Height has always played a huge role in volleyball. The moment a very tall player walks onto the court, the entire match feels different. The net looks smaller next to her.
The blockers on the other side start adjusting their positions. Even the crowd notices how her presence changes the energy. Height doesn’t just help in volleyball, it becomes part of the game itself.
Some players are so tall that they instantly draw attention even before they touch the ball. Their long reach lets them block attacks that seem almost impossible to stop.
Their spikes come down at sharp angles that defenders can barely react to. But what makes these athletes truly special is how they combine their natural height with skill, timing, and confidence.
In this article, we will explore the top 15 tallest female volleyball players in the world. Some of them are still playing, while others have left their mark on the sport. All of them show how height, when used well, can turn a player into a powerful force on the court.
Top 15 Tallest Female Volleyball Players in the World
1. Nelly Alisheva — Russian Opposite Hitter and Historic Tall Player
Height: Approximately 2.08 m
Born: December 20, 1983
Nationality: Russian
Current Team: Retired
Playing Position: Opposite Hitter
Nelly Alisheva was one of the tallest female volleyball players of her era. While official measurements sometimes vary, her height was widely reported around 2.08 meters – taller than almost every other female volleyball player in history.
Her career was mostly in Russian volleyball’s highest leagues, where she played as an opposite hitter with strong attacks and sharp blocks. Opponents had trouble finding gaps because her reach covered so much of the net.
Nelly’s biggest strength was her intimidating presence,just seeing her run to the net was enough to make many attackers change their plans.
Although she retired before 2020, she is still remembered in volleyball circles as one of the sport’s historical tall standouts.
2. Alba Hernández — Puerto Rico’s Tallest Star
Height: 2.07 m
Born: October 3, 1994
Nationality: Puerto Rican
Current Team: Criollas de Caguas (Puerto Rico)
Playing Position: Middle Blocker
Alba Hernández is one of the tallest active female volleyball players in the world. She grew up in Puerto Rico surrounded by a culture that loves volleyball. Right from her early teen years, coaches noticed her remarkable height. But it was not just how tall she was, it was how she moved that stood out. Despite her height, she had quick feet and long arms that could block and attack with power.
Alba made her professional debut in her home country in her late teens. Her first major season was 2014, when she joined Gigantes de Carolina and began making her presence felt with strong blocks and consistent spikes.
In 2018, she helped her team reach the finals of Puerto Rico’s top league. Her performance that year earned her praise for being a dominant middle blocker, especially in net defense.
By 2021, Alba was a leader for the Criollas de Caguas, guiding them through tough matches with strong net coverage. In 2023 and 2024, she continued to rank among the league’s top blockers and scorers, showing improved timing and reading of the game.
Alba’s personality off the court is humble and hardworking. She spends extra hours training her footwork and jump timing, showing that even the tallest stars must perfect their basics.
3. Dana Rettke — USA’s Record-Setting Middle Blocker
Height: 2.04 m
Born: January 21, 1999
Nationality: American
Current Team: Vero Volley Milano (Italy)
Playing Position: Middle Blocker
Dana Rettke is a player whose name is known everywhere in world volleyball. At 2.04 meters, she may not be the tallest woman volleyball player, but she is arguably one of the most complete tall female players ever produced by the USA. Her journey began in high school, where she quickly became one of the most talked-about recruits in the nation.
Dana’s college career took place at the University of Wisconsin, where from 2017 through 2021, she dominated with her blocking, quick attacks in the middle, and intelligent reading of opponents. Year after year, she earned All-American honors because she consistently ranked among the best in total points and blocks.
After graduating, Dana took her talent to Italy, signing with Vero Volley Milano in 2022. In her first season in Europe, she quickly showed that her college success was only the start. She became known for her calm demeanor under pressure, her efficient attacks, and her ability to shut down opposing spikers.
In 2023, she played a crucial role in helping Milano reach the playoffs against some of Italy’s toughest teams. Her net defense became a key factor in many of their victories.
Dana’s story shows that being tall truly helps, but when combined with discipline and focus, it creates a volleyball player capable of winning big matches on the world stage.
4. Yuan Xinyue — China’s Olympic Champion
Height: 2.03 m
Born: December 21, 1996
Nationality: Chinese
Current Team: VakıfBank S.K. (Turkey)
Playing Position: Middle Blocker
Yuan Xinyue is one of the tallest volleyball stars China has ever produced. Her height gives her an incredible reach over the net, and she uses it with smart timing and strong fundamentals.
Yuan first rose to global attention during the 2015 FIVB World Cup, where she helped China win a gold medal, showcasing her powerful blocks and fast middle attacks. She then played an important role in the 2016 Summer Olympics, where China captured the gold medal – one of the highest honors in the sport.
After her success with the national team, Yuan expanded her career to play professionally in Europe. In 2019, she signed with VakıfBank S.K., one of Turkey’s most successful clubs. There, she has continued to shine, helping her team win domestic league matches and compete strongly in European competitions.
In 2021–2024, she became known for her reliability rarely making mistakes in key plays and often being the go-to blocker when her team needed a defensive anchor.
