Napheesa Collier
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
DOB: September 23, 1996 | Birthplace: Jefferson City, Missouri | Profession: WNBA (Forward)
Napheesa Collier is one of the most versatile and accomplished players in the WNBA. Known for her scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess, she has become the cornerstone of the Minnesota Lynx and a leading figure in women's basketball.
Early Years
Napheesa Collier grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri, before transferring to Incarnate Word Academy in Bel-Nor, Missouri, for her high school years. She was a standout player in high school, earning McDonald's All-American honors and setting the stage for her future success.
College Career
Collier attended the University of Connecticut, where she played under coach Geno Auriemma. During her collegiate career, she helped lead the Huskies to a national championship in 2016 and was a key contributor throughout her four years. She finished her UConn career ranked third in program history in points scored, third in field goal percentage, and fourth in rebounds. She was also named the 2019 winner of the Katrina McClain Award, given to the nation’s best power forward.
Professional Career
Selected sixth overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2019 WNBA Draft, Collier made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year. She has since become a multiple-time WNBA All-Star and earned the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award. In 2025, she led the league in scoring with an average of 23.5 points per game, showcasing her offensive and defensive skills.
Teams Played For
Minnesota Lynx (2019–present)
Career Highlights
WNBA Champion (2016)
WNBA All-Star (2019, 2021, 2023–2025)
WNBA All-Star Game MVP (2025)
2× All-WNBA First Team (2023, 2024)
WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2024)
2× All-Defensive First Team (2023, 2024)
WNBA Rookie of the Year (2019)
NCAA Champion (2016)
Katrina McClain Award (2019)
Accolades
Collier is known for her all-around game, combining scoring, rebounding, and defense. She has consistently been among the league leaders in multiple statistical categories and has earned numerous individual awards and honors throughout her career.
Honors and Recognitions
In addition to her on-court achievements, Collier has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the sport. She co-founded the Unrivaled 3x3 league with Breanna Stewart, aiming to provide more opportunities for women in basketball. Her efforts off the court have further solidified her status as a role model and advocate for women's sports.
Conclusion
Napheesa Collier's career is defined by her consistent excellence, leadership, and transformative impact on women's basketball. Her achievements on the court and her influence off it ensure that she will be remembered as one of the greatest players in WNBA history.
About the Author
Ryan Vickery is a staff writer for Massive Action Media with a degree in Sports Management. Based in Austin, Texas, he has been covering the NBA since 2022, delivering insights on players, rankings, and franchise history.
Copyright/Disclaimer
Report Errors/Contribute to Site
Comments