“I’m like a new mother, just trying to figure out life,” Collier says, thinking back to her mindset on that day. “I feel way more sure in myself and like motherhood [now],” she says. “I’m back to playing, so that feels really good. Being around my teammates again. I just feel way more grounded in my life. That time was so uncertain. Everything was brand new.”

Today, on set with Collier—better known in these parts as Queen Phee—you can see a change. She’s now a two-time Olympic Gold medalist, a WNBA finalist, the co-founder of Unrivaled, the unmistakable leader of her team and now a captain for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game. As we went to press, Collier was averaging a League-leading 24.5 ppg along with 8.4 rpg and 3.8 apg for the League-leading Lynx. 

Three years have flown by, but one thing remains the same: Collier is still a superwoman.

SLAM: You were the first Western Conference Player of the Month this season. What has changed for you from last year to this year?

NAPHEESA COLLIER: You know, last year felt like it was a happy accident. Every year you try your best, of course, but we happened to have the best team chemistry-wise and then we also happened to be really good basketball players. And to have both of those things—it sounds small, but it’s really rare when you love all of your teammates and you guys are good at basketball at the same time. So we kind of fell into that last year. And so now we know what it can be. I think just making sure that we don’t lose that opportunity. This year, that’s what it feels like—we want to make the best of it and make the most of this year.

SLAM: You’ve played under Coach Cheryl Reeve your whole professional career. What is it about her coaching style that has pushed you to grow?

NC: I think Cheryl does a really great job of putting people in places to be successful. She brings out the best in you as a player, and she knows where you’re going to fit well into the team and how to get that out of you. So she’s really taught me, like, how to take advantage of the things you’re really good at, and obviously work at the things you need to. She kind of makes you look at the game a little bit more technically, and I think that makes you a better player.

SLAM: There are so many great former Lynx players. Which veterans have had the biggest impact on you?

NC: That’s so hard because we have two [Rebekkah Brunson and Lindsay Whalen] on the coaching staff. But I mean, Mama Syl [Sylvia Fowles] is definitely one of my favorites. I played with her for four years. She’s just, like, the best person you ever want to meet. So I have to say she’s definitely one of my favorites.

SLAM: Can you give us a story during the time you played together?

NC: Syl was the first person that welcomed me when I came to the Lynx, the very first day of training camp, which—she’s, like, a Hall of Fame player, MVP, Defensive Player of the Year. She’s like, What’s up baby? If you ever need anything, you come to me, and she just, like, got me in a huge bear hug. I was squished on her. And that’s just who she is. So that was awesome to have her as my vet coming into the League, and now still she texts me after every game day. You know, Good job, or Good luck, or whatever it is. She’s awesome.

SLAM: You’re in this period of your career where you’re not yet a vet…

NC: Thank you for saying that.

SLAM: Over the last few years, you’ve seen the League grow, but you’ve also grown yourself as a player. How has that transition been?

NC: Yeah, I think it’s just more responsibility for the younger people on your team. I talked earlier about how Syl made me feel as a rookie, so inviting. And now it’s my job to do that for the younger people. You see what that responsibility is. This is my seventh season. I still feel young on the inside, but now I have to realize that it’s my job to take care of the younger ones. So having that transition was a little bit harder a couple years ago when it started.

SLAM: Looking back, can you think of a moment in your career that felt small at the time but ended up changing everything?

NC: Getting drafted to Minnesota, because you have no control over where you get drafted. And you always think, Wherever I go, you’re gonna make the best of it. But I’m so lucky to have gotten drafted here, and it’s changed the trajectory of my entire career. So it might have seemed small at the time—like, obviously not small in the sense that you’re getting drafted and it’s so exciting, but you have no control and you’re gonna go wherever you go. You have to go there. But I’m so lucky that it happened that way. And when I got drafted here, that definitely changed my life. 

SLAM: If we were to take all the titles and accolades away, how would you describe yourself at your core?

