Julie Vanloo Biography: Golden State Valkyries Point Guard, EuroBasket Champion & Belgian National Team Leader

Julie Vanloo is a Belgian professional basketball player who currently plays point guard for the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA and is a key leader of the Belgian national team. Recognized for her playmaking, experience, and resilience, Vanloo is a EuroBasket champion and a two-time Olympian.

Julie-Vanloo
Julie-Vanloo

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Julie Anita Vanloo

  • Date of Birth: February 10, 1993

  • Hometown: Oostende, Belgium

  • Height: 5’7″–5’8″ (1.71–1.73 m, sources vary)

  • Weight: 130 lbs (59 kg)

  • Position: Point Guard

  • Jersey Number: #35 (national team), varies by club

  • Early Basketball:

    • Began playing for Blue Cats Ieper (2003–2009) and Declercq Stortbeton Waregem BC (2009–2013)

    • Rose through Belgian youth tournaments and clubs, overcoming early challenges

Professional Career

  • Club Teams:

    • Blue Cats Ieper (Belgium, 2003–2009)

    • Declercq Stortbeton Waregem BC (Belgium, 2009–2013)

    • Ligue Féminine de Basketball (France, 2013–2015)

    • Lulea Basket (Sweden, 2015–2016)

    • Virtus Eirene Ragusa (Italy, 2016–2017)

    • İstanbul Üniversitesi (Turkey, 2017–2018)

    • ASVEL Féminin (France, 2018)

    • PEAC-Pécs (Hungary, 2018–2019)

    • Townsville Fire (Australia, 2019–2020)

    • Casademont Zaragoza (Spain, 2020–2021)

    • ŽBK Jenisej Krasnojarsk (Russia, 2021–2022)

    • Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomération (France, 2022–2023)

    • Galatasaray (Turkey, 2023–2025)

  • WNBA:

    • Washington Mystics (2024):

      • Made her WNBA debut at age 31, the league’s oldest rookie

      • 2024 Season: 7.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists per game

      • Started early in the season due to injuries, impressed with leadership and playmaking5

    • Golden State Valkyries (2025–present):

      • Selected in the expansion draft, now a key contributor

International Career

  • Belgian National Team:

    • Olympics:

      • 2020 Tokyo

      • 2024 Paris

    • FIBA EuroBasket Women:

      • 2017: Bronze medalist

      • 2021: Participant

      • 2023: EuroBasket champion

    • FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers:

      • Consistent starter and leader

    • Youth Level:

      • Belgian U20 national team (European Championship, 2013)

      • U20 MVP (2013)

  • Recent International Stats:

    • EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers:

      • Averaged 11.8 points per game

    • 2024 Olympics:

      • Played all major games, known for her leadership and clutch play

Achievements & Honors

  • EuroBasket Women champion (2023)

  • Two-time Olympian (2020, 2024)

  • Belgian U20 national team MVP (2013)

  • Professional player in Belgium, France, Sweden, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Spain, Russia, Hungary, and the United States

  • WNBA’s oldest rookie (age 31)

  • Consistent national team starter and leader

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Elite playmaking and court vision

    • Leadership and experience

    • Defensive intensity and hustle

    • Clutch performance in big games

  • Style:

    • Aggressive, dynamic point guard who excels in both transition and half-court offense

    • Brings championship experience and a winning mindset

FAQs About Julie Vanloo

What position does Julie Vanloo play?
Point Guard

Which team does she play for?
Golden State Valkyries (WNBA); Belgian national team (international)

How old is Julie Vanloo?
32 (born February 10, 1993; as of June 2025)

What are her main achievements?
EuroBasket champion, two-time Olympian, Belgian U20 MVP, WNBA’s oldest rookie

What is her playing style?
Versatile, aggressive point guard with elite playmaking and leadership

Conclusion

Julie Vanloo is a respected and accomplished point guard whose resilience, leadership, and international success have made her a key figure in Belgian basketball and a trailblazer on the global stage.