Laeticia Amihere Bio
Laeticia Amihere is a Canadian professional basketball player who plays as a forward for the Golden State Valkyries of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and for Uni Girona CB of the Liga Femenina de Baloncesto in Spain. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall, she was born on July 10, 2001, in Mississauga, Ontario. Amihere rose to national attention after a standout career with the South Carolina Gamecocks and was selected eighth overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2023 WNBA draft.
Known for her athletic ability and frontcourt versatility, Amihere has competed professionally in North America, Australia, and Europe. She has also represented Canada in multiple international tournaments, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Early Life and Background
Amihere was born in Mississauga, Ontario, to a Ghanaian father and a mother from Ivory Coast. Growing up in a multicultural household, she was introduced to basketball at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the game. Her early athletic ability stood out, and by the time she was 15 years old, she had already made history by becoming the first Canadian female to dunk in a competitive game.
Amihere attended King’s Christian Collegiate in Oakville, Ontario, where she continued to refine her game. Her combination of size, agility, and finishing at the rim drew attention from college recruiters across the United States. Her family background, rooted in West African heritage, helped shape her work ethic and competitive drive on the court.
Path to Basketball
Amihere’s path to elite basketball began with strong showings in youth competitions. She won gold at the 2015 FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship for Women as part of Canada’s junior national team. A few years later, she earned a bronze medal at the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup held in Italy, signaling her arrival on the international stage.
Her impressive performances in youth basketball earned her a scholarship offer from the University of South Carolina, one of the premier women’s college basketball programs in the United States. The opportunity to join the Gamecocks under head coach Dawn Staley was a major step in her development as a player, offering her exposure to high-level competition and elite coaching.
Laeticia Amihere Career
College Career (2019–2023)
Amihere made her collegiate debut with the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2019–20 NCAA season. Over the following years, she became a key contributor in the frontcourt for one of the most dominant programs in women’s college basketball. On March 30, 2021, she delivered a standout performance against Texas in the NCAA Elite Eight, recording 10 points, eight rebounds, and nine blocks, setting a program record for blocks in a single NCAA Tournament game.
The following season, Amihere scored a career-high 18 points against the Oregon Ducks on November 11, 2021. She played an important role in South Carolina’s run to the 2021–22 NCAA championship, helping the Gamecocks secure the national title. After completing her final college season in 2022–23, she declared for the WNBA draft.
WNBA Career (2023–Present)
Amihere was selected eighth overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2023 WNBA draft. She made her professional debut on May 30, 2023, against the Chicago Sky. During her rookie season, she averaged 2.7 points and 1.0 rebounds across 21 games while playing approximately 7.0 minutes per game. In her second season with the Dream in 2024, she averaged 1.2 points and 1.7 rebounds across 16 games.
On February 1, 2025, Amihere was waived by the Atlanta Dream. Five days later, on February 6, 2025, she was acquired by the Golden State Valkyries on a waiver claim. Although she was briefly waived by the Valkyries on May 14, 2025, she was signed back to the roster on June 8, 2025, after a spot opened, allowing her to continue her WNBA career with the expansion franchise.
Overseas Career
Following the 2024 WNBA season, Amihere signed with the Perth Lynx of Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League on September 18, 2024, for the 2024–25 season. Her performance in the WNBL was strong enough to earn her a spot on the All-WNBL First Team in 2025, highlighting her growth as a professional player abroad.
Amihere later signed a short-term contract with Uni Girona CB of Spain’s Liga Femenina de Baloncesto for the 2025–26 season, continuing her international career in one of Europe’s top women’s basketball leagues. Her overseas experience has allowed her to develop her game against varied styles of competition outside the WNBA calendar.
National Team Career
Amihere has been a consistent presence in Canada’s national team program. She was rostered for the 2021 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup and was named to Canada’s 2020 Olympic team that competed in Tokyo. In September 2022, she represented Canada at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, and she also competed for her country at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, continuing her role as a key frontcourt contributor on the senior national team.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among her most notable milestones, Amihere became the first Canadian female to dunk in a game at age 15, won an NCAA championship with South Carolina in 2022, and earned All-WNBL First Team honors in 2025. She has represented Canada at multiple Olympic Games and FIBA events, establishing herself as one of the country’s most recognizable young basketball talents.
Laeticia Amihere Career Wins
Amihere’s career is highlighted by major team and individual successes across college, professional, and international basketball. Her most prestigious win came in 2022 when she helped the South Carolina Gamecocks capture the NCAA championship. She has also won gold at the 2015 FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship and bronze at the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup.
WNBA and Overseas Highlights
In her WNBA career, Amihere has played for the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries, with her Valkyries tenure marking a new chapter following her waiver claim in February 2025. Her overseas highlights include an All-WNBL First Team selection in 2025 with the Perth Lynx and a short-term stint with Uni Girona CB in Spain’s Liga Femenina.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond her major titles, Amihere has consistently delivered strong performances in international junior and senior competitions. Her selection to Canada’s Olympic rosters in 2020 and 2024 reflects her standing among the country’s top players. She continues to add to her resume as she progresses through her professional career.
Laeticia Amihere Family
Family Background and Heritage
Amihere was raised in Mississauga, Ontario, in a household with strong West African roots. Her father is from Ghana and her mother is from Ivory Coast, giving her a rich dual cultural heritage that has influenced her personal identity. This background has shaped her path both on and off the basketball court.
Personal Life
Amihere has kept much of her personal life private, focusing public attention on her basketball career and international commitments. She continues to balance her time between WNBA duties with the Golden State Valkyries and her overseas commitments in Spain, while also representing Canada on the international stage.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Amihere, beginning with her move from the Atlanta Dream to the Golden State Valkyries. After being waived by the Dream on February 1, 2025, she was quickly claimed by the Valkyries on February 6, 2025, joining the WNBA’s newest expansion franchise. Although she was briefly waived in mid-May, she returned to the Valkyries roster on June 8, 2025, stabilizing her role with the team.
Outside the WNBA, Amihere had a strong 2025 playing for the Perth Lynx in Australia’s WNBL, where she earned All-WNBL First Team honors for her performances during the 2024–25 season. She also signed with Uni Girona CB of Spain’s Liga Femenina de Baloncesto, further expanding her international resume during the 2025–26 season.
Looking ahead, Amihere’s outlook for the remainder of 2025 and beyond remains promising. Her combination of international experience, Olympic-level national team play, and continued development with the Valkyries positions her as a player to watch in the WNBA’s evolving landscape.
