Emma Cannon is a legendary American basketball star who has made a significant impact in the WNBA and international leagues. Known for her powerful presence as a forward, Cannon has built a remarkable career through resilience, versatility, and exceptional rebounding skills. Her journey from a high school standout in Rochester to a globally recognized athlete exemplifies dedication and passion for the sport. As a trailblazer in women’s basketball, Cannon’s achievements both domestically and overseas have solidified her status as an inspirational figure and a true sports icon18.
Early Life
Emma Cannon was born on June 1, 1989, in Rochester, New York. She attended the School of the Arts (SOTA) in Rochester, where her basketball talent emerged early. Cannon set school records with 1,800 points and 1,800 rebounds during her high school career, including single-game records of 47 points and 35 rebounds. These achievements highlighted her dominance on the court and laid the foundation for her future success. Her performance at SOTA earned her recognition as one of New York’s top prospects, leading to a collegiate career at the University of Central Florida (UCF)13.
Education
Cannon began her college education at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where she played from 2007 to 2010. She was a standout player, earning First-Team All-Conference USA (C-USA) honors in 2009 and C-USA Tournament MVP the same year. Cannon also broke UCF’s single-season rebounding record with 393 rebounds and joined the school’s 1,000-point club. She transferred to Florida Southern College for her senior year (2010–2011), where she continued to excel, averaging 15.7 points and 12.1 rebounds per game and earning NCAA Division II All-American Honorable Mention135.
Emma Cannon’s Career
Emma Cannon’s professional career began in 2011 after going undrafted in the WNBA. She initially played overseas, joining teams in Germany, Australia, Israel, Russia, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, and China. Her overseas highlights include three German DBBL championships (2013–2015) and two Israeli League championships (2022, 2023)18.
In the WNBA, Cannon debuted in 2017 with the Phoenix Mercury. Over her career, she played for multiple teams, including the Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, Las Vegas Aces, and Los Angeles Sparks (as of 2025). Known for her efficiency and rebounding, Cannon achieved career-high averages of 7.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game with the Indiana Fever in 2021. Her perseverance is evident in her journey, as she became one of the few players to play for three different WNBA teams in a single season (2021)146.
Table: Emma Cannon’s Professional Career Highlights
| Year | Team/League | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2011–2015 | TSV 1880 Wasserburg (Germany) | 3× German DBBL Champion |
| 2017 | Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) | Debuted in WNBA |
| 2021 | Indiana Fever (WNBA) | Averaged 6.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG |
| 2022–2023 | Elitzur Ramla (Israel) | 2× Israeli League Champion |
| 2025 | Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) | Signed for the 2025 season |
Personal Life
Emma Cannon is the daughter of Carl and Patty Cannon3. She has kept her personal life relatively private, focusing on her career and philanthropic efforts. Cannon is known for her strong work ethic and dedication to basketball, often sharing insights and moments from her journey on social media. Her commitment to the sport extends beyond the court, as she actively engages in community initiatives and mentors young athletes13.
Legacy and Impact
Emma Cannon’s career is a testament to resilience and versatility. Despite going undrafted, she forged a successful path through hard work and adaptability. Her achievements overseas, particularly in Europe and Asia, highlight her global impact on women’s basketball. In the WNBA, Cannon is respected for her professionalism and ability to contribute to multiple teams. She is also recognized for her rebounding prowess and efficient scoring, making her a valuable asset wherever she plays. Cannon’s journey inspires aspiring athletes to persevere despite challenges and embrace opportunities worldwide148.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Emma Cannon’s height and position?
Emma Cannon is 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) tall and plays as a forward14.
2. Which teams has Emma Cannon played for in the WNBA?
She has played for the Phoenix Mercury, Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, Las Vegas Aces, and Los Angeles Sparks14.
3. What are Emma Cannon’s notable achievements?
Cannon has won three German DBBL championships, two Israeli League championships, and was the C-USA Tournament MVP in 200913.
4. Where did Emma Cannon play college basketball?
She played for the University of Central Florida (UCF) and Florida Southern College15.
5. What is Emma Cannon’s playing style?
Cannon is known for her rebounding, efficient scoring, and versatility as a forward14.
References
- Emma Cannon – Wikipedia
- Emma Cannon WNBA Stats – Basketball Reference
- Emma Cannon – UCF Knights
- Emma Cannon – WNBA.com
- Emma Cannon College Stats – Sports Reference
- Emma Cannon – WNBA Stats
- Emma Cannon – Eurobasket
- Emma Cannon – Mount Union
This profile captures Emma Cannon’s journey as a legendary basketball star, highlighting her achievements, resilience, and global impact. For further details, refer to the cited references.