Her teammates often talk about her positive attitude and willingness to mentor younger players who look up to her not just for her height, but for her leadership.
5. Magdalena Stysiak — Poland’s Scoring Powerhouse
Height: 2.03 m
Born: December 3, 2000
Nationality: Polish
Current Team: Fenerbahçe Opet (Turkey)
Playing Position: Opposite Hitter
Magdalena Stysiak is a tall, energetic opposite hitter known for her fearless attacking. She began her career in Poland’s local leagues, and even as a teenager, she stood out because of her powerful spikes and confident play.
By 2018, Maggie became a regular starter for her club, quickly earning recognition not only for her height but for her ability to score points in crucial moments.
In 2020, she moved to Turkey to play with Fenerbahçe Opet, a club that competes at the top level of European volleyball. There, she did not just blend in, she became one of the team’s leading scorers, hitting with power and precision that few defenders could stop.
By 2023–2024, Maggie was consistently ranked among the top scorers in her league and often featured in highlight reels with her dramatic cross-court hits and forcing serves.
Her growth shows how young players can use both physical gifts and strong mental focus to push themselves into the world’s elite.
6. Valentina Diouf — Italian-Senegalese volleyball player
Height: 202 cm (6’8”)
Born: January 10, 1993
Nationality: Italian
Position: Opposite
Current Team: Active (Italian & International Clubs)
Valentina Diouf is a well-known figure in European volleyball. She began her professional journey in Italy’s top league, where she quickly earned respect for her attacking strength and capacity to hit from different angles.
Between 2012 and 2018, Valentina played for several Italian clubs, regularly finishing seasons as one of their top scorers. Her attacks were powerful but also smart. She knew how to read the court and place the ball where defenders least expected.
In 2019, Valentina moved to play in Poland with ŁKS Commercecon Łódź, where she continued her strong form. She helped her team win key matches and often contributed more than ten points per game with her spikes and well-placed hits.
Valentina’s game is built on a balance of power and control, a combination that makes her one of the most reliable tall hitters in women’s volleyball today.
7. Anna Kajalina — Estonia’s Tall Attacker
Height: 2.03 m
Born: March 8, 1991
Nationality: Estonian
Current Team: Municipal Olympique Mougins Volley-Ball (France)
Playing Position: Opposite Hitter
Anna Kajalina is a tall and determined opposite hitter from Estonia. From early in her career, she stood out in local leagues for her long reach and attacking ability.
After moving to play in Italy and then France, Anna improved her game each season by sharpening her timing at the net and building strong attacking combinations with her setters.
From 2014 to 2018, she became known for delivering key points during tight matches and for being a reliable scorer who could be trusted when the pressure was high.
In recent seasons, she has played in France’s competitive leagues, where her height and experience make her a force during net play and a mentor to younger players on her team.
Anna’s presence is a reminder that tall volleyball players can bring leadership and calm confidence to every match.
8. Daria Malygina — Russia’s Defensive Giant
Height: 2.02 m
Born: April 4, 1994
Nationality: Russian
Current Team: Leningradka Saint Petersburg (Russia)
Playing Position: Middle Blocker
Daria Malygina has long been recognized in Russia as a strong middle blocker. Her height gives her an advantage, but it is her reading of opponents’ attacks that truly makes her stand out.
Daria started playing professionally in Russia’s Super League in the mid-2010s, where she quickly made a name for her powerful blocks and quick reactions at the net.
By 2018, she was one of her league’s most reliable blockers, often finishing matches with double-digit block counts — a sign of her sharp anticipation and strong jumping ability.
In 2020–2024, she continued to be a core player for Leningradka Saint Petersburg, helping her team compete against top clubs through consistency and disciplined defense.
Her teammates describe her as quiet but confident, someone whose focus never leaves the game, even in close and intense moments.
9. Sara Klisura — Serbia’s Balanced Wing
Height: 1.94 m
Born: November 16, 1992
Nationality: Serbian
Current Team: OK Železničar (Serbia)
Playing Position: Outside Hitter
Sara Klisura may not be the absolute tallest on this list, but her height and versatility make her a standout player. As an outside hitter, Sara doesn’t just attack — she receives serves, passes, defends, and plays all around the court.
Sara’s career took her from Serbia to Germany, Italy, and back to Serbia where she now plays for OK Železničar. Between 2015 and 2021, she regularly finished seasons as one of her team’s top all-around performers.
Her biggest strength is her consistency — she rarely makes errors under pressure and contributes in both offense and defense.
Sara is a great example of how a tall volleyball player can be more than just a blocker or spiker — she can be the glue that holds a team together.
10. Carol Gattaz — Brazil’s Veteran Blocker
Height: 1.92 m
Born: November 25, 1981
Nationality: Brazilian
Current Team: Retired (Hall of Fame Legacy)
Playing Position: Middle Blocker
Carol Gattaz is one of the most respected volleyball names in Brazilian history. Her career spans over two decades, and she was a powerful middle blocker with consistency and heart.
