Introduction
Alicia Tournebize is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in women’s basketball. From making history in French leagues with powerful dunks to signing with Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks, her journey combines elite athleticism, international success, and deep basketball roots. In this article, we explore her background, physical profile, family influence, iconic dunks, and the latest updates under Coach Staley’s leadership in the NCAA.
Who Is Alicia Tournebize?
Alicia Tournebize (born 21 July 2007) is a French basketball forward from Charmeil (near Vichy), France, known for her height, athleticism, and unique impact on the women’s game. After developing in the youth system of Tango Bourges Basket, she played professionally in France before moving to the U.S. to join the South Carolina Gamecocks.
From her earliest days in France, Tournebize has stood out for her versatility on both ends of the court. She combines a scoring touch inside and outside the paint with elite rebounding instincts — qualities that have helped her earn a spot on national youth teams and catch the attention of top NCAA programs.
The Dawn Staley Update
South Carolina Signing
In December 2025, it was officially announced that Alicia Tournebize would leave Tango Bourges Basket and join Coach Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks mid-season, beginning classes and practicing with the team in January 2026.
What She Brings to the Gamecocks
At South Carolina, Tournebize immediately adds size, length, and skill to an already talented roster. Known for good touch around the rim, defensive instincts, shot blocking, and shooting range — including 3-point potential — she gives Staley another versatile weapon in frontcourt play.
Staley has highlighted her strong basketball IQ and ability to contribute in multiple areas, from defending the paint to spacing the floor on offense.
Arrival and Availability
While she traveled with the team early in January 2026, some availability details for early games remain evolving as she settles into NCAA competition.
Alicia Tournebize’s Height: The Debate and Confirmation
One of the most talked-about aspects of Tournebize’s profile has been her height. Traditionally listed at 6-foot-4 (194 cm) in many international and French league records, this measurement was widely shared through her FIBA and club bios.
However, when Dawn Staley publicly addressed the topic on social media, she confirmed that Tournebize is actually 6-foot-7, making her one of the tallest players on the Gamecocks roster — taller than former tallest teammate Madina Okot at 6-6 and a unique presence in women’s college basketball.
This updated height immediately sparked conversations among fans and analysts about what it means for her on-court impact — from rim protection to offensive mismatch opportunities.
Father, Mother, and Family Basketball Roots
Basketball talent runs in Alicia Tournebize’s family.
Her mother, Isabelle Fijalkowski, was a professional star in her own right. Fijalkowski played college basketball in the United States at the University of Colorado before being drafted into the WNBA by the Cleveland Rockers in 1997 and going on to have a successful European career afterward. She is also recognized as a Hall of Fame inductee in women’s basketball circles.
According to French sources, her father, Laurent Tournebize, was also a basketball player — previously with JA Vichy — which underscores the deep sporting environment Alicia grew up in. Additionally, she is the niece of former point guard Brigitte Tournebize, adding even more basketball heritage to her upbringing.
This family connection to elite basketball undoubtedly influenced her early start in the sport and her drive to succeed internationally.
The Dunk Phenomenon: A Historic Moment
Perhaps the most exciting part of Tournebize’s emergence has been her ability to dunk — a rare feat in women’s basketball and one that has generated international buzz.
First Official Dunk
Tournebize became the first recorded French woman to dunk in a game in September 2024 while playing in the NF2 league with Espoirs de Bourges, preceding other notable French dunk highlight stories.
EuroBasket Highlight
Her most viral moment came during the 2025 FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket tournament. In the bronze medal game against Belgium, she caught the defense off guard, intercepted a pass, and thundered down a two-handed dunk that lit up social media and basketball fans worldwide.
This dunk not only showcased her athleticism but also helped punctuate France’s strong performance in the tournament — where she averaged 12.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game en route to being named to the All-Star Five.
International Play and Career Stats
Alicia’s impact isn’t limited to highlight reels. She has represented France at youth levels, including:
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2024 FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup where she averaged 3.3 points and 1.8 rebounds.
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2025 FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket, finishing with standout statistics and earning all-tournament honors.
In French professional competition with Bourges, she saw limited minutes due to age and roster depth, but still made meaningful contributions whenever she took the floor.
What’s Next for Tournebize and South Carolina
Joining the South Carolina Gamecocks places Tournebize in one of the most prestigious women’s college basketball programs in the country. Under Hall of Famer Dawn Staley, she will compete for SEC titles, NCAA tournament runs, and potentially position herself for future professional opportunities — possibly in the WNBA or overseas.
Her combination of size, skill, and rare dunking ability gives Coach Staley new tools to innovate play calls and matchups. As she adapts to NCAA play, fans are eager to see how her game evolves in high-pressure college environments.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How tall is Alicia Tournebize?
Although originally listed at 6-foot-4, Coach Dawn Staley confirmed that she is actually 6-foot-7, making her one of the tallest players on South Carolina’s roster.
2. Who is Alicia Tournebize’s father?
Her father is Laurent Tournebize, a former basketball player with JA Vichy in France, contributing to Alicia’s strong basketball heritage.
3. Has Alicia Tournebize dunked in a game?
Yes — she became the first recorded French woman to dunk in an official game in 2024, and later threw down a highlight two-handed dunk at the 2025 FIBA U18 EuroBasket.
4. What is the latest update from Dawn Staley on Tournebize?
Dawn Staley has officially welcomed Tournebize to the South Carolina roster, confirming her height and role as a significant frontcourt addition for the 2025-26 season.
5. Where did Alicia Tournebize play before South Carolina?
Before joining the Gamecocks, she played for Tango Bourges Basket in France, including professional appearances and youth competitions.
Conclusion
Alicia Tournebize’s rapid rise — defined by historic dunks, international success, and a high-profile NCAA move under Coach Dawn Staley — marks her as one of the most compelling young players in women’s basketball today. Her combination of size, skill, and competitive drive positions her for continued growth in college hoops and beyond. As Tournebize continues her journey from France to collegiate stardom, basketball fans everywhere will be watching her every move.
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