Napheesa Collier’s journey from a small-town athlete to one of the biggest names in professional basketball is deeply intertwined with her family’s story. Born on September 23, 1996, in O’Fallon, Missouri, Collier grew up under the guidance of her parents, Gamal and Sarah Collier, who shaped her into the resilient, disciplined, and humble person she is today.
All About Napheesa Collier’s Parents, Ethnicity, and Siblings
Napheesa Collier’s father, Gamal, originally from Sierra Leone, came to the United States in 1993 at the age of 23 with barely any money, determined to build a better life. He eventually built a successful career, currently owning Gbonda Collier Investments Group (GCI Group). Despite the challenges of moving to a foreign country, he never let go of his cultural heritage and passed it down to his children. Napheesa’s mother, Sarah, grew up in Eugene, Missouri, where she was raised with strong family values and an emphasis on education. She worked in hospital administration, a career that took the family to different places, including St. Louis, when she was transferred for work.
Collier’s grandfather, Gershon Collier, was a significant figure in Sierra Leone’s history, serving as the country’s ambassador to the United Nations and the United States. He also played a key role in Sierra Leone gaining independence from Britain in 1961 and briefly served as the country’s Chief Justice. Although Napheesa never met her grandfather, who passed away two years before she was born, his legacy remains an important part of her identity. Her father frequently shared stories of Gershon’s accomplishments, instilling in Napheesa a deep sense of pride and responsibility in carrying on the family name.
Napheesa isn’t an only child; she has two siblings—her older sister Wanza and her younger brother Kai. Kai, much like his sister, embraced sports and played football at Lindenwood University as a wide receiver. Growing up in a competitive yet supportive household, Napheesa’s love for basketball flourished. However, her early basketball journey was not without hurdles.
How Napheesa Collier’s Parents Built a Team That Launched a Superstar
NAPHEESA COLLIER WINS THE UNRIVALED 1-ON-1 CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆
FIRST EVER WINNER 👑 pic.twitter.com/WvIesKFYYZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 15, 2025
When Napheesa Collier wanted to play for an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team in Jefferson City, she was denied a tryout because the team was “full.” Instead of backing down, her parents stepped in and formed a new team, the Lady Warriors, recruiting girls from nearby towns. The Lady Warriors went on to compete at the national AAU tournament. Later, when the team that initially rejected her offered her a spot, she chose to remain loyal to her parents’ team.
Her high school years showcased her undeniable talent. As a freshman at Jefferson City High School, she averaged 17.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game before transferring to Incarnate Word Academy in Bel-Nor, Missouri. There, her stats skyrocketed—averaging 24.6 points and 12 rebounds per game. She was a two-time Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year and one of five finalists for the 2015 Naismith Award. Her dominance on the court caught the attention of top college programs, and she eventually chose the University of Connecticut (UConn), where she would cement herself as one of the greatest players in the program’s storied history.
At UConn, Collier became part of the prestigious 2000/1000 club, finishing her career with 2,401 points and 1,219 rebounds. She helped lead the Huskies to a national championship in 2016 and was twice named AAC Player of the Year. By the time she left UConn, she was ranked third in scoring, fourth in rebounds, and seventh in blocks in school history. Her 49 career double-doubles and 20.8 points/10.8 rebounds per game in her senior season made her a standout prospect for the WNBA.
Napheesa Collier on 2024 WNBA Finals loss:
“I feel like [that loss] is something hard to get over and I’m honestly not going to apologize for that… calling me a sore loser… I AM a sore loser.”
(via Taylor Rooks X) pic.twitter.com/9FRe274x42
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 30, 2025
The Minnesota Lynx selected her with the sixth overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, and she wasted no time making an impact. In her rookie debut, she dropped 27 points, the second-highest by a rookie in WNBA history. She went on to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and earn her first All-Star selection. Over the years, she continued to build her resume, becoming a four-time WNBA All-Star, a two-time All-WNBA First Team selection, and in 2024, the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. She played a key role in the Lynx’s victory in the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup, earning MVP honors in the championship game.
Beyond the WNBA, Collier has dominated overseas, playing for Lattes-Montpellier in France and later Fenerbahçe in Turkey, where she won the EuroLeague Women championship in 2024. She also won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA, in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
Most recently, Collier has expanded her impact beyond playing. Alongside Breanna Stewart, she co-founded Unrivaled, a new professional women’s league aiming to provide WNBA players a domestic alternative to playing overseas. In February 2025, she won the first-ever Unrivaled 1-on-1 tournament, securing a record-breaking $200,000 prize. Her dominance throughout the tournament was undeniable, and her Lunar Owls team has quickly become one of the faces of the league.
Aaliyah Edwards vs Napheesa Collier (2/14/25) GAME 1-3 pic.twitter.com/j6KqsBPcUK
— @balapattyszn (@balapattyvids) February 15, 2025
Her personal life is just as rich as her professional one. In 2019, she got engaged to basketball skills coach Alex Bazzell. They welcomed their daughter, Mila, in May 2022 and married in October of that same year. She has also used her platform for advocacy, working with EcoAthletes to promote climate action and partnering with Opill to support reproductive rights.
Napheesa Collier’s career continues to ascend, and with her talent, work ethic, and the unwavering support of her family, she shows no signs of slowing down. From the young girl whose parents had to create an AAU team for her to play, to a WNBA star, Olympic gold medalist, and now a pioneer in women’s basketball, Napheesa Collier’s journey is one of perseverance, passion, and legacy.
