Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier is lighting up the WNBA this season, demonstrating her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. But her impressive career on the court is just one part of a larger, captivating story. Interwoven with her journey is the life of her husband, Alex Bazzell.
Napheesa Collier tied the knot with Alex Bazzell celebrating her wedding in St. Louis, Missouri back in October 2022. Collier’s partner is a distinguished trainer renowned for his work with elite athletes in both the NBA and college basketball. His expertise and dedication have made him a sought-after figure in the world of professional sports training.
Collier and Bazzell’s story began when they first met during her senior year of high school. Shortly thereafter, Bazzell became her full-time trainer as she embarked on her freshman year at the University of Connecticut. As she progressed in her college career, their professional relationship blossomed into something more. By her junior year, they were dating, and their bond only grew stronger.
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In October 2019, Collier and Bazzell took a significant step in their relationship, getting engaged and heralding a new chapter in their lives. This journey of love and commitment reached another milestone in May 2022 when they joyfully welcomed their first child, a daughter named Mila Sarah Bazzell.
However, there are less people who know about Bazzell’s contribution to sporting world and how Collier motivates him to keep going.
Alex Bazzell: A Champion for Women’s Sports and Tech Entrepreneurship
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Beyond their personal life, Bazzell’s professional achievements are noteworthy. He started training back in 2013 while playing in Germany. A decade later, he has his own academy and is reported to develop about 250 players annually, across NBA and WNBA. Furthermore, he is the co-founder of Through the Lens, a tech company designed to help athletes scale their brands and business objectives. In a 2020 interview with Sports Illustrated, Bazzell spoke passionately about his mission for the company.
“The women’s side is another unique story,” Bazzell said. “The WNBA side is just as relevant to me as the NBA side. So learning from Kobe, women’s basketball is a huge part of my life every day.”
Alex Bazzell trained Kobe and his daughter Gigi from 2018-2020. He also helped the Lakers legend with camps at the Mamba Academy. Co-founding Through the Lens in 2020 with Carmelo Anthony, his primary goal was to honor the legacy of his late friend, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, by promoting the WNBA and advocating for equality and inclusion in sports.
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Bazzell also stated, “Napheesa is one of the best athletes in the world, so I have a different perspective on women athletes and what they bring to the world.”
Napheesa Collier and Alex Bazzell’s story is one of love, partnership, and a shared commitment to advancing women’s sports. As Collier continues to shine on the court, and Bazzell pushes forward with his mission off it, they exemplify the power of support and mutual respect in achieving greatness both personally and professionally.
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Is Napheesa Collier's success partly due to the unwavering support from her husband, Alex Bazzell?
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Is Napheesa Collier's success partly due to the unwavering support from her husband, Alex Bazzell?
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