Fresh off her second Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, WNBA star Napheesa Collier has once again captured the nation’s attention. Known for her dominance on the court and her leadership as a forward for the Minnesota Lynx, Collier’s personal life is also drawing curiosity from fans. In particular, many want to know more about the man who stands beside her: her husband, Alex Bazzell.
Let’s take a closer look at who Alex Bazzell is, his professional background, and the story behind his relationship with one of the WNBA’s brightest stars.
Who Is Napheesa Collier Married To?
The Man Behind the Star: Alex Bazzell
Napheesa Collier is married to Alex Bazzell, a well-respected name in the world of basketball training. The couple officially tied the knot on October 7, 2022, after being in a committed relationship for several years. Their bond began in the gym and blossomed into a full-fledged partnership grounded in mutual respect, love, and a shared passion for the game.
What Does Alex Bazzell Do?
A Renowned Basketball Skills Coach
Alex Bazzell is a highly sought-after skills coach who has trained athletes at all levels of the game, from elite college players to professionals in both the NBA and WNBA. He gained significant recognition for his work with the late Kobe Bryant’s daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant. His time training Gigi brought him under the mentorship of Kobe himself, a relationship that Bazzell says transformed his personal and professional life.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Bazzell said, “Kobe Bryant was the biggest mentor I’ve had, especially in how he raised his daughters. He let them be kids, without putting added pressure on them.”
Founder of Through The Lens
Bazzell co-founded Through The Lens, a subscription-based video platform that features training and behind-the-scenes content from top NBA and WNBA stars. As described by Sports Illustrated, the platform aims to be a comprehensive educational tool for young athletes and aspiring professionals.
Through The Lens provides:
- Skills tutorials
- Exclusive interviews
- In-depth athlete features
- Game breakdowns and analysis
President of Unrivaled Basketball
In addition to his coaching and media endeavors, Bazzell serves as the president of Unrivaled Basketball, a startup league co-founded with Napheesa Collier and fellow WNBA star Breanna Stewart. This innovative league was created to give top-tier women athletes better financial opportunities and visibility, particularly during the WNBA off-season.
Bazzell’s work with Unrivaled has been lauded for its forward-thinking approach to athlete empowerment. The league is expected to launch soon and has already gained significant traction within the women’s basketball community.
Relationship Timeline of Napheesa Collier and Alex Bazzell
From Coach to Life Partner
Napheesa Collier and Alex Bazzell’s relationship is a testament to shared growth and deep emotional connection. Their story began when Collier was still in high school. The two became acquainted when Bazzell began working with her as a basketball trainer during her freshman year at the University of Connecticut, where she made her mark as a standout player.
According to Sportskeeda, the pair kept their relationship strictly professional for several years. It wasn’t until Collier’s junior year that their connection turned romantic. They began dating, and it wasn’t long before their bond grew deeper.
Engagement and Family Life
In October 2019, Bazzell proposed to Collier. Two years later, in November 2021, the couple announced they were expecting their first child. On May 25, 2022, they welcomed their daughter, Mila Sarah Bazzell, into the world. The proud parents shared their joy in a collaborative Instagram post that captured hearts across the basketball community.
Their wedding followed just a few months later in October 2022, in a ceremony held in St. Louis. The intimate celebration marked a new chapter in their lives, as they embraced parenthood and continued building their respective careers.
Alex Bazzell on Fatherhood and Women’s Sports
Inspired by Napheesa
Bazzell has often spoken publicly about how his relationship with Napheesa has changed the way he views women’s sports. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, he explained, “Napheesa is one of the best athletes in the world, and I have a different perspective on women athletes and what they bring to the world.”
He is an outspoken advocate for elevating women in sports and has used his platform to champion female athletes. Through his initiatives like Through The Lens and Unrivaled Basketball, Bazzell continues to break down barriers and create more equitable opportunities in professional sports.
A Supportive Husband and Coach
Despite his busy schedule, Bazzell is a hands-on father and a constant presence in Collier’s life. He frequently travels with the family during WNBA season and is often seen courtside supporting Napheesa. Their relationship is marked by a deep mutual respect for each other’s goals and a commitment to building a balanced family life.
Napheesa and Alex: A Power Couple in Sports
Balancing Stardom and Stability
What makes Napheesa Collier and Alex Bazzell such an inspiring couple is how seamlessly they balance their high-profile careers with their family responsibilities. Both are leaders in their fields, yet they prioritize time with their daughter Mila and support each other’s ventures wholeheartedly.
Creating a Legacy
Together, they are not only redefining what it means to be a modern sports couple but also creating a legacy rooted in education, advocacy, and empowerment. Whether it’s through coaching, parenting, or entrepreneurship, Alex and Napheesa are paving the way for future generations of athletes.
Final Thoughts
The story of Napheesa Collier and Alex Bazzell is far more than a love story. It’s a partnership built on shared values, hard work, and a relentless drive to uplift those around them. From their early days as trainer and athlete to their current roles as parents and co-creators in the basketball world, their journey continues to inspire.
As Napheesa Collier continues to dominate on the court and Alex Bazzell pushes the boundaries of athletic training and media, fans can expect even more exciting developments from this dynamic duo. For now, they remain one of the most admired couples in professional sports—a true testament to love, resilience, and teamwork.
Stay tuned for more updates on their personal and professional milestones as they continue making waves in the world of basketball and beyond.
