in high school. Off the court, she’s married to NFL star Darren Waller and continues to give back through her Dawg Class camps.
Napheesa Collier
Napheesa Collier—better known as “Phee”—is one of the WNBA’s true do-it-all stars. Born on September 23, 1996, she’s a cornerstone of the Minnesota Lynx and widely regarded as an elite two-way force: dominant on offense, relentless on defense, and calm under pressure. Her trophy shelf backs it up—WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2019, Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, and two Olympic gold medals. Casual greatness.
Phee’s impact goes beyond the court. She co-founded the women’s 3-on-3 league Unrivaled alongside Breanna Stewart, helping create new opportunities and visibility for the game. She’s also shown her personality off the hardwood as a co-host of Tea with A & Phee with A’ja Wilson, because basketball IQ pairs nicely with good conversation.
By the end of the 2025 season, Collier joined an exclusive WNBA club reserved for the league’s most complete players—another quiet flex in a career full of them. As of early 2026, she’s slated for ankle surgery with an expected recovery timeline of four to six months. Translation: a brief pause for a player who’s already proven she always comes back stronger.
Monique Billings
Monique Charice Billings (born May 2, 1996) is an American professional basketball player known for her versatility, energy, and openness off the court. As of 2025, she plays for the Golden State Valkyries in the Women’s National Basketball Association, bringing experience, leadership, and a whole lot of heart to the league’s newest franchise.
The daughter of Chuck and Jane Billings, Monique grew up in a very feminine, “girly” household—and fun fact, she originally started playing basketball mainly to make her dad happy. Safe to say, it stuck. Over time, the game became her own, and she’s since carved out a respected WNBA career as a do-it-all forward.
Beyond basketball, Monique is a passionate advocate for mental wellness. She openly incorporates meditation and mindfulness into her routine (often using Insight Timer) to stay grounded and game-ready. When she’s not on the court, you’ll likely find her exploring fashion, practicing yoga or Pilates, or—because she contains multitudes—backpacking through Patagonia.
With the Valkyries, Monique has embraced a proud “big sis” role, consistently talking about the importance of supporting younger players and building a healthy team culture from the ground up. Versatile player, mindful leader, and emotional anchor—Monique Billings is proof that strength comes in more than one form.
Arella Guirantes
Arella Karin Guirantes (born October 15, 1997) is a professional basketball guard known for her smooth versatility and ability to score from just about anywhere. She’s made an impact both in the WNBA and internationally, proudly representing Puerto Rico women’s national basketball team—including on the biggest stage of all at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
In 2024, Arella went into full takeover mode at the Centrobasket Championship, leading Puerto Rico to gold while averaging over 31 points per game and earning Tournament MVP honours. That wasn’t just a hot streak—that was dominance.
Her talents don’t stop at basketball. Arella is also an accomplished saxophone player, enjoys playing chess (explains the court IQ), and balances creativity with competitiveness. During her redshirt junior season at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2019–20), she averaged 20.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game—numbers that made pro scouts pay attention.
She’s also added international silverware to her résumé, winning the Italian Cup in 2024 and earning a spot on Eurobasket.com’s All–FIBA Olympic Games Honorable Mention list. Scorer, strategist, musician, and winner—Arella Guirantes is clearly playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.
Karlie Samuelson
Karlie Anne Samuelson (born May 10, 1995) is an American professional basketball sharpshooter who keeps busy on both sides of the Atlantic. She plays for Perfumerías Avenida in Spain’s Liga Femenina, and also suits up for the Seattle Storm in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Jet lag? Probably. Buckets? Definitely.
Karlie played her college basketball at Stanford Cardinal, continuing a full-on family tradition—her sisters Bonnie and Katie Lou Samuelson also played Division I basketball, because apparently that was the house rule.
Internationally, Karlie followed sister Bonnie’s lead by representing the Great Britain women’s national basketball team, using her mother’s nationality. She made her debut in February 2018 and featured in EuroBasket Women 2019 qualifiers, quickly proving she could shoot lights-out in any uniform.
She also competed in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where Great Britain narrowly missed out on a spot—but Karlie still averaged a solid 10.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 2 rebounds. Not bad for someone balancing continents, leagues, and a family legacy built entirely on jump shots.
