Strength in the WNBA isn’t just about size—it’s about grit, finesse, and the ability to take over a game when it matters most. These athletes didn’t just play the game; they changed the way we think about what women can do on the court.
From physical dominance to game-breaking versatility, this list celebrates the players who brought power and precision in equal measure. Whether they bullied their way to the basket or dazzled with next-level footwork, these women redefined what strength and skill look like in professional basketball.
14. Sylvia Fowles
Sylvia Fowles was a walking double-double with strength that could shake the paint. She made rebounding look effortless and made defenders think twice about stepping in her path.
13. Alyssa Thomas
Playing through injuries with a toughness few could match, Alyssa Thomas turned every possession into a battle. Her combination of physicality and court vision made her one of the most unique threats in the league.
12. Lisa Leslie
Lisa Leslie brought poise and power to the WNBA from day one and even threw down the league’s first dunk. She was graceful, dominant, and completely unbothered by anyone in her way.
11. Jonquel Jones
Jonquel Jones made versatility look easy with her mix of rim protection, three-point shooting, and sneaky strength. She could stretch the floor or own the paint—sometimes both in the same possession.
10. Seimone Augustus
Seimone Augustus had a smooth scoring touch that masked her relentless intensity. Her ability to create space and absorb contact turned her into a nightmare matchup for defenders.
9. A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson brings a modern power game with elite footwork and all-out effort on both ends. Her blend of strength, scoring, and defense is redefining what a franchise player looks like.
8. Elena Delle Donne
Elena Delle Donne’s smooth shooting and unshakable control made her a matchup nightmare. Her skill was undeniable, but her resilience and strength in the face of injuries made her legendary.
7. Rebekkah Brunson
Rebekkah Brunson brought physicality and hustle that didn’t show up on stat sheets but won championships. She was the kind of player who thrived in the chaos and came out with the ball every time.
6. Nneka Ogwumike
Nneka Ogwumike is a master of efficiency and strength in motion. Whether it’s setting rock-solid screens or finishing through contact, she plays like a technician with power tools.
5. Brittney Griner
Brittney Griner changed the game with her shot-blocking and sheer presence in the paint. Her dunks got the headlines, but her interior dominance kept the opponents up at night.
4. Tamika Catchings
Tamika Catchings played with ferocious intensity and elite skill for nearly two decades. She was a defensive terror, a clutch scorer, and a leader who never took a possession off the court.
3. Candace Parker
Candace Parker could do it all—handle, pass, rebound, and defend—with a calmness that belied her strength. She redefined what a forward could be and made it look ridiculously smooth.
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2. Maya Moore
Maya Moore combined quiet strength with cold-blooded skill in the biggest moments. She didn’t just play; she imposed her will, stacking championships and MVPs like it was nothing.
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1. Diana Taurasi
Diana Taurasi brought fire, power, and a level of skill that felt practically unfair. She bulldozed defenses and redefined greatness since the moment she stepped into the league.
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