NC: I feel like mother is a huge one—mother and wife. I am so family centered. I take a lot of pride in those areas. I’m a family person. At my core, I love just decompressing, being around my family. I would much rather have a night and play games with my family than be out anywhere else. 

SLAM: What does a perfect off-day look like?

NC: A perfect off-day for me—it depends on if it’s a weekend or a school day, or Mila, if it’s a school day, you know, she’s at school for a little bit so I get some time to relax. I’ll probably—this is going to sound boring—but get errands done. Getting that done for me is fun now, so I don’t know, buying stuff for my house, or taking a nap is awesome, binging some shows, just doing, like, lazy stuff is the perfect day.

SLAM: What drives you now that maybe didn’t drive you early on in your career? 

NC: Definitely my family, my daughter. It just puts so many things into perspective. Like I said before, basketball has never been the most important thing in my life, but it was the biggest thing for a really long time. And so now there are just so many more things that are so much more important to me. And it really grounds you, it makes you see that it’s not so important. Like, we’re playing a game at the end of the day, and playing the game is really important, but my family is the number one always. So whether I have a good day or a bad day, Mila at the end of the day, she’s like, “Mama!” [and] runs into your arms. It just makes everything better. So my why has definitely changed in that way.

SLAM: How do you manage the chaos of everything that the season brings? 

NC: I don’t feel like I take work home with me. I’ve never been one that was obsessed with basketball. I really like to do other things in my life. And so definitely, I love napping. I have always loved napping. So napping is number one when I have time, but, also, like starting shows or watching movies, doing things away from basketball, really kind of fills my cup back up so I can give my all when I am playing.

SLAM: You won your second Olympic God medal last summer with Team USA. Does it feel like the Olympics were just yesterday or actually almost a year ago?

NC: Honestly, both. Because when I think about it, that it’s been almost a year, it’s crazy—so much has happened in between then [and now]. Also, it’s so vivid in my mind that it feels like it could be yesterday. But then I think, after that we went to the WNBA Finals, we launched Unrivaled—I’ve done all these things since then. So it’s kind of like that at the same time. It feels far away and like it just happened.

SLAM: The landscape of women’s basketball has been constantly growing and evolving. When you think back to your rookie season, did you ever imagine this would be the reality?

NC: No, honestly. I mean, it’s crazy, because usually change happens so slowly, you can’t really track it. Like, it happens little by little, and all of a sudden you look at where you are and it’s different. This change has happened so fast. You can track year by year how different it is. So it’s amazing to be a part of. I didn’t know if this would happen [during] my career, so to see it happen so quickly, it’s so fun to be a part of.

SLAM: Your involvement in the growth has not gone unnoticed, with the creation of a new community in Unrivaled. As a player, trailblazer and leader within the league, how would you describe this time in women’s basketball?

NC: I think it’s just like such a time of empowerment, honestly, like we hold the most cards we’ve ever held, the most power that we’ve ever held as women athletes. Just the way that people view women’s sports, the accessibility to us is more than it’s ever been, the availability, the way that you’re able to see us on TV more than ever. Like, we still want to make a lot of changes in that area, but it’s better than it’s ever been, and you can see the growth that’s happening because of that. And so, yeah, I just feel like we’re in a time where you can see the cards, like, changing hands almost, or the power the players clearly have the most power. And it’s obviously, as a player, a really fun time to be a part of women’s sports.

SLAM: Building the League one brick at a time, you’ve always stressed the importance of the W being a space to play and to invest. Now seeing the business side, what are some lessons you’ve picked up? 

NC: I think you see what happens when you invest in women’s sports—like, when you pay the players accordingly, when you give them a chance to be owners in a league. I think it’s incredible. Just the buy-in that you get from the players, how well it’s received by the fans. You also get a little bit where the League side comes from. Obviously as players, we want to ask for the most amount of money. And you see the business side where you have X expenses. What I do think is there are areas where we could push the boundaries some more.

