Miami native and Minnesota Lynx star Sylvia Fowles sets WNBA all-time rebounding record
Few athletes have the resume of Sylvia Fowles.
There’s the two championships, the two Finals MVPs, the three Olympic gold medals, not to mention the numerous All-WNBA and All-Defensive team appearances. But if there was any doubt before, Fowles’ latest accomplishment — becoming the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder — solidifies at least one thing: She is South Florida sports legend.
The moment came Tuesday night against the Seattle Storm just before the end of the first half. Breanna Stewart’s three-point attempt clanked off the rim into the hands of the leaping Fowles who, as she’s done more than 3,000 times, fought off defenders to secure the board.
“It still feels surreal at this moment,” Fowles told ESPN after the game, “but I think I’ll have time for it to soak in tomorrow and appreciate all the hard work I’ve put in the last 13 [seasons].”
That rebound — her 3,357th — allowed Fowles to surpass her former Minnesota Lynx teammate and current assistant coach Rebekkah Brunson. The two shared a special moment at halftime.
Fowles’ historic night ultimately ended with a loss as the Lynx fell to the Storm 90-66. She recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds, the 165th double-double of her career.
A Miami native, Fowles grew up in Liberty City and led Edison High to two state championships. She then transferred to Gulliver Prep where she picked up one last state title.
A successful four-year career at LSU followed with the Chicago Sky later selecting Fowles at No. 2 in the 2008 WNBA Draft. She was traded to the Lynx in 2015, winning her first championship that same year and picking up another in 2017. Her last title also coincided with her one and only regular-season MVP.
“The trade was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life,” Fowles told ESPN, “and probably one of the hardest decisions as well, having to sit out half a season. But I’m glad I stuck to my guns, and I ended up in a great place.”
This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 1:06 PM.
