Napheesa Collier is an American professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA. Known for her versatility, leadership, and toughness, Collier is a four-time WNBA All-Star, the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist
Early Life and Background
-
Full Name: Napheesa Collier
-
Nickname: Phee
-
Date of Birth: September 23, 1996
-
Hometown: St. Charles, Missouri (raised in Jefferson City, Missouri)
-
Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m)
-
Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg)
-
Position: Forward
-
Family:
-
Parents started the Lady Warriors AAU team so she could play basketball
-
Inspired by Maya Moore, fellow Jefferson City native and Lynx legend
-
-
High School:
-
Jefferson City High School (freshman)
-
Incarnate Word Academy (sophomore–senior)
-
2013 and 2015 Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year
-
2015 Naismith Award finalist
-
Women’s Basketball Coaches Association High School All-American
-
McDonald’s All-American
-
College Career
-
University of Connecticut (UConn, 2015–2019):
-
2016 NCAA champion
-
Third all-time in UConn history in points (2,401)
-
Fourth in rebounds (1,219), seventh in blocks (251), third in field goal accuracy (61.3%)
-
Senior year: 20.8 points, 10.8 rebounds per game, 25 double-doubles
-
Four-time All-American
-
AP and USBWA First-team All-American
-
WBCA Coaches’ All-American
-
Professional Career
-
WNBA Draft: 1st round, 6th overall, 2019 WNBA Draft by Minnesota Lynx
-
Teams:
-
Minnesota Lynx (2019–present)
-
-
WNBA Stats (through 2024):
-
Career averages: 17.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists per game
-
Best season: 2023—21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game
-
2024 season: 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists per game
-
Career highs:
-
Points: 33
-
Rebounds: 16
-
Assists: 9
-
Steals: 6
-
Blocks: 6
-
-
Milestones:
-
50 career double-doubles (2025)
-
2024 Commissioner’s Cup champion and MVP
-
2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
-
2024 All-WNBA First Team
-
2024 WNBA All-Defensive First Team
-
4x WNBA All-Star (2019, 2020, 2023, 2024)
-
2019 WNBA Rookie of the Year
-
2019 WNBA All-Rookie Team
-
2023 FIBA Europe SuperCup champion and MVP
-
Turkish Super League champion (Triple Crown honors)
-
-
-
Overseas:
-
Fenerbahçe (Turkey)—won Turkish Super League, FIBA Europe SuperCup
-
Triple Crown (national cup, league, and European title in same season)
-
-
Leadership:
-
Vice president, Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) executive committee
-
Co-founder, Unrivaled basketball league
-
International and National Team Career
-
USA Basketball:
-
Olympic gold medalist (2020 Tokyo, 2024 Paris)
-
Consistent member of USA senior national team
-
Achievements & Honors
-
Minnesota Lynx (WNBA, 2019–present)
-
WNBA All-Star (2019, 2020, 2023, 2024)
-
WNBA Rookie of the Year (2019)
-
2019 WNBA All-Rookie Team
-
2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
-
2024 All-WNBA First Team
-
2024 WNBA All-Defensive First Team
-
2024 Commissioner’s Cup champion and MVP
-
2023 FIBA Europe SuperCup champion and MVP
-
Turkish Super League champion (Triple Crown honors)
-
Olympic gold medalist (2020, 2024)
-
NCAA champion (2016)
-
Four-time All-American (college)
-
Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year (2013, 2015)
-
Naismith Award finalist (2015)
-
Women’s Basketball Coaches Association High School All-American
-
McDonald’s All-American (high school)
-
50+ career double-doubles (WNBA)
-
Vice president, WNBPA executive committee
-
Co-founder, Unrivaled basketball league
Playing Profile
-
Strengths:
-
Elite scoring and rebounding
-
Versatile defender and shot-blocker
-
High basketball IQ and leadership
-
Clutch performer in big games
-
-
Style:
-
Aggressive, dynamic forward who excels in transition and half-court offense
-
Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
-
FAQs About Napheesa Collier
What position does Napheesa Collier play?
Forward
Which team does she play for?
Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)
How old is Napheesa Collier?
28 (born September 23, 1996)
What are her main achievements?
WNBA All-Star, WNBA Rookie of the Year, WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, Commissioner’s Cup champion and MVP, Olympic gold medalist, NCAA champion, Turkish Super League champion (Triple Crown), co-founder of Unrivaled basketball league
What is her playing style?
Versatile, aggressive forward with elite scoring, defense, and leadership
Conclusion
Napheesa Collier is a dominant and accomplished forward whose scoring, rebounding, and championship pedigree have made her one of the most respected and influential figures in women’s basketball.