Marina Mabrey
Marina Mabrey (born September 14, 1996) is an American professional basketball guard who brings confidence, range, and edge to the court for the Dallas Wings in the Women’s National Basketball Association. She entered the WNBA after being selected 19th overall in the 2019 draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, following a standout college career at the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and international experience with the U.S. women’s U19 national team.
In August 2024, Marina added something new to her résumé when she was announced as part of the inaugural season of Unrivaled, the women’s 3-on-3 league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. Unfortunately, preseason plans hit a snag when Mabrey suffered a right calf injury that sidelined her for at least two weeks, causing her to miss the start of the 2025 season. She ultimately appeared in just three games—short, frustrating, but still notable.
The Unrivaled chapter wasn’t over, though. On November 5, 2025, Mabrey was drafted by Lunar Owls BC for the 2026 Unrivaled season, setting up a fresh opportunity for a full run. Shooter’s mentality intact, chip on her shoulder reactivated—Marina Mabrey rarely stays quiet for long.
Satou Sabally
Satou Sabally is a professional basketball player best described as a full-on unicorn—and yes, that’s a compliment. Standing 6’4″, she’s known for her rare ability to do a little bit of everything on the court: score, rebound, facilitate, defend, and somehow guard positions one through five without breaking a sweat. Speed, skill, size—she checked every box and then added a few of her own.
That “unicorn” label comes from exactly that mix. She moves like a guard, plays like a forward, and disrupts games like a defensive specialist, all rolled into one. Born to a Gambian father and a German mother, Satou grew up in a lively household with seven children, speaking both German and English and learning early how to hold her own.
Ironically, basketball wasn’t her first love. Growing up in Germany, she originally played soccer and only picked up a basketball around age nine—after being spotted at a playground. A casual discovery, clearly life-changing. Talent tends to announce itself.
Basketball also runs in the family. Her younger sister, Nyara Sabally, is a WNBA player too, making the Sabally name one to remember. Off the court, Satou is just as impactful, actively involved in player-led social justice initiatives and outspoken about improving pay and working conditions in women’s basketball. In short: versatile, vocal, and impossible to ignore—exactly what a unicorn should be.
Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark (born January 22, 2002) is an American professional basketball star for the Indiana Fever in the Women’s National Basketball Association—and yes, she’s already living legend territory. Widely considered one of the greatest college players of all time, Caitlin completely rewrote the record books during her time at the Iowa Hawkeyes, breaking NCAA scoring records and changing how the world watches women’s basketball.
That surge in attention? The packed arenas, massive TV ratings, and nonstop highlights? It’s commonly called the “Caitlin Clark Effect.” She didn’t just show up—she shifted the culture.
Growing up, Caitlin was the ultimate multi-sport kid, playing everything from softball and volleyball to soccer, tennis, and golf. In high school, she casually dropped 60 points in a single game, just in case anyone was wondering if the hype came out of nowhere. After she graduated, Iowa retired her iconic No. 22 jersey—because some numbers are just done after that.
She wasted no time making history in the pros too, becoming the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double. Her basketball idol growing up? None other than Maya Moore—which feels poetic, considering Caitlin is now inspiring the next generation the same way. Shooter, showstopper, and full-on movement, Caitlin Clark isn’t just playing the game—she’s redefining it.
Lauren Cox
Lauren Cox is an American professional basketball player known for her elite college run at Baylor—and for changing the conversation around chronic illness in pro sports. A 6’4″ forward, she was drafted third overall in the 2020 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, entering the league with both talent and purpose.
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just seven years old, Lauren didn’t just make it to the WNBA—she made history. She became the first WNBA player to actively compete while using both a continuous glucose monitor and an insulin pump. In other words: elite hoops and elite self-management. Alongside her sister Whitney, she was co-awarded the 2020 USBWA Pat Summitt Award for Courage, recognizing their advocacy and inspiration for young people living with T1D.
Before the pros, Lauren was a force at Baylor and was rated the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2016 class by ESPN HoopGurlz—so yes, the hype was very real. Internationally, she’s also been a defensive anchor with Australia’s Townsville Fire, proving her impact travels well.
