14 WNBA Athletes Who Redefined Strength and Skill

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

Jul 14, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Team USA center Sylvia Fowles (13) dribbles around WNBA All Star forward Brionna Jones (42) during the WNBA All Star Game at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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

Jul 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) between plays against the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

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

Aug 23, 2008; Beijing, CHINA; USA center Lisa Leslie (9) shoots against Australia center Lauren Jackson (right) during the womens basketball gold medal basketball game at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. USA defeated Australia 92-65 to win the gold medal. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-Imagn Images
Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

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

Jun 19, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) is boxed out by Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) and guard Kitija Laksa (9) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
John Jones-Imagn Images

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

Sep 17, 2020; Palmetto, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Seimone Augustus (33) guards Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (left) during the second half at the FELD entertainment complex. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

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

Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; USA Women's National Team forward A’ja Wilson (9) reacts after a play during the first half against the Team WNBA at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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

May 19, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne (11) drives to the basket as New York Liberty center Han Xu (21) defends in the fourth quarter at Entertainment & Sports Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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

Oct 4, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Rebekkah Brunson (32) celebrates after a basket in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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

Jul 22, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) shoots the ball agianst Dallas Wings center Luisa Geiselsoder (18) during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

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

Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner (42) is fouled by Washington Mystics forward Shakira Austin (0) during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park.
Dale Zanine / Imagn Images

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

Oct 14, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings (24) dribbles in the second quarter against the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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

Jun 4, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Aces forward Candace Parker (3) celebrates the win against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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.

Read more: The Best WNBA Draft Picks in the History of the League

2. Maya Moore

Oct 4, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Maya Moore (23) dribbles in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks guard Odyssey Sims (1) in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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.

Read more: The Best WNBA Rebounders of All Time

1. Diana Taurasi

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi smiles after hitting a three-pointer on Sept. 19, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix.
Owen Ziliak / Imagn Images

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.

Read more: 15 Surprising Side Effects of Strengthening Your Body

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