Yolanda Griffith

Yolanda Griffith was a dominant force in women's basketball, known for her relentless rebounding, elite defense, and efficient scoring. After starring overseas and in the ABL, she made an instant impact in the WNBA, winning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in her 1999 rookie season with the Sacramento Monarchs.

A seven-time All-Star and two-time All-WNBA First Team selection, Griffith led the Monarchs to their only championship in 2005 and earned Finals MVP honors. Renowned for her physicality and work ethic, she was a consistent double-double threat and a key figure in the league's early years. She also captured Olympic gold with Team USA in 2004.

Griffith was inducted into both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest post players in women's basketball history.

Griffith's Awards and Records

• WNBA champion (2005)
• WNBA Finals MVP (2005)
• WNBA MVP (1999)
• 8× WNBA All-Star (1999–2001, 2003–2007)
• 2× All-WNBA First Team (1999, 2005)
• 3× All-WNBA Second Team (2000, 2001, 2004)
• 2× WNBA rebounding champion (1999, 2001)
• 2× WNBA steals champion (1999, 2004)
• WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (1999)
• 2× WNBA All-Defensive Team (2005, 2006)
• WNBA 10th Anniversary Team (2006)
• WNBA 15th Anniversary Team (2011)
• WNBA 20th Anniversary Team (2016)
• WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (2021)
• Russian League Player of the Year (2005)
• First-team Parade All-American (1989)

WNBA Teams

Sacramento Monarchs 1999–2007
Seattle Storm 2008
Indiana Fever 2009

WNBA draft:
1999: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
Sacramento Monarchs

Numbers Worn:
33, 13

Career Stats