Napheesa Collier on Leading the Lynx the Rise of Women’s Basketball and Life Beyond the Court

From Superwoman to Super Leader

Sometimes, you need to pause and reflect on how far you’ve come. Three years ago, Napheesa Collier graced the cover of WSLAM Vol. 2 with the headline “Superwoman.” Just two weeks postpartum, she was photographed with her newborn daughter, Mila — already proving her strength as both an elite athlete and a new mother.

“Back then, I was a new mom trying to figure out life,” Collier recalls. “Now I feel way more grounded, both in motherhood and in myself. I’m back on the court, with my teammates, and that brings a deep sense of stability.”

The Evolution of Queen Phee

Today, Collier — affectionately nicknamed “Queen Phee” — is a different kind of force. She’s now a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a WNBA finalist, co-founder of Unrivaled, a team leader, and a 2025 WNBA All-Star captain. At press time, she led the league in scoring with 24.5 PPG, along with 8.4 RPG and 3.8 APG.

Despite the changes, one thing remains the same: Napheesa Collier is still that superwoman.

What’s Changed Since Last Season?

SLAM: You were the first Western Conference Player of the Month this season. What’s different now?

Collier: Last season felt like a happy accident — we had amazing chemistry and strong players, which is rare to have at the same time. Now, we know the potential we have. This year is about taking advantage of that and not letting it slip through our fingers.

Coach Cheryl Reeve’s Impact

SLAM: You’ve played under Coach Cheryl Reeve your entire career. How has she helped you grow?

Collier: Cheryl excels at positioning players to succeed. She understands individual strengths and works with you to build on them while improving your weaknesses. Her technical approach to the game has made me a smarter player.

The Power of Mentorship

SLAM: Which veterans had the biggest influence on you?

Collier: That’s tough — Rebekkah Brunson and Lindsay Whalen are on our coaching staff now, and they’ve been amazing. But Sylvia Fowles, “Mama Syl,” had the biggest impact. She welcomed me on my very first day with a huge bear hug. Even now, she texts me after every game with encouragement. She’s truly the best.

Taking the Torch

SLAM: You’re no longer a rookie, but not yet a vet. What has that transition been like?

Collier: It’s been a shift. I still feel young, but now I have to take on the responsibility of guiding younger players, just like Syl did for me. That mindset didn’t come overnight. It took a couple of seasons to fully understand what leadership means.

Small Moments, Big Impact

SLAM: Was there a small moment that ended up changing everything?

Collier: Getting drafted by Minnesota. You have no control over it, and you just hope for the best. But being here changed my entire life and career. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation.

Beyond the Game: Identity and Family

SLAM: If we stripped away your accolades, how would you describe yourself?

Collier: First and foremost, I’m a mother and a wife. I’m very family-centered. I’d rather spend a quiet night with loved ones than go out. That’s who I am at my core.

What a Perfect Day Looks Like

SLAM: Describe your ideal off-day.

Collier: If it’s a school day, I enjoy running errands, buying things for the house, or just relaxing. A good nap, some binge-worthy TV — that’s a great day for me.

New Motivations

SLAM: What drives you now compared to earlier in your career?

Collier: Mila, my daughter, has shifted everything. Basketball was once the biggest part of my life, but now it’s my family. She’s my constant, no matter how the game goes.

Managing the Grind

SLAM: How do you handle the demands of the season?

Collier: I separate basketball from my personal life. I’ve never been someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes the game. I need balance — naps, TV, family time. That’s how I recharge.

Olympic Reflections

SLAM: Does your second Olympic gold medal feel like it happened yesterday or a lifetime ago?

Collier: Both, honestly. It’s so vivid in my mind, but so much has happened since — the WNBA Finals, launching Unrivaled — that it feels like ages ago too.

The Accelerated Growth of the W

SLAM: Did you expect women’s basketball to grow this fast?

Collier: No. Normally, change is slow and subtle. But this has been fast and visible. Year by year, you can see the difference. I wasn’t sure if this would happen during my career, so to witness it firsthand is amazing.

A Time of Empowerment

SLAM: How would you describe the current era in women’s basketball?

Collier: It’s a time of empowerment. Players have more visibility, more control, and more opportunity. While there’s still room for improvement, we’ve never held more power than we do now. That’s exciting.

Learning the Business

SLAM: What lessons have you learned now that you’ve seen the business side?

Collier: When women’s sports are properly invested in, the results speak for themselves — better pay, more fan engagement, and more player ownership. Of course, the league has expenses, but I believe there are still ways we can push boundaries further.

Defining Legacy

SLAM: If someone says, “Napheesa changed the League,” what do you hope they mean?

Collier: I hope it’s through Unrivaled — that we’ve reshaped how women athletes are treated and paid. I also want to be remembered for what I achieved on the court. I still want to win titles and leave my mark in every possible way.

Few athletes embody power, poise, and purpose quite like Napheesa Collier. As the driving force behind the Minnesota Lynx, she’s leading a new generation in the WNBA — a movement not just on the court but far beyond it. In a story that captures the heart of progress, Napheesa Collier on leading the Lynx, the rise of women’s basketball, and life beyond the court reveals a blueprint for modern sports leadership.

As team captain, Collier isn’t just putting up MVP numbers — she’s empowering young players, building team chemistry, and redefining what leadership means in women’s professional sports. Her efforts are directly fueling the rise of women’s basketball, helping it claim the respect and global attention it has long deserved.

Off the court, Napheesa is making major moves. Co-founding “Unrivaled,” a new women-led offseason league, she’s creating opportunities for female athletes to thrive with equity and visibility. Her journey is about more than stats — it’s about purpose.

And just like her presence in the game, her influence on culture is unstoppable. Fans everywhere are showing support not just with cheers — but through bold fashion. Whether you’re rocking Funny T Shirts, cozy hoodie, warm sweater, casual longsleeve, or standout styles for ladies, the message is clear: women’s basketball is here, and it’s thriving.

For true supporters, now’s the time to represent. Explore your style with high-quality T Shirts For Women, versatile T Shirts For Men, and even Cheap T shirts For Men from a trusted T shirts store online — because fandom isn’t just a feeling, it’s a lifestyle.

>>>Enjoy shopping at: Napheesa Collier on Leading the Lynx the Rise of Women’s Basketball and Life Beyond the Court