When Germany called Leonie Fiebich, she left midseason to represent her country in the 2025 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket. The tournament, co-hosted by Germany, Czechia, Greece, and Italy, saw its finale play out in Piraeus. In the finals, Belgium edged out Spain in a nail-biting championship to defend their crown. Germany, meanwhile, fell short in the quarterfinal portion of the knockout round in Greece despite Fiebich’s efforts.

But if EuroBasket didn’t deliver the fairytale ending, Fiebich’s Liberty homecoming nearly did. After returning stateside for a high-stakes clash against the Los Angeles Sparks, Fiebich rejoined New York’s starting five. Safe to say, she’s New York’s lucky charm as the Liberty overcame an 11-point deficit to win 89–79. They opened an eight-game homestand and snapped their short skid in style.

Her absence…. Let’s just say New York dropped five of seven while she was busy waving the German flag. Although one major question still lingers, where does all this grit come from? Turns out, it’s a blend of her upbringing and love for basketball.

Who are Leonie Fiebich’s Parents?

On January 10, 2000, in Landsberg, Germany, Leonie Fiebich was born to Matthias and Corina Fiebich. It’s also popular that Fiebich inherited her talent from her father. But that’s not all. The jersey number 13 she wears? That is again something she inherited from him. In 2014, her father was serving as deputy chairman of DJK Landsberg, the same year she debuted on the women’s team at age 14.

In fact, Leonie once shared that basketball runs through her entire family: “Aunt, uncle, brother, dad, everyone plays basketball” (translated from German). With that kind of environment, it’s no surprise she never questioned which sport to pursue. And whenever she faced obstacles, her family was always there, not just emotionally, but with the experience to guide her.

That support was evident last year when Germany’s women’s team pulled off a major 75–64 win against a strong Japanese squad in Lille. Leonie was among the top scorers in that game, and her parents, Matthias and Corina, were more excited than anyone in the world. “Unfortunately, we have no way of contacting Leonie. The players are completely locked away and only get out for half a day to get some fresh air,” Matthias said. And he even said the team touched the ceiling, “This is top-notch basketball. The girls have achieved their goal after their victory against Japan. Everything that comes next is an extra-larger than that” (translated from German, as per the Landsberger Tagblatt)

Leonie Fiebich’s Siblings and Other Family Members

In the Fiebich family, it turns out that the basketball roots run deep. Leonie Fiebich’s brother, Jonas, was also a professional hooper. He suited up in 2014 for the 2nd Regional League in Augsburg. But beyond family ties, one of her closest bonds is with Liberty teammate Nyara Sabally. That connection came through loud and clear during a rough patch for the team, when Sabally fired off a heartfelt message to Fiebich. “Please come back,” she texted.

What makes it even more beautiful is that it’s very much a two-way street. Just last year, Sabally suited up for the German National Team and shared the court with Fiebich at the Paris Olympics. Back then, “I don’t know where I’d be without Nyara, honestly,” Fiebich told The Local W at practice on June 12. “She just helps me a lot on the court, off the court, everywhere.” That’s genuine sisterhood right there.

Family’s Influence on Leonie’s Career

Even though the finer details about her parents aren’t public, you don’t need a stat sheet to know they’ve played an important role in shaping Leonie Fiebich into one of the WNBA’s most promising stars. She was raised in Landsberg as a student at Johann-Winklhofer Secondary School. In 2014, Fiebich’s basketball journey started early by playing for the female counterpart of the squad her father once coached.

By 2016, two years after breaking onto the local scene, she was already wearing Germany’s colors at the FIBA U16 European Championship (Division A). She also competed in the 2018 FIBA U18 European Championship, where she helped lead Germany to a gold medal. Averaging 11.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, she earned a spot on the Tournament All-Star Five.

Then came 2024, which marked her official WNBA rookie season. However, Fiebich’s journey actually kicked off four years earlier.

Because even after being drafted 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2020, she chose to stay overseas. The Chicago Sky later held her rights, but she never suited up for them either. That changed when the New York Liberty swooped in via a four-team trade in February 2023. This time, she didn’t pass on the opportunity and signed her rookie deal in 2024 and finally stepped onto the WNBA hardwood. Through all of these changes and major decisions, one thing was constant for Leonie Fiebich, her family, friends, and their support….