Napheesa Collier Bio
Napheesa Collier is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Lynx of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and for the Lunar Owls of Unrivaled. Collier is also a founder of the Unrivaled basketball league along with Breanna Stewart. After playing college basketball for the University of Connecticut Huskies, Collier was drafted by the Lynx with the 6th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA draft. She has won two Olympic gold medals playing on the United States women’s national basketball team in the Tokyo 2020 and the Paris 2024 games. She is also a vice president on the Women’s National Basketball Players Association executive committee.
Early Life and Background
Napheesa Collier was born on September 23, 1996, in Jefferson City, Missouri. She faced early challenges in pursuing her passion for basketball, as the only Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team in her area initially did not allow her to try out. In response, her parents established a new team, the Lady Warriors, which went on to compete in national tournaments. During her formative years, Collier met fellow basketball player Maya Moore, who inspired her with her achievements at the University of Connecticut and the Minnesota Lynx. Collier attended Jefferson City High School before transferring to Incarnate Word Academy, where she excelled in basketball and track. She was recognized as the Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year in both 2013 and 2015 and became a finalist for the Naismith Award in 2015.
Path to Basketball
Collier received numerous scholarship offers from colleges but chose to attend the University of Connecticut, where she played from 2015 to 2019. At UConn, she became a standout player, ranking third all-time in career scoring and fourth in rebounds. Collier was a member of the 2016 NCAA championship team and received the Katrina McClain Award for Power Forward of the Year in her senior season. She averaged a double-double during her final year, solidifying her status as one of the top players in college basketball. After a successful collegiate career, Collier was selected by the Minnesota Lynx as the 6th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA draft, marking the beginning of her professional journey.
Napheesa Collier Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Collier made an immediate impact in the WNBA, scoring 27 points in her debut game against the Chicago Sky, the second-highest debut for any rookie in league history. During her rookie season, she averaged 13.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team. Collier’s performance earned her the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, and she was selected as an All-Star as an injury replacement.
Breakthrough (2021–2024)
In 2021, Collier continued to build on her success, earning her first All-WNBA Second Team selection and being named to the All-Defensive Second Team. However, her 2022 season was affected by maternity leave following the birth of her daughter, Mila Sarah Bazzell, in May. Collier returned to the Lynx in August 2022 and played a limited number of games. In 2023, she returned stronger, leading the Lynx as the new team captain and earning her third All-Star selection. She had an MVP-caliber season, achieving multiple historic performances, including becoming only the second player in WNBA history to record a stat line of 30+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 5+ blocks in a single game.
Notable Works and Milestones
Collier’s signature achievements include being named the WNBA All-Star Game MVP in 2025, winning the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024, and being part of the Minnesota Lynx All-25 Team for the franchise’s 25th anniversary. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the sport off the court, including her role as a vice president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association.
Napheesa Collier Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Napheesa Collier has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances in the WNBA and collegiate basketball.
Napheesa Collier Awards Won
Napheesa Collier has won several prestigious awards, including the WNBA All-Star Game MVP in 2025, the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, and the NCAA championship in 2016. She has also received the Katrina McClain Award in 2019, recognizing her as the top power forward in college basketball.
Napheesa Collier Family
Napheesa Collier is married to Alex Bazzell, a basketball skills coach. The couple welcomed their daughter, Mila Sarah Bazzell, in May 2022.
Personal Life
Off the court, Collier enjoys reading, particularly mystery novels. She is also an advocate for climate action and reproductive rights, partnering with organizations to promote these causes. Additionally, Collier is known for her ability to communicate using American Sign Language, a skill she learned while growing up. Her family has a rich history, with her grandfather being a prominent figure in Sierra Leone’s history.
