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Sylvia Fowles, a legendary figure in Minnesota Lynx history, has been selected for induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. This prestigious recognition honors Fowles’ remarkable career and her lasting impact on the WNBA and the sport of basketball.
A Dominant Force on the Court
“I am immensely proud that Syl is being recognized by the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame for her illustrious career. Syl is the most dominant center to ever play in the WNBA and was an impossible matchup on both ends of the floor. Syl would outwork you on duck-ins to score the ball, beat you to the spot to deny a post touch, and come across the lane from the help side to send a shot to the fifth row. But the joy she brought to the team, the franchise, and the fanbase every day is what we will cherish forever," said Minnesota Lynx Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations, Cheryl Reeve. “
Fowles, known for her incredible athleticism and defensive prowess, retired in 2022 after a 15-year career in the WNBA. She spent eight of those years with the Lynx, leaving a legacy as one of the most dominant centers the league has ever seen.
A Storied Career with Minnesota Lynx
Fowles was drafted No. 2 overall in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky after an impressive college career at Louisiana State University. In 2015, she was acquired by the Lynx, where she played a pivotal role in the team’s back-to-back WNBA championships in 2015 and 2017, earning Finals MVP honors both times.
Over the course of 408 regular season games, Fowles averaged 15.7 points per game, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.77 blocks. In the postseason, she elevated her play, contributing 14.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.68 blocks per game over 41 appearances. Her career statistics are a testament to her dominance: she currently holds the WNBA record for the highest career field goal percentage (59.9%) and ranks 12th all-time in points (6,415), 2nd in rebounds (4,006), 4th in blocks (721), and 2nd in double-doubles (193).
Accolades and Achievements
A key figure in the WNBA, Fowles earned numerous accolades throughout her career. She was an eight-time All-Star and was named the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2017. Fowles also captured Defensive Player of the Year honors four times (2011, 2013, 2016, 2021). Her Olympic achievements are equally impressive, with Fowles winning four gold medals with the USA Basketball Women’s National Team (2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020).
Her honors also include eight All-WNBA selections, as well as 11 All-Defensive Team recognitions (eight First Team, three Second Team). These accolades solidify Fowles as one of the greatest players in the history of the league.
Legacy Beyond Basketball
Off the court, Fowles was a dedicated advocate for her community. During her time in Minnesota, she was passionate about promoting youth health and wellness, organizing and participating in events related to her love for biking and gardening. Her commitment to making a positive impact led to her receiving the WNBA’s Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award in 2022.
In recognition of her contributions, the Lynx established the Sylvia Fowles Altruism Award, presented each season to a player who exemplifies Fowles' selflessness, kindness, and commitment to the well-being of others in the community.
Joining an Elite Group of Lynx Legends
Fowles will become the eighth player from the Minnesota Lynx to be inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, joining a distinguished group that includes Seimone Augustus, Teresa Edwards, Andrea Lloyd, Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Maya Moore, Katie Smith, and Lindsay Whalen.
The Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on June 14, 2025, at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Fowles will be officially enshrined as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Sylvia Fowles’ induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame marks the culmination of a legendary career and underscores her enduring legacy as one of the most dominant players in WNBA history.