SLAM: If someone 10 years from now says, “Napheesa changed the League,” what do you hope they mean?

NC: I hope by “change the league” they mean definitely through Unrivaled. I hope Unrivaled is thriving in that way, and because of that, it’s pushed the envelope in all of women’s sports [and] we’re changing what it means to pay and treat women’s athletes. So I hope that we are trailblazers in that way—that is the goal of what Unrivaled is. 

There’s still a lot I want to accomplish as a player, too. So I hope I change the League in that way. I want to win championships, I want to win different things, so in both of those areas, I hope I leave a mark.

Portraits by Matthew Coughlin.

The post Minnesota Lynx Superstar Napheesa Collier on Leading the Lynx to the Top of the League and Evolution of the Women’s Game appeared first on SLAM.

Five-star Texas commit Aaliyah Crump is the next up in joining the lineage of basketball legends from the great state. Before even picking up a ball, Crump had a front-row seat to the greatness of the Lynx dynasty.

“I had one experience where I got to run to half court and got a ball from Maya Moore during the championship games,” Aaliyah recalls. “That really had a huge impact on me: the Lynx, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen.”

At just nine years old, Crump’s path was set toward success. Now, she aims to extend her winning portfolio—from a Minnesota state champion and FIBA gold medalist to a standout at the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 6—by joining the star-studded group at Montverde Academy in pursuit of yet another championship.

“When you’re playing against the best of the best, you have to know that you’re also good, right? It’s all about having confidence and moving forward every day, even though it might be hard,” Aaliyah says.

The parallels in game play and mentality between Aaliyah and her basketball Mt. Rushmore—Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart—are undeniable. The commonality of being strong and versatile is evident when Aaliyah steps on the court.

“I’m pretty versatile, so you have to pick and choose what you want to guard,” she explains. “I like to shoot threes and I like to get downhill, but I’m trying to become more of a threat in the paint.”

With her eyes set on Texas, a school embarking on its own path in the SEC, Aaliyah’s main goal is to impact winning in both the present and the future.

“Doing what I have to do to help my team win is the biggest thing for me,” she says. “Growing into that part of my game, being physical and bodying up, whether that’s offensively or defensively.” 

Aaliyah emphasizes that the love of the game will follow her wherever she goes.

“I feel like basketball has taken me so far in life and left me with so many opportunities, but I know it can take me even farther,” Aaliyah says. 

Beyond chasing championships or fulfilling a basketball legacy, she aims to be the best version of herself and push the future of the game. Aaliyah’s poise and humility reflect her understanding of being an impact player both on and off the court.

“You can be a player or you can be a person off the court who also is really impactful,” she says. “Whether it’s playing at the highest level or making an impact in our world today, I would like to see where the game has taken me.” 

As Aaliyah prepares to embark on her journey at Montverde Academy and beyond, it’s clear that her story is just beginning. With each game, she not only aims to uphold the legacy of Minnesota’s basketball greats, but also to carve out her own identity in the sport.

The post Meet Montverde’s Aaliyah Crump: the Versatile Guard Talks Texas and Winning Mindset appeared first on SLAM.

Twin, where have you been? The Pauldo twins are breaking new ground as they become everyone’s favorite duo on and off the court. New Jersey’s very own Mia and Mya Pauldo have made a name for themselves nationwide, holding two spots in the top-50 rankings for the Class of 2025 and both committing to carry on the Lady Vols’ legacy starting next year.

As one of the toughest backcourts in the country, Mia’s playmaking skills and Mya’s command of the floor showcase their grit and determination. Together, they’ve etched their names in New Jersey hoop history.

Playing together is like “having two killers with you, because we’re both tough,” Mia says.

“She’s my best friend,” says Mya. “We do everything together, tell each other everything. Our bond is so close, and that translates to the court.”

Winning has always been a top priority for the twins, whether it’s state championships, Player of the Year awards or any game they compete in. While All-Star Games might split them up, their focus remains clear: to play hard for the name on the back of their jerseys.

