At just 28 years old, Napheesa Collier is considered one of the world’s top women’s basketball players. She’s a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, an NCAA champion, a four-time WNBA All-Star, and a two-time All-WNBA First Team selection.
Off the court, Collier is a wife, a mother, and a savvy businesswoman, co-founding the 3-on-3 Unrivaled basketball league.
But where did all that success begin?
Who Are Gamal Collier and Sarah Bierbaum?
A big part of Collier’s success goes back to her parents, who played a significant role in her early life. “My parents always taught me to be really humble … to treat people the right way,” Collier told stlmag.com. That lesson stuck, as she thrives on and off the court.
Collier was born in O’Fallon, Mo., to Gamal Collier and Sarah Bierbaum on Sept. 23, 1996.
Her father was born in Sierra Leone and moved to the United States at age 23. Despite having little money then, he found a home in Missouri and once described his early years in the U.S. as “a nice adventure.”
He was the son of a well-known lawyer and diplomat in Sierra Leone who played a role in the country’s independence from Britain in 1961. Being the son of a respected political figure was a point of pride for Gamal, who often shared stories with his kids about their grandfather and his legacy.
After moving to the U.S., Gamal met Bierbaum while working at a nursing home. Bierbaum, a Missouri native, came from a much different background. Napheesa once described her mother’s family as quieter and more laid-back.
“A little quieter. We play cards and stuff; they live on a farm, and it’s just so different. It’s funny,” Napheesa told stlmag.com about her mom’s side of the family.
Napheesa’s mother is often seen courtside at games, cheering her on, and has been a huge supporter of her journey.
The couple eventually married and had three children. Wanza Collier is the oldest. Napheesa is the middle child. Kai Collier is the youngest and played college football in Missouri.
Bierbaum and Gamal are no doubt proud of Napheesa’s recent success. In 2024, she had what many would consider a career year.
She finished with 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, filling the stat sheet almost every night and in every way. She was named the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and finished second in WNBA MVP voting, marking back-to-back seasons in which she finished top-five in voting.
She’ll be looking to bring the Lynx back to the WNBA Finals, where they lost in five games (3-2) to the New York Liberty in 2024.