Napheesa Collier, one of the brightest stars in the world of women’s basketball, has rapidly risen to prominence not just for her exceptional on-court talent but also for her leadership, advocacy, and efforts to shape the future of the sport. Born on September 23, 1996, in O’Fallon, Missouri, Collier represents a new generation of athletes blending competitive excellence with social impact.
Key Information
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Napheesa Collier |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1996 |
| Place of Birth | O’Fallon, Missouri, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’1″ (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
| Position | Forward (WNBA) |
| College | University of Connecticut (UConn) |
| College Major | Bachelor of Science in Communications |
| WNBA Team | Minnesota Lynx |
| WNBA Draft | 2019, 6th overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx |
| Marital Status | Married to Alex Barlow (2023) |
| Children | Daughter, Mila (born May 2022) |
| Parents | Mother: Leroy Collier, Father: Michael Collier |
| Siblings | One sister, Kelsey Collier |
| Languages Spoken | English, basic Spanish |
| Hobbies | Traveling, cooking, spending time with family, and photography |
| Favorite Music | Hip-hop, R&B, and jazz |
| Favorite Food | Italian cuisine, especially pizza |
| Favorite Movie/TV Show | “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “Grey’s Anatomy” |
| Religious Views | Christian (Faith plays an important role in her life) |
| Philanthropic Efforts | Reproductive rights advocacy, Women’s sports equality, Founding “Unrivaled” 3-on-3 League |
| Other Interests | Fashion, mentoring young athletes, and animal welfare |
| Social Media | |
| Known For | WNBA All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year, Social Activism |
| Net Worth (2025) | ~$5-6 million USD (estimated) |
| Awards and Recognition | WNBA Rookie of the Year (2019), WNBA All-Star (multiple), WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2024) |
Early Life: A Passion for Sports
Born on September 23, 1996, in O’Fallon, Missouri, Napheesa Collier grew up in a family where sports were an integral part of daily life. Her father, Michael Collier, played college basketball, while her mother, Leroy Collier, had a background in sports as well. With such a foundation, it’s no surprise that Napheesa’s athletic abilities flourished early on.
During her high school years at Incarnate Word Academy in St. Louis, Collier developed into a standout basketball player, earning several prestigious honors, including being named a McDonald’s All-American. She was known for her versatility, intelligence, and calm demeanor on the court. As one of the top high school players in the nation, it was clear that her future in basketball was bright.
College Success at UConn: A Star in the Making
In 2015, Collier made the decision to attend the University of Connecticut (UConn), one of the premier programs in college basketball, under the guidance of legendary coach Geno Auriemma. Over her four years at UConn, Collier cemented herself as one of the best players in the country.
During her time at UConn, Collier consistently demonstrated her all-around game. She was a dominant force both offensively and defensively, earning numerous accolades, including First-Team All-American honors and American Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2019. Throughout her college career, she averaged 20.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game during her senior year, showcasing her ability to impact the game in virtually every facet.
WNBA Career: A Quick Rise to Prominence
In the 2019 WNBA Draft, Collier was selected 6th overall by the Minnesota Lynx. Her immediate impact was felt across the league, and she earned the WNBA Rookie of the Year award in her first season. Collier finished her rookie year with impressive averages of 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, quickly becoming one of the league’s brightest young stars.
Throughout her WNBA career, Collier has established herself as one of the league’s most versatile and efficient players. She is known for her ability to score both inside and outside, her exceptional defense, and her leadership. Collier has been named to the WNBA All-Star team multiple times and has made significant contributions to her team’s success.
In 2024, Collier’s efforts were recognized as she was named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, earning praise for her ability to shut down opposing players while contributing on offense. That same year, she led the Lynx to a Commissioner’s Cup victory, where she was named MVP of the tournament. These honors solidified her place as one of the top players in the league.
Personal Life: A Role Model Beyond Basketball
Off the court, Napheesa Collier is an advocate for women’s rights, healthcare, and equality. In 2022, she became a mother to her daughter, Mila, and her journey as a mother and professional athlete has inspired countless others. Collier has used her platform to discuss the challenges women face in professional sports, particularly when it comes to balancing motherhood and a high-level career.
Collier is also passionate about social issues, particularly the advancement of reproductive rights and healthcare access. She has been outspoken about the need for greater awareness of women’s issues and uses her visibility to advocate for changes that will benefit women and girls everywhere. She supports organizations that fight for equal pay for female athletes and promote gender equality both on and off the court.
In 2025, Collier and fellow WNBA star Breanna Stewart co-founded “Unrivaled”, a women’s professional 3-on-3 basketball league aimed at providing more opportunities for female athletes. The league provides a platform for women to showcase their skills year-round, offering both competitive opportunities and media exposure, which are often lacking for female basketball players in traditional leagues.
Recognition and Influence
As a result of her efforts both on and off the court, Collier has garnered widespread recognition. She was named to TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list in 2025, alongside Breanna Stewart, for her role in revolutionizing women’s basketball and fighting for social change. This accolade underscores her impact as a leader and role model.
Collier’s accomplishments extend beyond basketball, as she has also emerged as a key figure in advocating for systemic change in sports and society. Her relentless drive to succeed and create lasting change has made her one of the most influential figures in women’s sports.
The Future: A Legacy in the Making
Napheesa Collier is not just a basketball player; she is a force for change. As she continues to excel in her WNBA career, she is also shaping the future of women’s professional sports, championing causes that go far beyond the game itself. Whether it’s through her advocacy work, her entrepreneurship in launching Unrivaled, or her tireless efforts to elevate women in sports, Collier is undoubtedly carving out a legacy that will be felt for years to come.
Her combination of athleticism, leadership, and commitment to social change places Collier among the most influential figures in modern sports. With a career still in its prime, there’s no telling what heights she will continue to reach both on the court and in her off-court endeavors.
Interesting Facts About Napheesa Collier
- A Basketball Legacy – Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Collier’s father played college basketball, which influenced her decision to pursue the sport at a young age.
- Incredible College Career – At UConn, Collier achieved notable feats, including becoming a First-Team All-American and leading her team to the NCAA Finals multiple times.
- Rookie of the Year – In her first season in the WNBA, she was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year (2019), showcasing her immediate impact on the league.
- A Dual Threat – Known for her versatility, Collier plays both forward and center, with the ability to score, rebound, defend, and facilitate. Her well-rounded skills make her a key player on both ends of the court.
- Motherhood in the WNBA – Collier made history by being one of the first professional athletes to return to elite-level play after childbirth in 2022, serving as an inspiration to many women balancing motherhood and career.
- Co-Founder of “Unrivaled” – Alongside fellow WNBA star Breanna Stewart, Collier co-founded the “Unrivaled” 3-on-3 professional women’s basketball league, providing new opportunities for female players.
- Time 100 Most Influential People – In 2025, she was named to TIME Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People for her contributions to sports and social change.
- Social Justice Advocate – Collier is a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, women’s health, and gender equality, using her platform to push for systemic changes in both sports and society.
- Philanthropy Focused – Through her foundation and public initiatives, Collier works to support underprivileged youth and provide resources for female athletes at all levels.
- A Natural Leader – On the court, Collier’s leadership is undeniable. She often takes on the role of motivator and playmaker, rallying her teammates and demonstrating resilience under pressure.
- Growing Popularity in Global Women’s Sports – As one of the most well-known athletes in the WNBA, Collier’s influence extends beyond basketball, with growing recognition in the world of global women’s sports.
- Passion for Animal Welfare – In addition to her work for social causes, Collier has been an advocate for animal welfare, helping raise awareness about issues such as pet adoption and animal rescue.
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