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Brianna Turner Biography: Indiana Fever Forward, NCAA Champion & WNBA Defensive Ace

Posted inBasketball, Player Profiles

Brianna Turner is an American professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. Recognized for her elite defense, shot-blocking, and leadership, she is a proven winner at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Brianna-Turner.
Brianna-Turner.

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Brianna Turner

  • Date of Birth: July 5, 1996

  • Hometown: Pearland, Texas

  • Height: 6’3″ (1.91 m)

  • Weight: 175 lbs (79 kg)

  • Position: Forward/Center

  • High School:

    • Westbury Christian School

      • Helped team to a 39–1 record and a TAPPS Class 4A state championship

      • Undefeated district champion

    • Also played for DFW Elite-TJack, winning multiple national and regional AAU titles

    • McDonald’s All-American Game MVP (2014)

    • Gatorade National Player of the Year (2014)

College Career: Notre Dame (2014–2019)

  • Four-year standout for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish

  • Career Stats:

    • 2,017 points, 1,048 rebounds

    • Program’s all-time leader in blocks (372) and rebounds (1,048)

    • Only player, alongside Ruth Riley, to reach 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds at Notre Dame

    • 7.5 rebounds per game (8th in program history)

    • 2.7 blocks per game (2nd in program history)

    • .624 career field goal percentage (2nd in program history)

    • 114 games with double-figure points (4th in program history)

    • 32 career double-doubles (5th in program history)

    • Started 138 games (3rd in program history)

  • Accolades:

    • NCAA champion (2018)

    • 2x WBCA All-American (2016, 2017)

    • 2x USBWA All-American (2016, 2017)

    • 2x Second-team All-American (AP, 2016, 2017)

    • 3x ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2016, 2017, 2019)

    • 3x First-team All-ACC (2015–2017)

    • 4x ACC All-Defensive Team (2015–2017, 2019)

    • ACC Rookie of the Year (2015)

    • ACC All-Freshman Team (2015)

  • Injury and Return:

    • Missed 2017 NCAA Tournament and 2017–18 season due to ACL injury

    • Returned for final season in 2018–19 after hardship waiver

Professional Career

  • Drafted: 1st round, 11th overall, 2019 WNBA Draft by Atlanta Dream (traded to Phoenix Mercury)

  • Teams:

    • Phoenix Mercury (2019–2023)

    • Chicago Sky (2024)

    • Indiana Fever (2025–present)

  • WNBA Stats (through 2024):

    • 185 games, 4.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks per game

    • Career highs: 9.4 rebounds (2021), 2.3 assists (2022), 65.0% field goal (2023)

  • Achievements:

    • WNBA All-Rookie Team (2019)

    • 2x WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2020, 2021)

    • First player in WNBA history with at least 10 points, 20 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks in a single game

    • Consistent playoff appearances with Phoenix Mercury

  • International:

    • Played for Adelaide Lightning in Australia’s WNBL (2019)

Achievements & Honors

  • NCAA champion (2018)

  • WNBA All-Rookie Team (2019)

  • 2x WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2020, 2021)

  • 2x WBCA All-American (2016, 2017)

  • 2x USBWA All-American (2016, 2017)

  • 2x Second-team All-American (AP, 2016, 2017)

  • 3x ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2016, 2017, 2019)

  • 3x First-team All-ACC (2015–2017)

  • 4x ACC All-Defensive Team (2015–2017, 2019)

  • ACC Rookie of the Year (2015)

  • ACC All-Freshman Team (2015)

  • Gatorade National Player of the Year (2014)

  • McDonald’s All-American Game MVP (2014)

  • WNBL experience (Australia, 2019)

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Elite shot-blocker and rebounder

    • Versatile defender and rim protector

    • High basketball IQ and leadership

    • Efficient scorer around the rim

  • Style:

    • Physical, athletic forward/center who excels in transition and half-court defense

    • Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality

FAQs About Brianna Turner

What position does Brianna Turner play?
Forward/Center

Which team does she play for?
Indiana Fever (WNBA)

How old is Brianna Turner?
28 (born July 5, 1996)

What are her main achievements?
NCAA champion, WNBA All-Rookie Team, 2x WNBA All-Defensive First Team, 3x ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Gatorade National Player of the Year, McDonald’s All-American Game MVP

What is her playing style?
Dominant, defensive-minded forward/center with elite shot-blocking and rebounding

Conclusion

Brianna Turner is a proven winner and defensive anchor whose career is highlighted by championships, individual honors, and consistent impact on both ends of the floor. Her leadership and experience make her a valuable asset for the Indiana Fever and a respected figure in women’s basketball.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)

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