It’s hard to picture the Minnesota Lynx in their current position without the incredible talent of Napheesa Collier. After all, she was the MVP during the franchise’s WNBA Commissioner’s Cup victory, showcasing her invaluable role. Now, Phee is gearing up to lead the Lynx in their quest for a historic fifth championship—a feat no other team has achieved.

While the Lynx are chasing their fifth title in franchise history, for Napheesa Collier, it would mark her first championship after five hard-fought seasons. It takes serious grit and determination to keep pushing for that elusive trophy after coming up short for so long. But that resilience didn’t just come out of nowhere—it’s something the reigning WNBA DPOY’s parents instilled in her from a young age. Today, we take a closer look at the people who raised the Lynx star and shaped her into the fighter she is.

Napheesa Collier’s Parents: The Foundations of Lynx star’s resilience and character

For Napheesa Collier, defying the odds and rising to the top has always been second nature. Ever since she was born on September 23, 1996, in O’Fallon, Missouri, she was immersed in two very different worlds, thanks to her parents’ diverse backgrounds. With constant love and support from her parents, Gamal and Sarah, her talents were nurtured from an early age. And values like hard work, discipline, and perseverance were front and center.

Gamal Collier, Napheesa’s father, hails from the culturally rich country of Sierra Leone, nestled on Africa’s west coast. Growing up in a challenging environment, his life was shaped by the strong values of respect, and hard work instilled by his community. But, in 1993, at just 23 years old, her father made the bold choice to leave his homeland and start fresh in the United States, driven by dreams for a better future.

While leaving the comfort of family and home in Sierra Leone was no easy feat, Gamal’s determination never faltered. His perseverance paid off as he steadily built a new life in the U.S., pursuing higher education and earning the qualifications that led to a successful career. He currently owns Gbonda Collier Investments Group (GCI Group). Therefore, whether facing the pressures of competitive sports or the ups and downs of her career, Phee always had her father’s example of resilience and hard work to inspire and guide her along the way.

Despite her father’s move to the states, Napheesa’s connection to her African heritage remained strong. Gamal made sure to share the cultural traditions with her through stories and experiences, which played a key role in shaping Napheesa’s values and sense of identity as she grew up.

On the other hand, Napheesa’s mother, Sarah Collier, had a profound influence on her life. Growing up in the small town of Eugene, Missouri, Sarah experienced a community that, much like her husband’s upbringing, emphasized strong family values and close connections. In her hometown, the emphasis on education, kindness, and perseverance shaped Sarah’s approach to life and parenting, creating an environment that left a lasting mark on her journey both on and off the court.

“My parents always taught me to be really humble, especially with people off the court, to treat people the right way,” Napheesa shared in an interview with St. Louis News. This humble spirit is evident, as her teammate Courtney Williams has highlighted some of Napheesa’s admirable qualities. While her parents have been instrumental in shaping her strong character, their influence has played a significant role in her basketball journey as well.

The Collier Clan’s unyielding support for Napheesa’s basketball journey

Gamal Collier played rugby during his university days, which likely means he passed down some athletic traits to his daughter. From an early age, he recognized Napheesa’s talent and encouraged her to chase her passion for basketball. Beyond being a supportive father, he took on the role of mentor, offering guidance and advice to the young talent. From cheering from the sidelines to providing emotional support, he was always there at her games.

Even her mother, Sarah’s support for the UConn alum’s basketball journey has been just as impactful as Gamal’s. As Napheesa’s interest in the sport grew, Sarah was right by her side, offering encouragement every step of the way. Whether attending games, helping with practice, or simply being a constant source of motivation, Sarah has always been there to lift up Phee.

Napheesa also has two siblings who add to the dynamic of her family. Wanza is her older sister, while Kai is her younger brother. Interestingly, Kai shares the family’s athletic spirit; he played football in high school as a wide receiver, showcasing his own knack for sports.

With unwavering support from her family and a relentless spirit, Napheesa Collier stands poised to lead the Minnesota Lynx toward a historic championship. All we can hope is for her family to stand on the sidelines and cheer for their superstar in the making.