Power forward, pioneer, and role model—Lauren Cox shows that resilience isn’t just part of the story, it is the story.
Kaila Charles
Kaila Charles (born March 23, 1998) is an American professional basketball player who brings grit and consistency to the Connecticut Sun in the Women’s National Basketball Association. She starred in college at the Maryland Terrapins, where her tough, do-it-all style made her a fan favourite before she was selected 23rd overall by the Sun in the 2020 WNBA Draft.
Athletic excellence runs in the family. Kaila’s mother, Ruperta, was an Olympic-level track athlete at Howard University, setting the bar high and providing some serious inspiration. Kaila often credits her faith—along with her parents’ sacrifices and relentless work ethic—as the fuel behind her drive. In short: grounded, motivated, and built for the long game.
Dearica Hamby
Dearica Hamby (born November 6, 1993) is one of the WNBA’s most respected grinders—tough, versatile, and seemingly impossible to wear down. A three-time WNBA All-Star (2021, 2022, 2024), two-time Sixth Woman of the Year (2019, 2020), and a 2022 WNBA Champion, she’s built a career on outworking everyone in the building. No shortcuts, just hustle.
The wild part? She didn’t even start playing basketball until high school—before that, she was all about softball. Fast-forward a few years and she’s bullying defenders in the paint like she was born for it. Off the court, she’s a proud sneakerhead with a partnership with Jordan Brand, proving you can dominate the boards and the shoe game.
Recently, Hamby has been enjoying a full-on career renaissance with the Los Angeles Sparks. In 2024, she earned another All-Star nod and took home the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award. Then in the 2025 season, she quietly put up monster numbers—averaging 18.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game—just in case anyone forgot how good she is. Late bloomer, locker-room leader, and certified force: Dearica Hamby is built different.
DiJonai Carrington
DiJonai Carrington (born January 8, 1998) is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Lynx in the Women’s National Basketball Association—and one of the league’s most relentless perimeter defenders. Known for her nonstop energy and lockdown mentality, she earned WNBA Most Improved Player honors in 2024 and a spot on the All-Defensive First Team. Translation: guards have a very long night when she’s around.
Athleticism runs deep in the family. DiJonai is the daughter of former NFL wide receiver Darren Carrington and track standout Vickie Carrington, and her brother Darren Carrington II played college football at Oregon and Utah. Still, nothing about her success was handed to her. She battled through an incredible six knee surgeries before turning 25—including tears to both ACLs—and came back stronger, tougher, and somehow faster.
Her signature move? The now-famous “seatbelt” celebration—thrown on after a defensive stop to let everyone know her opponent is officially locked down. In 2025, she added another milestone by becoming a Reebok-endorsed athlete, following in her father’s footsteps and adding sneaker credibility to her résumé.
Off the court, DiJonai is just as versatile. She’s worked as a sports broadcaster, serving as a game analyst, and—fun fact—was calling high school games as a play-by-play announcer when she was a kid. Defense ace, comeback queen, and mic-ready multitasker—DiJonai Carrington brings intensity to everything she does.
Shakira Austin
Shakira Austin (born July 25, 2000) is an American professional basketball player holding it down in the paint for the Washington Mystics of the Women’s National Basketball Association. A powerful center-forward with serious defensive instincts, she was selected third overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft—and has been making life difficult for opponents ever since.
Before turning pro, Shakira starred at the Maryland Terrapins, where she set a school record with 89 blocks in a single season. Translation: if you brought the ball into the paint, it probably wasn’t coming back with you.
Off the court, she’s just as intentional. Shakira is passionate about fashion and has openly talked about launching a clothing line designed specifically for tall girls—because sleeves and inseams should actually fit. In late 2025, she also hosted her first Beyond the Arch: Autism Basketball Camp, welcoming kids aged 5–14 and using the game to build confidence, inclusion, and joy. Defender, designer-in-the-making, and community builder—Shakira Austin is doing it all.
Megan Gustafson
Megan Gustafson is an American–Spanish professional basketball player who brings steady production and veteran calm to the Las Vegas Aces in the Women’s National Basketball Association (as of the 2025 season). Long before the Caitlin Clark era, Megan was the force for the Iowa Hawkeyes—a dominant college star who turned that success into a reliable WNBA and international career.
