St. Louis-born basketball star Napheesa Collier is a WNBA MVP candidate and a key player for Team USA at the Paris Olympics.
Napheesa Collier is a force to be reckoned with. Her dominance on the basketball court is evident in every aspect of her game, from her laser-focused eyes to her constant chatter with teammates.
Collier, a graduate of St. Louis' Incarnate Word Academy, is known for her calm, composed approach to the game. This has been a hallmark of her career, from her days dominating the Missouri high school scene to her current status as a WNBA MVP candidate and Olympic hopeful.
"What I see is really the same thing she did for us," said Incarnate Word coach Dan Rolfes. "A little of everything."
Collier's impressive statistics with the Minnesota Lynx speak volumes: 20 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. She is one of only two players in the league to rank in the top seven for all of these categories.
This season, however, Collier faced a setback. A recurring foot injury forced her to miss the last six games before the WNBA's Olympic break, even threatening her participation in the Games. But Collier, known for her resilience, recovered and is now ready to compete for her second Olympic gold medal in Paris.
A Controlled Approach
Collier's calm demeanour extends beyond the court. While many players engage in heated arguments with referees, Collier rarely engages in such behaviour. "Honestly, it just exhausts me," she explained, "because theyâre never gonna change and then Iâm just upset."
Her father, Gamal, instilled this sense of control in her from a young age. "You donât want the other team to know youâre upset because then they know theyâre in your head," he advised.
Collier's dedication to controlling the game goes beyond simply avoiding emotional outbursts. She analyses and strategises, ensuring her decisions are well-informed. Her ability to play multiple positions and adapt her style of play based on the situation has made her a highly versatile and valuable player.
"We give her a couple of things that are her cues for *this
game," said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. "The fact that you can do that, from game to game to game, itâs not like, âOK, just take this with Phee and you can guard her.â Sheâs a handful because she does so many different things."
Overcoming Setbacks
Collier's journey to becoming a star athlete has not been without challenges. Her foot injury, which forced her to miss crucial games, was a major hurdle. But Collier, true to her nature, persevered and returned stronger than ever.
While her injury sidelined her for several weeks, Collier continued to support her team from the sidelines. She attended practice sessions and provided encouragement to her teammates, showcasing her dedication to the team's success.
"Itâs like any team losing their MVP candidate," said Reeve about Collier's absence. "Itâs a little harder."
Now, as Team USA prepares for the Olympics, Collier is back in action, ready to contribute her talent and experience to the team's quest for gold. Her calmness and composure, coupled with her versatile skills, make her a valuable asset to the team.
"Gold," Collier said, "Thatâs always the goal."
A Pinnacle Moment
Collier's journey to the top has been marked by determination and resilience. She has proven herself at every level, from high school to college and now the professional ranks.
However, her current status as a WNBA MVP candidate and a key player for Team USA at the Olympics represents a unique achievement.
While many would be overwhelmed by the pressure of such expectations, Collier remains focused. "At the end of the day, to get MVP is not my goal," she stated. "This season, my goal is to win, and I think everything else will follow after that."
For Napheesa Collier, winning is everything. Her composure and dedication to the game, coupled with her exceptional skill set, make her a force to be reckoned with on the court and beyond. Her story is a testament to the power of control and perseverance, as she strives for greatness on the world's biggest stage.