Cecilia Zandalasini Biography: Golden State Valkyries Forward, Italian National Team Star & WNBA Champion

Cecilia Zandalasini is an Italian professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA. Recognized for her versatility, scoring, and international success, she is a proven contributor at both the club and national team levels.

Cecilia-Zandalasini
Cecilia-Zandalasini

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Cecilia Zandalasini

  • Date of Birth: March 16, 1996

  • Hometown: Bologna, Italy

  • Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)

  • Weight: 175 lbs (79 kg)

  • Position: Forward

  • Early Basketball:

    • Developed skills in the Italian youth system

    • Joined the senior team of Virtus Bologna at a young age

Professional Career

Europe

  • Italian League (Serie A1):

    • Played for Virtus Bologna and Famila Schio

    • Multiple Italian League championships

    • Consistently among league leaders in scoring, rebounding, and assists

  • Turkey:

    • Two-time Turkish Super League champion (2019, 2020)

  • Recent Stats:

    • 2022–23: 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists per game

    • 2023–24: 13.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists per game

WNBA

  • Draft: Undrafted, signed with Minnesota Lynx

  • Teams:

    • Minnesota Lynx (2017–2019, 2023–2024)

    • Golden State Valkyries (2025–present, via expansion draft)

  • Career Stats:

    • 72 regular-season games, 4.9 points per game (through 2024)

    • Career highs: 13 points (2018), 6 rebounds (2024)

    • WNBA champion (2017)

    • WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champion (2024)

  • 2025 Season (Golden State Valkyries):

    • Early averages: 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.7 steals per game

National Team Career

  • Italy National Team:

    • Regular member since youth levels

    • MVP of the 2016 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship

    • Competed in multiple EuroBasket tournaments and Olympic qualifiers

    • Key contributor at the senior level

Achievements & Honors

  • WNBA champion (2017)

  • WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champion (2024)

  • Two-time Turkish Super League champion (2019, 2020)

  • Multiple Italian League championships

  • MVP, 2016 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship

  • Italian national team standout

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Versatile scorer and playmaker

    • Strong rebounder and defender

    • High basketball IQ and leadership

    • Reliable in clutch moments

  • Style:

    • Skilled forward who excels in transition and half-court offense

    • Brings energy, toughness, and championship experience

FAQs About Cecilia Zandalasini

What position does Cecilia Zandalasini play?
Forward

Which team does she play for?
Golden State Valkyries (WNBA)

How old is Cecilia Zandalasini?
29 (born March 16, 1996)

What are her main achievements?
WNBA champion, WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champion, Turkish Super League champion, Italian League champion, FIBA Europe U20 MVP

What is her playing style?
Versatile, high-scoring forward with strong rebounding and leadership

Conclusion

Cecilia Zandalasini is a dynamic and accomplished forward whose career is highlighted by championships in the WNBA and Europe, as well as standout performances for the Italian national team. Her scoring, versatility, and leadership make her a key addition to the Golden State Valkyries and a respected figure in international women’s basketball.