Basketball, often dubbed a game for the vertically gifted, acknowledges the advantage of height on the court, though it’s not an absolute determinant. In the realm of women’s basketball, the question of optimal height arises.
Yet, the WNBA has welcomed exceptionally tall women, demonstrating their prowess and tenacity in the physically demanding sport.
Moreover, in a sport known for its robust physicality, athletes have turned to various forms of protective gear, with detailed insights available on sportingsmiles.com.
Without delay, let’s delve into the lineup of the ten tall female basketball players in the storied history of the WNBA.
Below is the list top 10 tall female basketball players in WNBA History
| Sr. No. | Player Name | Height (feet) |
| 1 | Malgorzata Dydek | 7’2″ |
| 2 | Zheng Haixia | 6’8.5″ |
| 3 | Maria Alexandrovna Stepanova | 6’8″ |
| 4 | Elizabeth “Liz” Cambage | 6’8″ |
| 5 | Brittney Griner | 6’8″ |
| 6 | Lindsay Corine Taylor | 6’8″ |
| 7 | Katharen Ruth “Katie” Mattera | 6’7.5″ |
| 8 | Kara Wolters Drinan | 6’7″ |
| 9 | Sylvia Shaqueria Fowles | 6’6″ |
| 10 | Carolyn Moos | 6’6″ |
Below are the details of the top 10 tall female basketball players in WNBA History:
1. Malgorzata Dydek
Malgorzata Dydek, the towering presence among tall female basketball players, etches her name in history as the tallest woman to ever grace the basketball court. Measuring an impressive 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 metres), Dydek, born on April 28, 1974, showcased her skills as a centre for the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA.
Beyond her playing days, Dydek extended her influence to coaching, taking on the role with the Northside Wizards in the Queensland Basketball League. Sadly, her journey was cut short, as she passed away on May 27, 2011, succumbing to a heart attack.
2. Zheng Haixia
The succeeding luminary on the list of exceptionally tall female basketball players is Zheng Haixia, a retired professional renowned for her prowess both in China’s women’s national basketball team and on the international stage.
Standing at an imposing 6 feet 8.5 inches, Haixia also made her mark in the WNBA as part of the Los Angeles Sparks.
3. Maria Alexandrovna Stepanova
Maria Stepanova, a commanding figure in the realm of tall female basketball players, holds a stature of 6 feet 8 inches and proudly claims the title of the third tallest woman in the annals of women’s basketball history. Hailing from Russia, Stepanova’s achievements include securing bronze medals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, marking her prominence on the international stage.
While spending a period in the WNBA, she eventually made her triumphant return to Europe, where her remarkable skills earned her the illustrious FIBA Women’s Player of the Year award on three separate occasions.
4. Elizabeth “Liz” Cambage
In the line-up of towering women’s basketball players, Elizabeth emerges as the fourth tallest at a height of 6 feet 8 inches. Notably, she is the inaugural non-American entry on this list, proudly representing Australia.
Elizabeth’s achievements include clinching gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and silver in the 2018 World Cup as part of the national team.
Beyond her team successes, Elizabeth boasts an impressive individual record, holding the distinction of achieving the highest single-match scoring feat in the history of the WNBA, with an astounding 53 points. As of now, she continues to contribute her skills to the sport, plying her trade in Israel.
5. Brittney Griner
In the realm of tall female basketball players, Brittney Griner occupies the fifth spot, standing tall at 6 feet 8 inches, a stature she shares with Lindsay Tayler. Currently an active force on the court, Griner’s skills are put to use as she serves the Phoenix Mercury.
Hailing from the United States, she proudly wears the national colours and was a pivotal part of the gold-winning U.S.A. squad in the 2016 Olympics.
6. Lindsay Corine Taylor
Lindsay Tayler, claiming the sixth position in WNBA’s history of towering women, is another figure who stands at a remarkable 6 feet 8 inches. With several seasons under her belt in the WNBA and an extensive 13-season international career, Tayler’s contributions to the sport are undeniable.
The Washington Mystics marked her final WNBA team, a testament to her commitment. Notably, Tayler was born in the United States, adding to her deep connection with the game.
7. Katharen Ruth “Katie” Mattera
Among the ranks of tall female basketball players, Katharen Mattera, a former American professional, stands as a notable presence. With a commanding height of 6 feet 7.5 inches (2.02 meters), she secures her place among the tallest individuals in the storied history of the WNBA.
Mattera’s journey began when she was chosen by the Connecticut Sun in the 2005 WNBA Draft, precisely on April 16, 2005. However, her path quickly led her to the San Antonio Silver Stars in a trade that involved Margo Dydek, a name synonymous with height in girls’ basketball circles.
8. Kara Wolters Drinan
Kara, fondly recognized as the “Big Girl,” adds her legacy to the tapestry of the sport. As an American collegiate and professional player, she boasts a towering stature of six feet seven inches (2.01 meters), marking her as the tallest individual in the annals of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball history.
Beyond the collegiate realm, her presence was also felt in the WNBA, solidifying her status as one of the most towering women to have graced the league.
9. Sylvia Shaqueria Fowles
Sylvia Shaqueria Fowles, an eminent figure among tall American female basketball players, stands tall as a prominent member of the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA.
Having become a part of the Lynx family in July 2015, Fowles left an indelible mark by earning the coveted MVP title in the 2015 WNBA Finals. Her commanding height of 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 metres) is matched by her remarkable skillset, all while carrying a weight of 200 lbs.
10. Carolyn Moos
Another inclusion in the esteemed roster of towering female basketball players is Carolyn Moos, distinguished as an American professional basketball athlete.
Throughout her WNBA journey, Moos showcased her talents across three teams: the Phoenix Mercury, Miami Sol, and Minnesota Lynx. Her stature of 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 metres) is a testament to her presence in the game.
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