At 22 years old, Sylvia may represent the future of Team USA – but she’s determined to win here and now.

Sylvia Fowles was only eleven years old when she watched Lisa Leslie bring home that first gold medal for Team USA. But things have changed since the ’96 games. This time around, as Sylvia gets ready to join this summer’s team in Beijing, she’ll be playing on the same court as her childhood idol.

But for Sylvia, this is about more than being on the same team as Lisa Leslie. It’s also a passing of the torch, from one legendary player to a future star of the league.

For the past decade, it’s been Lisa Leslie in charge of holding down the middle for Team USA. But Sylvia, one of the most formidable centers to come along in years, is ready to take over the coveted position, and to learn from one of the all-time greats in the game.

“We have two of the best post players in the world in Lisa Leslie and a newcomer in Sylvia Fowles,” said Seattle’s Swin Cash. “It’s amazing to watch them. They’re both very gifted and talented.” And with an array of moves, they both have a lot to share with one another on the court.

But for Sylvia, just the chance to play with a legend like Leslie has her amped up.

“It's amazing! I really haven't had a chance to think about it, but it crosses my mind every now and then that I'll actually be playing with Lisa Leslie,” said Sylvia. “That's someone I always looked up to and to have the opportunity to be on the same floor with her and compete for a gold medal, that means a lot.”

Fowles has already made her presence felt in the women’s game. In her first season in the pros, the No. 2 pick in the 2008 Draft is making an immediate impact with Chicago. At 6’6’’, she towers over her competition and dominates the middle. Currently, she is second in the league in blocks (first in blocks per minute), third place in double-doubles, and in seventh place in field-goal percentage.

As for international duty, Sylvia’s performance at the Good Luck Beijing Tournament this April made it clear that she was meant for Team USA. Despite not winning the gold, Sylvia led the team in scoring and rebounding – proving, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that she was worthy of a return ticket this summer.

“I tried to play to the best of my capability and it all paid off for me, listening to what everyone had to say. I think the way I played in China had a big impact on being named to the team,” said Sylvia.

Sylvia may the youngest player on the roster, but her talent and poise have proven that she’s more than ready this year to take home her first gold.


More on Sylvia
Read Sylvia’s blog »

More on Team USA
See all Team USA Bio’s »
Check out the Olympic Histories »