“We want to see each other shine,” Mia says. “That’s my mindset. I’m cheering for her even if she’s on the other team.”

Minutes before the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 6, the twins were asked to send messages to each other. Almost in unison, they encouraged each other to “handle business and get the dub.”

The SLAM Summer Classic was a key goal for their senior year, with the hopes of also being invited to the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic next spring.

Their sisterhood will extend to Tennessee next season, and hopefully the WNBA beyond that. What truly stood out during our time with the twins was their composure and affection for each other, but also their commitment to giving back to their family and community.

“We have to keep going,” Mya says. “Keep hustling, because we’re doing something right. We need to continue because people are watching us and looking up to us.”

“You always have to hold yourself to a higher standard and be respectful, knowing everyone is watching,” Mya adds.

With eyes on the sisters, how will they continue to build on their legacy? Young Mia and Mya initially set their sights on playing overseas, but now, with the WNBA closer than ever, their goal has evolved to make history as the first twins to play in the League simultaneously.

“We want to grow the game in this country,” Mya says. “We want more teams, better pay and more eyes set on women’s basketball.”

Being the first wouldn’t come as a shock. “That’s our life; we’re trendsetters,” Mia says. “We want to be the first to do it in our era.”

When asked what message they’d give their future selves as they look back on SLAM 252, Mia replies, “Always be inspired by something.” Mya adds, “Take a moment to learn something new every day.”

What more could one ask for than having your twin by your side to inspire and learn from every day?

Portraits by Marcus Stevens.

The post Two Good: Twins Mya and Mia Pauldo Are Ready to Make History as the Next Generation of Tennessee’s Backcourt appeared first on SLAM.

When asked how this story should start, Sienna Betts was a little taken aback as she prepared her answer. She emphasized how important one specific year was to her journey. In 7th grade, Betts decided to walk away from soccer and focus on her true passion for basketball. “Something switched, and I realized what I wanted to do,” she says. The eagerness to be better pushed her to understand what was needed in order to be one of the greats. “If I want to succeed in basketball, I need to focus.” It was a pivotal moment that would define the next year for her as she began training.

All it took was for her to be in the right place with the right people. Sienna’s trainer, Derek Griffin, saw potential in her at an early age, challenging her to see that her dream school, UCLA, was more than possible. “He made me realize what I could possibly become in the future and he brought me to that,” she says.

During the pandemic, Betts would stay in the gym day in and day out, working on her game from every angle. As an 8th grader, she was practicing with Colorado royalty: Raegan Beers, Sam Crispe and, of course, her older sister Lauren.

The amount of accolades Sienna and Lauren have brought to their home state is remarkable. At Grandview High School, they delivered two state championships and four Gatorade Player of the Year awards. With Lauren currently at UCLA and Sienna committed to the program, the future duo is bound to do incredible things together in Westwood.

How does Sienna scout her own game? “I would describe my game as versatile, high IQ, and specialized,” she says. “My whole goal [in the game] is I don’t care about my stats or anything like [that]. Whatever I can do for a win, that’s what I’m going to focus on.”

From the development of her handles to her strong footwork, Sienna has found her rhythm and has yet to let up. The recipe for success has been to keep her feet planted in the moment and maintain her confidence—because she has prepared for this. In a year’s time, Sienna went from a role player off the bench to leading in every statistical category for the Hardwood Elite club team.

Speaking about the year Sienna went all-in on basketball, Michelle Betts, her mother, says, “She wanted to do it, so she did it.” Painting the picture of that moment back in 7th grade, Michelle remembers Sienna saying, I don’t want to just be the girl who goes in to play defense and blocks shots. I want to be a great player.”

She became just that. “All of a sudden, all the things she said she wanted to do, she could do them and then some,” Michelle says. “She went and grinded and became all the things she wanted to become, which I think is incredible.”

