Stephanie Talbot is an Australian professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA. Recognized for her versatility, leadership, and international success, she is a veteran of the Australian Opals and a proven contributor in both the WNBA and WNBL.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Stephanie Talbot
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Date of Birth: June 15, 1994
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Hometown: Katherine, Northern Territory (raised in Kadina, South Australia)
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Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
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Weight: 192 lbs (87 kg)
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Position: Forward
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Early Basketball:
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Began playing at primary school
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Developed skills with the Forestville Eagles junior club
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Attended the Australian Institute of Sport Centre of Excellence
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Professional Career
Australia (WNBL)
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Adelaide Lightning (2011–present, with stints at Canberra Capitals and Melbourne Boomers):
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Debuted at age 17
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WNBL Rookie of the Year (2013)
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Captain of the Adelaide Lightning
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WNBL MVP (Suzy Batkovic Medallist, 2020)
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Multiple All-Star appearances
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Notable Stints:
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Canberra Capitals (2014–15)
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Melbourne Boomers (2018–19)
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Returned to Adelaide Lightning as a cornerstone player
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International (Europe)
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Poland and France:
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Played professionally in top European leagues
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Gained valuable overseas experience
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WNBA
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Drafted: 33rd overall, 2014 WNBA Draft by Phoenix Mercury
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Teams:
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Phoenix Mercury (2017–2019)
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Minnesota Lynx (2019)
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New York Liberty (rights, 2020)
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Seattle Storm (2021–2022)
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Los Angeles Sparks (2023–2024, missed 2023 season due to ACL injury)
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Golden State Valkyries (2025–present, via expansion draft)
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Career Highlights:
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Has played five WNBA seasons as of 2024
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Known for her versatility, defense, and leadership
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Returned strong after ACL injury
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National Team (Australian Opals)
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Debut: 2015 FIBA Oceania Championship
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Major Tournaments:
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Olympic Games: 2016 Rio, 2020 Tokyo (quarterfinalist)
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FIBA World Cup: 2018 (silver), 2022 (bronze, All-Star Five)
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Commonwealth Games: 2018 (gold, home soil)
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Youth Success:
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Gold medals at U16 (2009) and U18 (2012) FIBA Oceania Championships
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Bronze medal at 2013 U19 World Championships
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Leadership:
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Established as a core leader for the Opals
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On the cusp of a third Olympic Games
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Achievements & Honors
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WNBL Rookie of the Year (2013)
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WNBL MVP (Suzy Batkovic Medallist, 2020)
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Captain, Adelaide Lightning
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WNBA veteran (five seasons)
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Olympic quarterfinalist (2016, 2020)
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FIBA World Cup medalist (2018 silver, 2022 bronze, All-Star Five)
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Commonwealth Games gold medalist (2018)
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Youth gold medals (U16, U18 FIBA Oceania)
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U19 World Championships bronze medalist (2013)
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Versatile scorer and defender
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Strong rebounder and playmaker
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Clutch performer in big games
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Style:
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Athletic, intelligent forward who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About Stephanie Talbot
What position does Stephanie Talbot play?
Forward
Which team does she play for?
Golden State Valkyries (WNBA), Adelaide Lightning (WNBL)
How old is Stephanie Talbot?
30 (born June 15, 1994)
What are her main achievements?
WNBL Rookie of the Year, WNBL MVP, Opals captain, FIBA World Cup medalist, Commonwealth Games gold medalist, WNBA veteran
What is her playing style?
Versatile, high-IQ forward with strong leadership and championship experience
Conclusion
Stephanie Talbot is a proven leader and versatile forward whose success spans Australia, Europe, and the WNBA. Her championship pedigree, resilience, and leadership make her a cornerstone for the Golden State Valkyries and a respected figure in women’s basketball.
