Meet 10 Inspiring Black WNBA Players Who Redefined Women’s Basketball

1. Griner Didn’t Fold, She Rose, 2. Lisa Changed the Game, Literally, 3. Candace Doesn’t Just Play, She Dominates, 4. Swoopes Was First, and Fierce, 5. Staley Stays Winning, 6. 6. Gabby Chose Herself And Won, 7. From Bench to Boss, 8. Courtney’s Got That Dog in Her, 9. Ariel’s Everywhere, 10. Angel’s Just Getting Started

Women’s basketball wouldn’t be the same without these trailblazing Black WNBA stars. From Brittney Griner’s unstoppable comeback to Angel Reese’s rookie record, these players have smashed barriers, made history, and changed the game forever. Ready to meet the 10 inspiring Black women who redefined women’s basketball? Let’s dive in!

1. Griner Didn’t Fold, She Rose

1. Griner Didn’t Fold, She Rose, 2. Lisa Changed the Game, Literally, 3. Candace Doesn’t Just Play, She Dominates, 4. Swoopes Was First, and Fierce, 5. Staley Stays Winning, 6. 6. Gabby Chose Herself And Won, 7. From Bench to Boss, 8. Courtney’s Got That Dog in Her, 9. Ariel’s Everywhere, 10. Angel’s Just Getting Started

Brittney Griner’s not just a baller, she’s a survivor. A six-time All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist, she powered through a Russian prison nightmare and came back stronger, earning a roaring WNBA return and a Time 100 honor in 2023.

2. Lisa Changed the Game, Literally

1. Griner Didn’t Fold, She Rose, 2. Lisa Changed the Game, Literally, 3. Candace Doesn’t Just Play, She Dominates, 4. Swoopes Was First, and Fierce, 5. Staley Stays Winning, 6. 6. Gabby Chose Herself And Won, 7. From Bench to Boss, 8. Courtney’s Got That Dog in Her, 9. Ariel’s Everywhere, 10. Angel’s Just Getting Started

Lisa Leslie dunked her way into history and never looked back. The 6’5 legend racked up three MVPs, four Olympic golds, and Hall of Fame honors. Now? She’s coaching in the BIG3 and still running the show like a boss.

3. Candace Doesn’t Just Play, She Dominates

1. Griner Didn’t Fold, She Rose, 2. Lisa Changed the Game, Literally, 3. Candace Doesn’t Just Play, She Dominates, 4. Swoopes Was First, and Fierce, 5. Staley Stays Winning, 6. 6. Gabby Chose Herself And Won, 7. From Bench to Boss, 8. Courtney’s Got That Dog in Her, 9. Ariel’s Everywhere, 10. Angel’s Just Getting Started

Candace Parker didn’t just win, she made history doing it. First woman to dunk in an NCAA tourney game, led the Sparks and Sky to titles, and changed every team she touched. She’s the blueprint. Straight up greatness, start to finish.

4. Swoopes Was First, and Fierce

1. Griner Didn’t Fold, She Rose, 2. Lisa Changed the Game, Literally, 3. Candace Doesn’t Just Play, She Dominates, 4. Swoopes Was First, and Fierce, 5. Staley Stays Winning, 6. 6. Gabby Chose Herself And Won, 7. From Bench to Boss, 8. Courtney’s Got That Dog in Her, 9. Ariel’s Everywhere, 10. Angel’s Just Getting Started

Sheryl Swoopes signed first, showed up late (thanks to motherhood), and still dominated. Three MVPs, three Olympic golds, and the first-ever WNBA triple-double? Yeah, she did all that. Swoopes proved greatness doesn’t wait for perfect timing, it just shows up.

