Career: Volna St. Petersburg (Russia-Superleague, 1994-95), Force Majeure St. Petersburg (Russia-Superleague, 1995-96), CSKA Moscow (Russia-Superleague, 1996-98), Phoenix Mercury (USA-WNBA, 1998), CSKA Moscow (Russia-Superleague, 1998-99), Phoenix Mercury (USA-WNBA, 1999), Gambrinus Brno (Czech Rep.-1Liga, 1999-00), Phoenix Mercury (USA-WNBA, 2000), Gambrinus Brno (Czech Rep.-1Liga, 2000-01), Phoenix Mercury (USA-WNBA, 2001), Gambrinus Brno (Czech Rep.-1Liga, 2001-02), MiZo Pecs (Hungary-A Division, 2002), CSKA Samara (Russia-Superleague, 2003-05), Phoenix Mercury (USA-WNBA, 2005), CSKA Samara (Russia-Superleague, 2005-07), CSKA Moscow (Russia-Superleague, 2007-nov.'08), UMMC Ekaterinburg (Russia-Superleague, 2008-11)
Maria Stepanova will hit a new landmark when she steps out at EuroBasket Women 2011 in Poland and that is 15 years of playing major tournaments for the National Team in what will be ironically, her fifteenth major tournament appearance, including playing at EuroBasket Women 2003 only months after giving birth. This kind of commitment, longevity and ability to stay successful at the elite level for so long underlines her status as a bona-fide legend of Russian basketball. The center first pulled on her National Team vest at the 1996 Olympics at the tender age of 17 and has rarely missed a beat since - as evidenced by her glittering resume. Having regularly produced big numbers, she has shown she has class and the ability to dominate on this stage. At EuroBasket Women specifically, she averaged a double-double in 2007 and led the team in both scoring and rebounding in 2009. With a wealth of experience, including a healthy haul of winners medals and personal accolades at club level as well as with Russia, Stepanova remains one of the most decorated and respected players of recent history. Judging by her performances last summer at the FIBA World Championship Women, she doesn't look like she is quite ready to give just yet.
