A Documentary Unveils a Cross-Cultural Journey

Marie Gülich, the captain of Germany’s national women’s basketball team, has embarked on a unique chapter in her career, documented in “Mary who changes the game – between basketball, Taiwan and the championship dream,” a film broadcast on German public TV ARD. the documentary chronicles her transition to the Taiwan Professional League,highlighting her initial challenges and eventual integration into Taiwanese culture and basketball.

The German Basketball Association promoted the documentary, which aired in April, showcasing Gülich’s life in Taiwan sence December 2023. It also illustrates how she rediscovered her passion for basketball in a vastly different environment.

From WNBA to WSBL: A Bold Move to Asia

Gülich, a 30-year-old, 6-foot-5 center, previously played in the WNBA, becoming the fourth German woman to score in the American league. before her move to Taiwan, she also competed in Italy and Spain. In late 2023, she made the decision to join the Taiwan Yuan Textile Team in the Taiwan Women’s Super Basketball League (WSBL), marking her first foray into Asian basketball.

Adjusting to the new style of play presented initial hurdles.

The style of the game here is wholly different from what I have experienced in Europe in the past, especially in physical confrontation, and the playing style is also very different.

As one of only two foreign players in the league, Gülich admitted feeling pressure and scrutiny upon her arrival.

Navigating Culture Through Night Markets

The language barrier and cultural differences initially caused confusion for Gülich.

When my teammate suddenly ran away, I would think: where are we going? What are we doing? What’s going on now?

To adapt, Gülich immersed herself in Taiwanese culture, exploring the city with her teammates. The night markets became her cultural classroom, where she sampled local delicacies ranging from fried chicken and octopus to the infamous stinky tofu.

I really like the food here, but some things are enough after eating them onc. Like stinky tofu, it tastes like… Someone farted and kept in a jar for two weeks.

Team Rituals and Personal Growth

Gülich was particularly impressed by the Taiwanese team’s pre-game ritual.

When we play as the starting five, we will bow first and then hold each other’s hands. The oldest player will say: one, two, three! Then everyone clapped their hands together.

She shared this tradition on social media, expressing her desire to introduce it to her European teams.

Standing at 6-foot-5, Gülich often attracts attention in Taiwan, but she has learned to embrace her height, a stark contrast to her childhood experiences.

Overcoming Childhood Taunts

The documentary reveals Gülich’s past struggles with her height.

Someone called me the aifel Tower, the giraffe, and I would be thrown into garbage.

Her mother encouraged her to try basketball, which proved to be a turning point.

Basketball helps me reconcile with my body, this is my body, I learn to accept it and like it.

She credits basketball for bringing her to Taiwan.

Eyes on the Championship

With the WSBL season concluding in May, Gülich planned to rejoin the German national team for the European Women’s Basketball Championship (EuroBasket Women 2025) in June. However, her immediate focus was on winning the Taiwan League championship with the Taiwan Yuan Textile Team.

Our opponents have won almost 20 or 30 years in a row,so every game is crucial.

A Proud Decision

The documentary concludes with Gülich overlooking Taipei from Mount Xiang.

I made the right decision to come to Taiwan. I am proud of myself for making this choice and I am proud of myself for having the courage to take this step… I am really happy here!

Despite initial concerns about loneliness and cultural disconnect, Gülich has found happiness and fulfillment in Taiwan.