Taipei City: When Taiyuan Textile took to the court in Taiwan’s Women’s Super Basketball League (WSBL) this season, one player consistently stood out: Marie Glich. Standing at 1.95 meters, she towers over most competitors, except for Australian Cayla George of the Cathay Life Tigers, the team Taiyuan will challenge in the WSBL best-of-five championship series starting May 3.
According to Focus Taiwan, Glich has lived up to her WNBA pedigree in Taiwan. In 23 regular-season games, the 30-year-old was one of only two players to average a double-double, leading the league with 13.9 points per game and ranking second in rebounds with 10.1 per game. Her presence in Taiwan, a place she had never visited before and not known for its basketball prowess, has been a surprise to many, particularly considering her leadership of Germany’s national team to a seventh-place finish at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Glich’s journey to Taiwan began with a call from her agent about an opportunity in Taipei City. Despite initially
having to locate Taiwan on a map, she embraced the challenge and now reflects positively on her decision to play in Asia. Glich discovered her passion for basketball at age 12, having previously tried other sports. Growing up, she felt self-conscious about her height but found basketball to be a place where her height was celebrated.
Drafted into the WNBA in 2018 by the Phoenix Mercury, Glich became the fourth German to enter the league. Her career has since taken her across Italy, Poland, and Spain, making Taiwan the fifth country where she has played professionally. She credits basketball for providing opportunities to meet people, grow personally, and see the world.
Germany’s rise in women’s basketball rankings is partly attributed to Glich’s influence since joining the national team in 2018. Taiyuan’s head coach, Chiu Chi-yi, described her as a key player who prioritizes teamwork, which led to the team’s pursuit of her. Recovering from a knee injury when approached by Taiyuan, the timing of the WSBL sea
son aligned perfectly with her rehabilitation, resulting in her signing in October 2024.
Glich has noted the differences in basketball style in Taiwan, observing a faster, more fluid play compared to the structured strategies of Europe. She respects the dedication and effort of Taiwanese players and is committed to helping Taiyuan end its championship drought. Taiyuan finished the regular season with a league-best record and now faces a formidable opponent in the Tigers, who dominate the league historically.
Her dedication extends off the court, where her disciplined approach to training has motivated teammates. Glich’s influence is likened to that of Dwight Howard’s impact on Taiwanese basketball years ago.
Life in Taiwan has offered Glich a sense of community reminiscent of her college days, with players living and eating together. The WSBL’s schedule and crowd dynamics have been new experiences, but she looks forward to the energy of the finals. After the championship series, Glich will return to German
y to prepare for the Women’s EuroBasket tournament, cherishing the friendships and experiences from Taiwan, a place she now recommends for those new to Asia.
