Naphesa Collier: A Rising Star in the WNBA
Naphesa Collier has been viewed as one of the WNBA’s promising talents for some time now. However, over the last year, she seems to have taken her skills to a whole new level. Drafted with high expectations from UConn, she missed the 2022 season due to pregnancy and childbirth. Now, in 2025, Collier stands out not just as a player but as a significant figure—a championship contender, an MVP candidate, and an inspiring role model for aspiring athletes.
This season, she’s impressive, averaging 23.9 points per game, along with 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, and contributing 1.7 steals and assists to her already impressive stats. Collier excels at scoring from anywhere on the court. She not only knows how to finish but also possesses a great vision for setting up her teammates. Defensively, her size and agility make her effective at guarding the rim, which earned her the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Furthermore, Collier is not just about the five-on-five game. She’s made waves in the 3×3 format, having a standout season with the Liberty All Stars alongside Breanna Stewart. Collier claimed victory in the league’s midseason 1V1 tournament, which came with a $200,000 prize. Her team performed remarkably well, ending the season with a 13-1 record, and she was also named the league’s MVP. This strong performance has made her return to the WNBA seamless, helping the Minnesota Lynx separate themselves as frontrunners with an 18-4 record.
Her excellent play earned her another All-Star selection. Not just a participant, she was the second top vote-getter and was named team captain. Alongside Caitlyn Clark, who is also a captain, Collier drafted her team last week, including her co-founder and Lynx teammate, Courtney Williams, along with Angel Reese and Paige Booker.
Breaking: 2025 WNBA All-Star Teams are set.
Team Clark: Team Collier:
Caitlin Clark Naphesa Collier
Aliya Boston Breanna Stewart
Sabrina Ionescu Allisha Grey
A’ja Wilson nneka…
Collier manages to juggle all her responsibilities both on and off the court with remarkable ease. She appreciates the support she receives from her husband, fellow CEOs, and her family. However, she maintains a strong, focused leadership role in the WNBA, advocating for better wages and facilities for her fellow players. This commitment aligns with her brand’s mission, which emphasizes top-tier treatment for female athletes, including amenities like childcare and glam rooms.
Her collaboration with Stewart showcases the possibilities for women’s professional sports. It’s crucial, perhaps, that this narrative is witnessed by her daughter, Mira, as she grows up in an environment where women are actively shaping their destinies.
As of now, Naphesa Collier is a strong contender for the 2025 MVP Award. While she doesn’t seek accolades for her hard work, receiving such recognition only solidifies the fact that she is among the most skilled female basketball players globally. With her leadership, the WNBA might be introducing a new award distinction this year.
