WNBATake

Your ultimate destination for electrifying WNBA news!

Napheesa Collier

Napheesa Collier – WNBA News, Rumors & Updates, Stats

Who is Napheesa Collier?

Napheesa Collier is a professional basketball star and one of the brightest talents in the WNBA today. A versatile forward known for her scoring, rebounding, and leadership, she plays for the Minnesota Lynx and has already established herself as a franchise cornerstone. With an impressive college career at UConn, multiple WNBA All-Star appearances, and international success with Team USA, Collier is widely recognized as one of the future faces of the WNBA.

Quick Facts

Detail Information
Full Name Napheesa Collier
Born September 23, 1996 (Age: 28)
Hometown Jefferson City, Missouri
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Position Forward
College University of Connecticut (UConn), 2015–2019
WNBA Draft 2019 – 1st Round, 6th Pick (Minnesota Lynx)
WNBA Team Minnesota Lynx (2019–present)
Rookie of the Year 2019
WNBA All-Star 4× (2019, 2021, 2023, 2024)
Championships NCAA Champion (2016), Olympic Gold Medalist (2020)
Career Highlight Co-founder of Unrivaled Basketball League
Notable Returned to WNBA just 2.5 months after childbirth (2022)

WNBA Career

  • Drafted 6th overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx.

  • Named the 2019 WNBA Rookie of the Year, showcasing elite talent from day one.

  • Multiple-time WNBA All-Star (2019, 2021, 2023, 2024), proving her consistency as one of the league’s best.

  • Helped lead the Lynx as a go-to scorer, rebounder, and defensive anchor.

  • Known for her all-around game — averaging double figures in scoring across every season, with standout seasons crossing 20+ points per game.

  • Member of the WNBA’s 25 Under 25 list, honoring the league’s brightest young stars.

Early Life

Napheesa Collier was born on September 23, 1996, in Jefferson City, Missouri.

  • Attended Incarnate Word Academy in St. Louis, where she was named a McDonald’s All-American and one of the top recruits in the nation.

  • Committed to the University of Connecticut (UConn), one of the most successful women’s basketball programs in history.

  • At UConn, she became a two-time All-American, 2016 NCAA Champion, and one of the program’s most productive forwards ever.

  • Finished her college career with over 2,400 points and 1,200 rebounds, ranking among UConn’s all-time greats.

International Career

  • A standout for Team USA, winning gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

  • Represented the U.S. in multiple international tournaments, continuing the legacy of UConn and WNBA stars excelling at the global level.

Beyond Basketball

  • Collier co-founded the Unrivaled Basketball League with Breanna Stewart, a new initiative designed to elevate women’s professional basketball in the U.S. during the WNBA offseason.

  • Known for her voice off the court, she is an advocate for mothers in pro sports, returning to the WNBA quickly after giving birth in 2022.

  • A role model for balancing career, family, and leadership in women’s sports.