She also made a bit of history along the way, becoming the first former Iowa player to win a WNBA championship. Off the court (and across borders), Megan obtained Spanish citizenship, which opened the door for her to represent Spain at the 2024 Summer Olympics—because why limit yourself to one national team when you can play on the biggest stage?
Megan hails from the small town of Port Wing, Wisconsin, where “center” might still mean “the tall kid who does everything.” Iowa loved her so much they retired her No. 10 jersey, which tells you just about everything. In 2025, she added “children’s author” to her résumé, publishing a book inspired by her corgi—proof that post moves and puppy stories can coexist. During the 2025 season with the Aces, she averaged around 3 points and 1.8 rebounds per game, quietly doing her job and adding depth to a championship-level roster. Steady, decorated, and delightfully low-key, Megan Gustafson keeps winning in her own lane.
Angel Reese
Angel Reese (born May 6, 2002) is an American professional basketball player bringing confidence, intensity, and nonstop hustle to the Chicago Sky in the Women’s National Basketball Association. She played her college ball at LSU Tigers and Maryland Terrapins, building a reputation as a fearless competitor who never shies away from the moment.
Before the bright lights of college hoops, Angel starred at Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore, where she earned McDonald’s All-American honors in 2020 and was ranked the No. 2 player in her class by ESPN. Translation: the hype was real—and earned.
She’s modeled her game after elite talent like Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons, and WNBA stars Candace Parker and A’ja Wilson, blending versatility, physicality, and court vision into one very loud (and effective) package. Angel is also known for her unapologetic confidence and elite-level trash talk—because sometimes mindset is the advantage. Former Maryland coach Brenda Frese even compared her competitive fire to ex-star Shatori Walker-Kimbrough.
Love her or hate her, Angel Reese makes one thing clear: she’s here to dominate—and she’s not whispering about it.
NaLyssa Smith
NaLyssa Smith (born August 8, 2000) is an American professional basketball player powering the frontcourt for the Indiana Fever in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Before going pro, she starred at Baylor Bears, where she collected hardware—including the prestigious Wade Trophy—and made herself impossible to ignore. Indiana certainly noticed, selecting her second overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft.
On the international stage, NaLyssa has worn Team USA colours too. She helped the U.S. win gold at the 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Championship in Mexico City, showing early that big moments don’t scare her. She was also selected for the U.S. U19 team for the 2019 World Cup, though injury concerns kept her sidelined that time around.
Strong, skilled, and still ascending, NaLyssa Smith brings power with polish—and she’s only getting started.
Cheyenne Parker
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus is a seasoned WNBA power forward currently suiting up for the Las Vegas Aces (2025–present). A decade-long league veteran, she’s known for doing a bit of everything—scoring, rebounding, defending—and doing it with grit. Resilient isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s basically her brand.
Case in point: in 2025, Cheyenne pulled off one of the most impressive comebacks you’ll ever see, returning to the court just 10 weeks after giving birth and promptly dropping 8 points in 8 minutes. Efficiency, thy name is Parker-Tyus.
A proud mother of two, she’s been refreshingly open about the realities of balancing elite professional basketball with motherhood. Whether she’s battling in the paint or speaking honestly about life off the court, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus continues to show that strength comes in many forms—and sometimes it comes with a baby bag on the side.
Diamond DeShields
Diamond DeShields (born March 5, 1995) is an American professional basketball player known for her explosive athleticism, smooth scoring touch, and one of the most inspiring comeback stories in the WNBA. Drafted third overall in 2018 by the Chicago Sky, she burst into the league as a highlight machine—and never really stopped turning heads.
Before the pros, Diamond was already a star in the making. She was the No. 3 ranked recruit in the class of 2013 and a McDonald’s All-American, with raw talent that translated instantly. As a kid, she didn’t just dominate on the basketball court—she also excelled in baseball, which explains the coordination, power, and confidence she plays with today.
Her career hasn’t been limited to the U.S. either. Diamond has played for top-level clubs in Turkey and Italy, proving her game travels just fine. Along the way, she also overcame a career-threatening spinal tumor—an obstacle that would’ve ended many careers, but only added to her legend.
