Makayla Timpson is making waves as one of the top prospects for the 2025 WNBA Draft. The Florida State forward from tiny Edison, Ga., has turned heads with her game, averaging 17.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game in the 2024–25 season.
She’s emerged as one of the most exciting post players in the country, standing out not just for her stats but also for her hustle, court awareness, and ability to lead on both ends of the floor. Whether she’s dominating the paint, grabbing boards, or running the floor in transition, Timpson brings a presence that WNBA scouts are watching closely.
But her path to this point hasn’t just been about highlights and numbers. Timpson’s journey to pro basketball is deeply rooted in the steady foundation of family. While fans admire what she does in uniform, the unwavering guidance of her parents, Rena and Eric Timpson, has been the heart of her development.
Who Are Makayla Timpson’s Parents? Rena and Eric Timpson
Born Sept. 20, 2002, Timpson grew up in Edison, where her mom, Rena, was a familiar face in the community. Rena attended Calhoun County High School, studied at Albany Technical College, and worked at Brooks Dental Associates. Her influence on Timpson went far beyond being just a supportive parent — she helped instill discipline, focus, and attention to detail that translated directly to the court.
Her father, Eric Timpson, is a pastor at Covenant Word Ministries. He was also her first coach, helping her develop a love for the game right in their backyard. Whether teaching her how to shoot or biking next to her as she trained, Eric made sure the fundamentals were in place early.
Timpson has always been vocal about how much her parents have shaped her as a player and person. She once said:
“My parents have come to every basketball game there has been. My dad coached me out in the yard and rode the bicycle while I ran a mile around the block. My parents are like my second coaches, and they have supported me since recreational basketball.”
How Family Shaped Timpson’s Basketball Journey
The influence of family goes deeper than just support. ECHS Principal Alvin Williams highlighted the “fundamentals, integrity, and drive instilled by her parents and extended family” during her signing with Florida State University.
Rena’s strategic advice — like reminding her to always keep her head “on the swivel”—sharpened Timpson’s basketball IQ. Eric’s early coaching gave her a strong foundation in the basics and built her confidence.
As she prepares to take the next step in her career, those family values, work ethic, and emotional toughness continue to define her. Timpson’s game is polished, but her grounded mindset and upbringing make her one of the most complete prospects in the draft.