From the 2000s into the 2010s, Carol was a part of Brazil’s top volleyball clubs, helping them win national championships and continental titles. She also played key roles in major international competitions, including events like World Grand Prix matches.
Carol was known not for overpowering with height alone, but for smart positioning and strong timing at the net that frustrated many attackers.
Though retired now, her influence continues — young Brazilian players still watch her old matches to learn blocking instincts and leadership.
11. Maja Poljak — Croatia’s Net Wall
Height: 1.94 m
Born: May 3, 1983
Nationality: Croatian
Current Team: Retired
Playing Position: Middle Blocker
Maja Poljak was one of the toughest middle blockers in European volleyball during her peak. Playing mostly in Italy, she was known for her sturdy blocks and sharp net play.
Between 2002 and 2014, Maja helped her teams finish among the top clubs in the Italian leagues and in European championships.
Though not the tallest on this list, her strength and experience made her a constant challenge for opposing attackers.
Today, she is remembered as a player who used every bit of her abilities to compete at the highest levels.
12. Ekaterina Gamova – The Queen of Height and Power
Height: 206 cm (6 ft 9 in)
Born: October 17, 1980
Nationality: Russian
Playing Position: Opposite Hitter
Current Team: Retired
Ekaterina Gamova is not just one of the tallest players in the world. She is also one of the greatest female volleyball players of all time.
Born in Chelyabinsk, Russia, Gamova’s height gave her an early advantage, but it was her technique and intelligence that made her legendary. She played as an opposite hitter, a role that allowed her to use her height for devastating spikes.
Her career achievements span nearly two decades. In 2000, she won her first Olympic silver medal. She repeated the same feat in 2004. Her golden moment came in 2006 and 2010, when she led Russia to two FIVB World Championship titles, earning MVP honours.
Gamova also dominated club volleyball in Turkey and Russia, winning Champions League titles with Dynamo Moscow and Fenerbahçe. She retired in 2016, leaving behind a legacy that blends height, grace, and unmatched scoring ability.
13. Jennifer Joines — USA’s All-Around Outside Hitter
Height: 1.93 m
Born: 23 November 1982
Nationality: American
Current Team: Retired
Playing Position: Outside Hitter
Jennifer Joines was a strong all-around player with balance between offense and defense. Standing at 1.86 meters, she wasn’t the tallest, but she used her height effectively in attacking, serving, and receiving.
In the early 2000s, Jennifer played in professional leagues overseas and represented the USA in international matches.
Her career shows that even moderate height, when combined with skill and consistency, can make a real impact at high levels of volleyball.
14. Kim Yeon-koung – The Tall Leader Who Carried a Nation
Height: 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
Born: February 26, 1988
Nationality: South Korean
Playing Position: Outside Hitter
Current Team: Semi-Retired
Kim Yeon-koung is not just one of the tallest players on this list. She is one of the most complete volleyball players ever, regardless of height. At 6 feet 4 inches tall, she combined size, skill, intelligence, and leadership in a way very few athletes ever have.
Kim’s rise was steady and earned, not sudden. She dominated domestic leagues before moving to play professionally overseas. Her time in Japan, Turkey, and China helped her grow as a complete athlete.
Her 2012 Olympic performance is often considered one of the greatest individual displays in women’s volleyball history.
Kim’s height gave her attacking reach, but her intelligence made her unstoppable. She could score from difficult positions, adjust mid-air, and read blocks with ease.
15. Jordyn Poulter — USA’s Tall Versatile Player
Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Born: July 31, 1997
Nationality: United States
Playing Position: Setter
Current Team: Active (Club career varies by season)
Jordyn Poulter stands out because of her height in a position that is usually played by shorter athletes. At 6 feet 2 inches tall, she brings a physical presence that gives her team a clear advantage at the net.
During her college career at the University of Illinois, she developed excellent court awareness and learned how to run fast, balanced offenses. Her ability to block opposing hitters as a setter became one of her strongest assets.
Poulter reached her peak on the world stage during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where she played a key role in helping the United States win the gold medal.
Her calm decision-making, accurate setting, and strong blocking made her one of the most reliable setters in international volleyball.
Final Words
These top 15 tallest female volleyball players in the world are remarkable not just because of their height, but because of the skill, effort, intelligence, teamwork, and mental toughness they show every time they step onto the court.
Whether winning Olympic medals, domestic championships, or leading their teams in key plays, these athletes teach us that real success comes from combining natural gifts with hard work and passion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the tallest female volleyball player in the world?
As of 2025, Alba Hernández is widely reported as the tallest active professional player at 2.07 meters.
Does being tall guarantee success?
Not always. While height helps, success in volleyball also requires skill, coordination, strategy, and teamwork.
Which positions benefit most from height?
Middle blockers and opposite hitters usually benefit most, because they are heavily involved in blocking and attacking near the net.
Are there ever players taller than 2.07 m?
Occasionally in less-recorded leagues or youth competitions, very tall players may appear, but in top international women’s volleyball, around 2.05–2.07 m is near the ceiling.