In recent years, she’s suited up for several WNBA teams, including the Phoenix Mercury, Dallas Wings, and the Connecticut Sun. She was waived by Connecticut on May 15, 2025, following an ankle injury suffered during training camp—but if Diamond DeShields has taught fans anything, it’s never to count her out. Talent like that has a habit of finding its way back to the spotlight.
Kamilla Cardoso
Kamilla Soares Cardoso (born April 30, 2001) is a Brazilian professional basketball player towering over the paint for the Chicago Sky in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Standing a commanding 6’7″, she’s a true center in every sense—powerful, dominant, and impossible to ignore. Before going pro, she won two NCAA championships with the South Carolina Gamecocks, which helped earn her the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She’s also taken her game global, playing for the Guangdong Vermilion Birds in China’s WCBA.
Kamilla’s journey is as impressive as her wingspan. She left Brazil at just 15 years old—alone—to chase her basketball dream in the United States, knowing only three words of English (Talk about learning on the fly). She did more than adapt; she thrived, earning a degree in psychology along the way and becoming a leader on and off the court.
Often nicknamed the “Brazilian Warrior” by teammates, Kamilla has never hidden her motivation: she started this journey to build a better life for her family back home. In 2025, she showed just how far she’s come by dropping a career-high 27 points in a WNBA game. From fearless teenager to dominant pro, Kamilla Cardoso’s story is proof that sometimes the biggest leaps lead to the biggest rewards.
Tiffany Mitchell
Tiffany Mitchell (born September 23, 1994) is an American professional basketball player bringing experience and scoring punch to the Indiana Fever of the Women’s National Basketball Association. She attended Providence Day School before starring at the South Carolina Gamecocks, where she wrapped up her college career and was selected ninth overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft. Multitasker alert: she also graduated that same year with a B.S. in Retail Management—because buckets and business can coexist.
Tiffany’s impact goes well beyond the WNBA. In November 2023, she joined Rwandan club REG Women’s Basketball Club for the FIBA Africa Women’s Basketball League, and promptly took over. She finished the season as the league’s top scorer, averaging a ridiculous 23.7 points per game while shooting 45.2% from the field and 40% from deep. Efficient, fearless, and internationally certified—Tiffany Mitchell knows how to light it up anywhere in the world.
Julie Allemand
Julie Allemand (born July 7, 1996) is a Belgian basketball standout bringing poise, vision, and plenty of flair to the Chicago Sky in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Before her WNBA chapter, she sharpened her game in Europe with Lyon ASVEL Féminin and has long been a key piece of the Belgium women’s national basketball team. She was originally selected in the third round of the 2016 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever—proof that draft position doesn’t define destiny.
On the international stage, Julie has been everywhere that matters. She competed at the 2018 and 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cups and represented Belgium at the 2020 Summer Olympics. She unfortunately missed the 2024 Olympics due to injury, but if resilience were an Olympic sport, she’d medal there too.
Her trophy case? Busy. Julie has been named to the EuroBasket All-Star Five three times (2021, 2023, and 2025), helping Belgium finish third in 2021 and win it all in 2023 and 2025. Calm, clutch, and quietly dominant—Julie Allemand is the kind of player who makes the game look easier than it actually is (which is saying something).
A’ja Wilson
A’ja Riyadh Wilson (born August 8, 1996) is an American professional basketball superstar anchoring the Las Vegas Aces in the Women’s National Basketball Association—and honestly, the résumé speaks for itself. Before taking over the WNBA, A’ja dominated college basketball at the South Carolina Gamecocks, where she led the program to its first-ever NCAA women’s championship in 2017 and earned Most Outstanding Player honors in the process.
Her senior season in 2018 was basically a victory lap. She won her third straight SEC Player of the Year award, helped South Carolina claim a fourth consecutive SEC Tournament title, became the all-time leading scorer in program history, and was named a consensus first-team All-American for the third year in a row. Then she did something almost unheard of: she swept every major National Player of the Year award—Wade, AP, Honda, USBWA, Wooden, and Naismith. No debate, no discussion. Just dominance.
The WNBA wasted no time. A’ja was selected first overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Aces and quickly proved she belonged at the very top, winning WNBA MVP in 2020. That same year, she added Olympic gold at the 2020 Summer Olympics—because why not collect hardware on a global scale too?
