“She’s a game-changer on the court.“Germany’s head coach perfectly described Luisa Geiselsoder’s incredible effect at the Paris Olympics. Teammate, and veteran guard Alina Hartmann said, “Luisa’s presence is felt in every play, she’s not only a player but a leader.” At 6’4″, the talented center has grown to be an on-court powerhouse, leading her team with skill, agility, and a competitive drive only a few can match.

For Germany’s women’s basketball team, which is appearing at the quadrennial event for the first time, the Paris Olympics have been great so far, and Luisa Geiselsoder has led the charge. For Geiselsoder, the event has shed light on a player whose career journey and individual achievements built her case so as not to miss this year’s competition.

Luisa Geiselsoder’s Early Start

Luisa Geiselsoder was born on February 10, 2000, in Ansbach, Germany. Having grown up in a family that loved sports, her early exposure to athletics had a great influence on her basketball career. Her parents encouraged her and her elder sister, Laura, who is also a professional basketball player in Germany, to engage in different kinds of sports.

Luisa began playing basketball early in her childhood. A very tall and agile girl, she soon stood out amongst the rest. She started playing for BG Donau-Ries in the German Women’s Bundesliga when she was just 14 years old. She belonged to the top rebounders and shot-blockers of the league already then. Such performances did not go unnoticed by the eyes of scouts from national teams, and she was called up by the German U-16 national team in 2016.

Luisa played really well in the FIBA U-16 European Championship, where she emerged as the MVP, averaging 14.7 points and 8.9 boards per game. She further represented Germany in other age categories, which helped her contribute to the success in international competitions, including winning a gold medal at the 2018 FIBA U-18 European Championship.

She was picked 21st overall in the WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings in April 2020. However, she never suited up for them. Luisa has also practiced for clubs like Basket Landes in France to participate both at the national and international levels.

In the 2023-24 season, the 24-year-old played 27 games for Basket Landes in the French LFB. She averaged 10.3 points per game on 55.3% shooting from the field, 30.0% from beyond the arc, and 75.0% from the free-throw line. Apart from this, she averaged 7.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 24.4 minutes per game. However, Basket Landes lost in the Final to Entente sportive Basket de Villeneuve-d’Ascq – Lille Métropole. Geiselsoder managed to keep up that level in EuroLeague play with averages of 10.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in 14 appearances.

Luisa Geiselsoder at Olympics 2024

Geiselsoder has been outstanding for her country at the Paris Olympics, where she is averaging 6.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in three games so far. Additionally, Geiselsoder was key to Germany’s pool-stage wins over Japan and Germany. Her best performance came in the loss against Team USA, though. Going up against the likes of Brittney Griner and A’ja Wilson, she had 9 points and 7 rebounds in the 68-87 loss.

Geiselsoder’s contributions to Germany have taken them into the knockout stages and launched her as a global star in basketball. Though her quest for an Olympic medal continues, what has already been achieved serves as a motivation to her and demarcates her flair for a great professional career in basketball and hopefully, in the WNBA someday.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.