Güneş Çapa was born on 6 September 1936 in Tokat. She continued her education in Istanbul, graduating first from Çamlıca Girls’ High School and then from the Faculty of Law at Istanbul University. She practiced the profession of law for approximately 45 years.

Her interest in sports originated in childhood through her family. Her father, Dr. Selim Çapa, was one of Turkey’s first sports physicians and played an active role in establishing Fenerbahçe Sports Club’s women’s basketball and volleyball teams. Güneş Çapa, as part of this pioneering legacy, turned to sports and quickly became one of Turkey’s leading female athletes.

Sports Career

Güneş Çapa wore the Fenerbahçe jersey for many years in both volleyball and basketball. With the Fenerbahçe Women’s Volleyball Team, she won the Istanbul and Turkish championships seven years in a row. She also served for a period with the Fenerbahçe Women’s Basketball Team.

From the late 1950s onward, Çapa made significant contributions to the development of women’s volleyball in Turkey. In 1961–1962, she was selected for the Turkey Women’s National Volleyball Team and served as its first captain. This distinction granted her a unique place in Turkish volleyball history.

Güneş Çapa (Source: Fenerbahçe Historyi)

Administration and Later Years

Even after retiring from active sports, Çapa continued serving Turkish volleyball. She became the first woman member of the Turkish Volleyball Federation, marking a historic first in the federation’s history. She also managed the Women’s National Team and served in an administrative capacity with the Fenerbahçe Women’s Volleyball Team.

Remaining connected to the sport, Çapa followed matches as a spectator in her later years. She also maintained a close interest in culture and the arts, actively participating in events such as festivals and concerts.

Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç and Güneş Çapa (Source: Fenerbahçe)

Family and Personal Life

Güneş Çapa came from a family of athletes. In addition to her father Dr. Selim Çapa, her sister Oya Çapa also played for Fenerbahçe’s first women’s basketball and volleyball teams.

Death

Güneş Çapa passed away on 25 April 2025. Her funeral will be held after the noon prayer at Fenerbahçe Camii, following a ceremony on Sunday, 27 April 2025, at the Dereağzı Lefter Küçükandonyadis Facility.