Sylvia Shaqueria Fowles, born on October 6, 1985, in Miami, Florida, is a retired American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in WNBA history.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-6, Fowles dominated the paint with her physicality, skill, and relentless work ethic.
Raised by her mother, Arrittio Fowles, in some of Miami-Dade’s tougher neighborhoods—such as Coconut Grove, Little Haiti, and the Victory Home Housing Projects—Fowles found her calling in basketball, a sport she initially took up simply because of her height.
Though volleyball was her first love, her journey in basketball would ultimately lead her to become a transformative figure in the sport.
After retiring from the WNBA in 2022, Fowles transitioned to a new chapter, pursuing a degree in mortuary science and working part-time in funeral homes.
Siblings
Sylvia has three brothers, namely Walter, Jeremy and Morris Fowles and one sister Dorothy Fowles.
Raised primarily by her mother, Arrittio, Sylvia has often credited her family for their support throughout her basketball journey.
While details about her siblings’ lives remain private, Sylvia has spoken fondly of her upbringing, noting that her family’s encouragement played a significant role in her success.
Career
Fowles’ journey began at Edison Senior High School in Miami, where she led her team to two state championships before transferring to Gulliver Preparatory School.
At Louisiana State University (LSU), Fowles emerged as a collegiate standout, earning SEC Player of the Year honors in 2008 and setting the conference’s all-time rebounding record.
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in general studies in 2009, completing her education after embarking on her professional career.
Selected second overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2008 WNBA Draft, Fowles quickly established herself as a force in the league.
In her rookie season, she averaged 10.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, earning All-Rookie Team honors.
Over seven seasons with the Sky (2008–2014), she became a perennial All-Star and one of the league’s top defensive players.
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In 2015, Fowles was traded to the Minnesota Lynx, a move that would elevate her career to new heights.
With the Lynx, she won two WNBA Championships (2015, 2017), earning Finals MVP honors both times.
Her tenure with Minnesota also saw her claim the 2017 WNBA MVP award and solidify her status as the league’s all-time leading rebounder, surpassing Rebekkah Brunson in 2020 with a career total of 4,006 rebounds.
Internationally, Fowles represented Team USA with distinction, winning four Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) and a gold at the 2010 World Championship.
She also played overseas for teams like Spartak Moscow, Galatasaray Medical Park, Shanghai Swordfish, and Beijing Great Wall, further showcasing her global impact.
Fowles retired after the 2022 WNBA season, leaving behind a legacy of dominance, leadership, and sportsmanship.
Accolades
Fowles’ accolades include 2 WNBA Championships (2015, 2017), 2 WNBA Finals MVP awards (2015, 2017), the 2017 WNBA Most Valuable Player award, and 4 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards (2011, 2013, 2016, 2021), tying Tamika Catchings for the most in league history.
She was an 8-time WNBA All-Star, earned 3 All-WNBA First Team selections, 5 All-WNBA Second Team nods, 8 WNBA All-Defensive First Team honors, and 3 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team selections.
Fowles was named to the 2008 WNBA All-Rookie Team, led the league in rebounding 3 times (2013, 2018, 2022), and topped the blocks category twice (2010, 2011).
She retired as the WNBA’s career rebounding leader with 4,006 rebounds and consistently led the league in field goal percentage, finishing with a career mark of 59.9%.
In 2022, she received the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award, and in 2021, she was named to The W25 as one of the top 25 players in WNBA history.
Internationally, she won 4 Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) and a 2010 World Championship gold.
At LSU, she was the 2008 SEC Player of the Year.
Her No. 34 jersey was retired by both the Minnesota Lynx (2023) and LSU (2017–18 season), and she is set to be inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.
Fowles’ statistical dominance is matched by her impact off the court.
In 2023, the Lynx created the Sylvia Fowles Altruism Award to honor her kindness and community service, cementing her legacy as not just a player, but a person of profound influence.