The teenage phenom rewriting the record books of women's basketball

History · Published 6 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: At just 19, Dominique Malonga is already shattering WNBA milestones. From becoming the youngest player in Seattle Storm history to making history with a game-deciding play in the playoffs, this French sensation is proving that age is no barrier to elite professional dominance.

Born in Yaoundé to former basketball players, Malonga’s ascent has been meteoric. After signing with ASVEL Féminin in 2021, she gained viral attention for her dunking ability. Although she appeared to be the premier French female to dunk during a 2024 EuroCup fixture, 17-year-old Alicia Tournebize had actually completed the task previously in a fourth division match in France.

Malonga's impact on the WNBA was immediate. After being picked second overall by the Seattle Storm during the 2025 WNBA draft, she played her first game on 17 May 2025 at age 19 years and 184 days, setting a franchise record for youngest player. She quickly became a scoring force, recording a career-high 37 points in an overtime loss to the Dallas Wings on 22 June 2026, making her the youngest player in league history to record a 30-point game.

Her international career has been equally decorated. She was the youngest member of the French national team at the 2024 Summer Olympics, where she helped secure a silver medal. By 2026, she achieved another milestone for her country, becoming the first woman to dunk for France at the senior level during a FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament match against the Philippines.

Beyond the court, Malonga is pursuing a computer science degree online at Southern New Hampshire University. Her rapid rise from a teenager playing in the French fourth division to a WNBA All-Rookie Team selection highlights a rare combination of physical talent and professional maturity.

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