The Nigerian pivot, from the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, strengthens the inside game.
Spar Girona |
Monday, 19 October 2026
Michelle Ugonne Onyiah (Eastvale, California, August 12, 2002) is a new player for SPAR Girona. The Nigerian center arrives from the Indiana Fever of the WNBA to bring athletic ability, presence under the boards and offensive resources to the team’s interior game.
After completing her college career in the United States, Onyiah began her professional career in Europe with Basket Namur Capitale of Belgium. During her time in Belgium, she competed in the EuroCup Women, where she averaged 7.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, in addition to almost one block per game, showing her ability to dominate the rebound and provide defensive solidity.
She later played in the UpShot League with the Charlotte Crown before making the jump to the WNBA. In July 2026, she signed a developmental contract with the Indiana Fever, with whom she had the opportunity to compete in the highest competition in American women’s basketball.
An outstanding university career at Cal
Onyiah completed his college career at the University of California, known as Cal, where he competed for five seasons in the NCAA. There, he stood out for his physique, rebounding ability, and effectiveness near the basket.
In her final college season, 2024–25, she played in all 34 games for Cal, all as a starter, averaging 12.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. She also shot 60.3% from the field, ranking her as the best player in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in that statistic and 11th in the entire NCAA. During the season, she also recorded 12 double-doubles and set her career high with 26 points against Miami.
The center closed her college career with notable records in several historical Cal statistics. She finished sixth in career field goal percentage, with 54%, and fifth in blocks, with a total of 143. In the first round of the NCAA tournament against Mississippi State, she added 17 points and 15 rebounds.
Over the course of her five seasons at Cal, Onyiah evolved into an interior player with paint presence, rebounding ability, and finishing skills. Her defensive contributions are also reflected in her 143 blocks during her college career.
Before arriving at college, Onyiah had already shown her potential at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, where she averaged 18 points and 15 rebounds per game. Her projection placed her among the most outstanding interior players of her class in the United States.
Statements from Pere Puig, sports director of SPAR Girona:
“With the arrival of Michelle we are incorporating a new player at a very complicated time for the team, and we are convinced that she will help us a lot. She is an athletic, very versatile and intimidating player, who will be an important piece within the team. We hope that the federative procedures are resolved quickly and that she can help us as soon as possible.”
