ARLINGTON, Texas — Satou Sabally is set to make her season debut for the Dallas Wings on Friday when the team faces the Connecticut Sun coming out of the Olympic break. She comes bringing with her the momentum of a stellar Olympic run with Germany and a fresh start after recovering from a shoulder injury that sidelined her for much of the WNBA season.

The Wings announced Wednesday that Sabally, Maddy Siegrist, and rookie Jaelyn Brown have been medically cleared to return to the active roster. The team, which faced significant challenges due to injuries, had to rely on hardship contracts during the Olympic break but now looks to rejuvenate its campaign with the return of these key players.

Satou Sabally leads Germany in Historic Olympic Run

Before the Wings’ matchup against the Connecticut Sun on Friday, I spoke with Sabally for an exclusive interview for EssentiallySports, Sabally opened up about her journey, offering insight into her mindset and what lies ahead for both her and her teams. Sabally’s return to the court in Paris marked a significant milestone not just for her, but for German basketball as well.

Germany made its first-ever appearance in the women’s basketball tournament at the Olympics, and Sabally’s leadership was pivotal in this historic achievement. Averaging 18.8 points and 5.8 rebounds over four games, Sabally demonstrated her always impressive all-around versatility at 6-foot-4 being a forward capable of knocking down outside shots, playmaking, and attacking the paint.

“It was difficult, but I knew that I was prepared. Mentally, I’ve been preparing myself for this the whole time. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but just being able to focus on the groundwork that I put so much time into, that’s what I can rely on,” Sabally said, reflecting on the challenges she faced leading up to the Olympics.

Sabally’s impact in Paris was nothing short of remarkable, as she played a crucial role in Germany’s rise on the global stage. Her 33-point performance against Japan was a defining moment, tying for the eighth-highest single-game total in Olympic history. It was the most points scored at the Olympics since 2016 and underscored her ability to rise to the occasion when her team needed it most. “That performance was really a do-or-die game for us. We knew our chances against Japan were stronger than our chances against the U.S., and we had to win to advance. I think I just simply took over,” she said.

Sabally’s contributions extended beyond her individual performance, as she emphasized the importance of team chemistry. “From the Olympics, I want to bring that team chemistry here. It was amazing how we stuck together through the good and the bad. I want to elevate our team again, and I’m happy to return to my teammates. I really enjoy my time with them.”

Reflecting on the global growth of women’s basketball, Sabally said, “It just shows that the game is really growing globally. Now, a country like Germany, which has never been at the Olympics before, is there. We have three German players in the WNBA. That’s amazing. Building the relationship between the WNBA, FIBA, and EuroBasket is just going to benefit the growth of the league overall.”

Germany’s success at the Olympics has set the stage for even greater achievements, particularly as the country prepares to host the 2026 Women’s FIBA World Cup in Berlin. Sabally, a native of Berlin is enthusiastic about the future of German basketball while managing to inspire the next generation of players. “They see what basketball can be, especially for women’s basketball. Being able to fill out an arena in Berlin, where I’m from, with players from the city that you root for, is going to inspire so many people. I think we have real chances to medal, and we’re going to be much better in two years than we are now,” she added.

Sabally further reflected on the significance of representing Germany at the highest levels, explaining how it’s a great way for her to give back to those who poured into her basketball journey, representing them at the highest level. “Playing for your country means representing the place you’re from. I went through the entire German educational system and the German national team since I was 12 years old. I also started basketball because I went to a girls’ basketball camp in Germany. It’s a great way for me to give back and represent my country, all the coaches I’ve played for, and all the teammates I’ve played with—they’ve all made me who I am today. I’m so grateful for this lifestyle; this is my dream.”

Not only does Sabally get to represent Germany, but she is doing it while playing next to her sister, Nyara, who plays for the New York Liberty. It’s an opportunity Satou greatly enjoys. “Doing this alongside my sisters is something out of a textbook. I’m still so happy I could do that alongside her. Who knows if we’ll be at the next Olympics, but this could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’ll cherish it forever,” she said.

With Sabally leading the charge, Germany is positioned to build on this historic Olympic achievement and continue its upward trajectory on the international stage. Before returning to compete with her national team, Sabally’s focus will be on her WNBA squad.

Optimism surrounds Satou Sabally’s WNBA return to Dallas Wings

Satou Sabally’s return injects a sense of optimism and renewed energy into a Dallas team eager to turn the corner. The Wings, who have faced a challenging season thus far, are looking to capitalize on the momentum Sabally brings back from her Olympic success. Her leadership, which was instrumental in Germany’s Olympic success, is expected to have a similar impact on Dallas, as the team looks to come together and capitalize on the remaining games.

Despite a 6-19 record before the break, the Wings are poised to make a strong push in the second half of the season with Sabally back in the lineup. Her return is seen as a turning point for Dallas, and there is a collective belief that better days are ahead. “Sticking together as a group is the main thing. This is a team sport. We’ll continue to uplift each other and really make everyone shine in their own roles and talents,” she explained.

Ranked at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Wings’ three-year streak of consecutive postseason appearances is likely to end, but Dallas can focus on building quality habits for the future with key players, including Sabally, back in the fold.

Last season, the Wings produced an impressive regular season effort by going 22-18, which was by far the best record the team had produced in the nine seasons the team has been in Texas. Sabally played an instrumental role in this success, averaging an impressive 18.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.8 steals in 33.1 minutes per game. Her robust production earned her a WNBA All-Star appearance for the second time in her career.

Sabally maintains a positive mindset with a clear sense of gratitude to be playing. She’s eager to make the most of her time on the court. “Honestly, I’m happy to be on the floor again. I’m just going to have fun, enjoy it, play hoops, and bring my competitiveness to the game. But most of all, I’m enjoying being on the court, being healthy, and having great teammates around me,” she said.

As Sabally rejoins Dallas, her presence is expected to lift the team. With her leadership and the team’s renewed focus, the Wings are optimistic about the rest of the season and excited to see what they can achieve together.