Stefanie Dolson
Stefanie Dolson is an American professional basketball player best known as one of the WNBA’s most versatile centers—and proudly nicknamed “Big Mama Stef.” She currently plays for the Washington Mystics and brings a rare mix of size, shooting touch, and basketball IQ to the floor. Yes, a center who can really shoot—and yes, it’s as useful as it sounds. Her trophy case includes a WNBA championship (2021) and an Olympic gold medal from the 2020 Summer Olympics, so she’s not short on credentials.
Stefanie is also famously loyal to the little things that don’t always show up in box scores. She’s been a vocal advocate for “screen assists” being tracked as official stats, because if your pick frees up a teammate for a bucket, that counts—and she’s ready to argue that point politely but firmly.
During the WNBA offseason, Big Mama Stef has taken her game global, playing in countries like Russia, Turkey, China, and Italy. Off the court, she enjoys watching tennis (because individual pressure is fascinating) and is a self-professed Game of Thrones fan—dragons optional, dominance required.
Smart, skilled, and unapologetically herself, Stefanie Dolson proves that basketball brilliance doesn’t always look the same—and sometimes comes with a really good screen.
Kayla McBride
Kayla McBride (born June 25, 1992) is one of the WNBA’s most reliable flamethrowers—a premier shooting guard known for clutch buckets, smooth footwork, and steady leadership. She currently suits up for the Minnesota Lynx in the Women’s National Basketball Association and pulls double duty overseas with Fenerbahçe, because elite scorers don’t limit themselves to one continent.
Her nickname, “McBuckets,” isn’t branding—it’s a scouting report. Kayla’s three-point shooting and shot-making instincts have made her a go-to option wherever she plays. The road wasn’t always smooth, though. Early in her college career at the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, she faced academic challenges that forced her to recalibrate. She did—and came out stronger on the other side.
Off the court, Kayla has been refreshingly open about her experiences with anxiety, especially during the 2020 WNBA bubble, helping normalize mental health conversations in pro sports. She also gave back to her alma mater as a player development manager on Notre Dame’s coaching staff from 2019–2020. Shooter, leader, and real one—Kayla McBride gets buckets and keeps it honest.
Jackie Young
Jackie Young (born September 16, 1997) is an American professional basketball star holding it down for the Las Vegas Aces in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Drafted first overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft, she’s built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable, do-it-all guards—quietly deadly and always in control.
Before the pros, Jackie shined at Princeton Community High School and then starred for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where she reached two NCAA championship games and won it all in 2018. She’s also an Olympic gold medalist, capturing gold in women’s 3×3 basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics—because versatility is kind of her thing.
In June 2024, Jackie was named to Team USA for the 2024 Summer Olympics, joining her Aces teammates Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and A’ja Wilson. The result? A heart-stopping 67–66 win over France in the final, earning Jackie her first Olympic 5×5 gold medal and extending Team USA’s dominance with an eighth straight Olympic title.
Calm, clutch, and endlessly dependable, Jackie Young doesn’t chase the spotlight—she just keeps winning in it.
Amanda Zahui B.
Amanda Zahui Bazoukou (born September 8, 1993), better known as Amanda Zahui B., is a Swedish basketball veteran whose career has taken her just about everywhere hoops are played. She currently suits up for the Los Angeles Sparks in the Women’s National Basketball Association, bringing size, experience, and international flair to the frontcourt.
After starting her career in Sweden, Amanda made an immediate splash in the WNBA when she was selected second overall in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock. Since then, she’s embraced the globetrotting basketball life. In December 2023, she joined the Townsville Fire in Australia’s WNBL for the remainder of the 2023–24 season, adding yet another country to her résumé.
The travel didn’t stop there. During the 2024–25 season, she split time between Europe—playing for Polkowice in Poland from October to November 2024, then heading to Italy in January 2025 to suit up for BC Castelnuovo Scrivia. For the 2025–26 season, Amanda continued her European tour by signing with BK Žabiny Brno in the Czech Republic.
In short: elite draft pick, seasoned pro, and certified basketball world traveler. Amanda Zahui B. doesn’t just play the game—she takes it international.
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