Uljana Semjonova
Inducted:
1993
Player Stats
213 cm (7 ft 0 in)
127 kg (280 lb)
Born
9 March 1952
Zarasai, Lithuanian SSR, Soviet Union
Died
8 January 2026
Riga, Latvia
Position
Center
College
NA
Uljana Semjonova stands as one of the most dominant and successful figures in the history of women’s basketball. Standing seven feet tall, she was a literal and figurative giant on the international stage, leading the Soviet Union national team to an incredible 18-year undefeated streak in official competition. During this nearly two-decade span of brilliance, she captured two Olympic gold medals and three World Championship titles.
Semjonova was equally unstoppable at the club level with TTT Riga, where she secured 15 Soviet national championships and 11 European Cup titles. Known for her immense size, rebounding prowess, and scoring efficiency, she garnered a staggering 45 total medals throughout her career. In 1993, she made history as the first non-U.S. woman to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Semjonova's Awards and Records
- 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (1976, 1980)
- 3× World Champion (1971, 1975, 1983)
- 10× European Champion (1968–1985)
- 11× European Cup for Women’s Champion Clubs
- 15× Soviet National Champion
- 12× Voted Latvia's Most Popular Athlete
- One of the most dominant international centers ever
Teams
TTT Riga (1968–1987)
National Team
Soviet Union
NBA Stats
Career Points:
15,000+
Career High (Single Game):
54 points
International Record:
18 years undefeated (1968–1986)
Total Career Medals:
45
Olympic Gold medals:
2 (1976,1980)