The outpouring of support for Sienna has fueled her. “My dad sends me a reminder text before every game,” she says. His most recent text before the FIBA AmeriCup Championship was: Just run the floor, rebound, I love you so much. You’re amazing. The impact of the text was huge. “I repeat this to get it in my head, and throughout the game and halftime, I repeat it to myself,” Sienna says.

As a gold medalist, two-time Gatorade Player of the Year and state champion, the 7th grader who made the decision to take basketball seriously and is now the top post player in the country is simply “just playing my game.”

“I’ve worked to be here,” Betts says. “I should have confidence in what I do.”

Portraits via Garrett Ellwood.

The post The Rise of Sienna Betts: The No. 2 Player in the Class of 2025 Talks Accolades, Her Work Ethic and What’s to Come Next Year at UCLA appeared first on SLAM.

Calling PlaymaKer, UnFazed Dove and UnbreaKable to the front of the line! 

PlaymaKer…aka WNBA champion, Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Most Valuable Player and South Carolina’s finest! You’ve been called to the line for your resilience and the grit you’ve shown in your community, as your statue reigns in the city that you’ve given so much to, proving that you were built for this moment. 

UnFazed Dove, you’re here for a reason! You’ve conquered every challenge and shown up in moments we all knew you were ready to stand up tall against. No. 1 overall pick, WNBA All-Star as a rookie and Rookie of the Year—you pushed the limits for us. 

UnbreaKable, you’ve weathered the storm and remained true to yourself! You were well prepared for this moment, as you’ve known for a long time that this journey wouldn’t be easy, but it would be worth it. Two-time SEC Player of the Year, “Superwoman,” the one who took a chance and proved why you were called to be here on this stage. 

A’ja Wilson, Rhyne Howard and Tiffany Mitchell represent the W as leaders of the game, but all three have cemented their legacies on and off the court as women of the Divine Nine. 

“Divine Nine means culture and history,” says the Aces’ Wilson, who became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. “[Divine Nine] laid the foundation down for me and my generation to continue to strive and have a seat at the table.”

The Divine Nine is the term used for the group of nine Black Greek organizations. Repping your chapter is a sacred moment, a badge of honor, from the pearls to the letterman jackets. The sisterhood/brotherhood is the pinnacle of who we are as a community. 

“We stick together through ups and downs, working to bring the best out of each other,” Mitchell, also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, says. “You make bonds with different women from all walks of life and come together to bond over a common goal and likeness.” 

The Divine Nine has given a voice to Black students across the country to feel seen, heard and recognized. Mitchell and Wilson embody the Alpha Women and Rhyne Howard exemplifies what it means to be a Zeta. 

“The W family is special,” Howard, a member of Zeta Phi Beta, says. Comparing the Divine Nine sororities to the W, Howard says, “Each chapter within itself is a family, but all together, it’s like a family reunion.”

With 12 W teams and four sororities within the Divine Nine, there’s a unique competitiveness among the group. 

“Being able to have that ‘rivalry’ with other organizations is fun in itself,” Howard says, “but also knowing we are all fighting for the same thing, having this space and being around people who are going to fight for the things you’re fighting for is greatness within itself.”

The parallels are unmatched. And to be a part of something so special, deemed a trailblazer and champion of the League, is a privilege. “It shows the versatility of the W,” Mitchell says. “We don’t take it for granted.”

Whether you call out PlaymaKer or A’ja Wilson, their character is the same. “That’s what I loved the most about it. I could take my leadership aspect that I have for my team and then I could put it to my line,” Wilson says. “That was the beauty of it. It’s like my worlds all collide.”

The Divine Nine couldn’t be more proud of how Wilson, Howard and Mitchell have represented themselves across the League and continue to push for more positive change in the space. 

The only question left is…who will be the next players to join?

Photos via Getty Images.

The post Inside the WNBA’s Sisterhood of the Divine Nine: A’ja Wilson, Rhyne Howard and Tiffany MitchellI appeared first on SLAM.