5. Staley Stays Winning

1. Griner Didn’t Fold, She Rose, 2. Lisa Changed the Game, Literally, 3. Candace Doesn’t Just Play, She Dominates, 4. Swoopes Was First, and Fierce, 5. Staley Stays Winning, 6. 6. Gabby Chose Herself And Won, 7. From Bench to Boss, 8. Courtney’s Got That Dog in Her, 9. Ariel’s Everywhere, 10. Angel’s Just Getting Started

Dawn Staley’s a flat-out legend. First to win the Naismith as player and coach, six-time WNBA All-Star, and now the queen of South Carolina hoops. Three NCAA titles, eight SEC crowns, and a perfect 2024 season? She’s built a dynasty.

6. 6. Gabby Chose Herself And Won

1. Griner Didn’t Fold, She Rose, 2. Lisa Changed the Game, Literally, 3. Candace Doesn’t Just Play, She Dominates, 4. Swoopes Was First, and Fierce, 5. Staley Stays Winning, 6. 6. Gabby Chose Herself And Won, 7. From Bench to Boss, 8. Courtney’s Got That Dog in Her, 9. Ariel’s Everywhere, 10. Angel’s Just Getting Started

Gabby Williams stood her ground when the league didn’t. After getting suspended for chasing Olympic dreams, she took her talent overseas, where the checks were bigger and the respect was real. She knew her worth and never looked back.

7. From Bench to Boss

1. Griner Didn’t Fold, She Rose, 2. Lisa Changed the Game, Literally, 3. Candace Doesn’t Just Play, She Dominates, 4. Swoopes Was First, and Fierce, 5. Staley Stays Winning, 6. 6. Gabby Chose Herself And Won, 7. From Bench to Boss, 8. Courtney’s Got That Dog in Her, 9. Ariel’s Everywhere, 10. Angel’s Just Getting Started

Kahleah Copper waited her turn, then took over. After three years on the bench, she cracked the starting five in 2020 and never looked back. By 2021, she was Finals MVP, leading the Sky to their first-ever WNBA title. Straight hustle.

8. Courtney’s Got That Dog in Her

1. Griner Didn’t Fold, She Rose, 2. Lisa Changed the Game, Literally, 3. Candace Doesn’t Just Play, She Dominates, 4. Swoopes Was First, and Fierce, 5. Staley Stays Winning, 6. 6. Gabby Chose Herself And Won, 7. From Bench to Boss, 8. Courtney’s Got That Dog in Her, 9. Ariel’s Everywhere, 10. Angel’s Just Getting Started

Courtney Williams does it all, buckets, boards, steals, dimes. Just ask the Sparks. She’s one of only four to drop 15+ points, 10+ assists, 8+ boards, and 4+ steals in a game. Oh, and she’s got gold from South Korea too.

9. Ariel’s Everywhere

1. Griner Didn’t Fold, She Rose, 2. Lisa Changed the Game, Literally, 3. Candace Doesn’t Just Play, She Dominates, 4. Swoopes Was First, and Fierce, 5. Staley Stays Winning, 6. 6. Gabby Chose Herself And Won, 7. From Bench to Boss, 8. Courtney’s Got That Dog in Her, 9. Ariel’s Everywhere, 10. Angel’s Just Getting Started

From locking down scorers to locking in wins, Ariel Atkins does it all. She helped the Mystics win their first title, balled overseas, won Olympic gold, and now suits up for the Sky. All-Star? Check. Defense? Locked. Impact? No doubt.

10. Angel’s Just Getting Started

1. Griner Didn’t Fold, She Rose, 2. Lisa Changed the Game, Literally, 3. Candace Doesn’t Just Play, She Dominates, 4. Swoopes Was First, and Fierce, 5. Staley Stays Winning, 6. 6. Gabby Chose Herself And Won, 7. From Bench to Boss, 8. Courtney’s Got That Dog in Her, 9. Ariel’s Everywhere, 10. Angel’s Just Getting Started

Angel Reese crushed her rookie year with a rebound record and All-Star nod. Last year, she battled a tough wrist injury, but this Bayou-Barbie is ready to make a historic comeback and show the league what’s next.

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