Back in January, Florida State women’s basketball delivered a statement win, defeating Miami by 88–66 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. But, the spotlight of the day wasn’t the win, instead, it was the star of that game. It was a Florida State standout who recorded the 42nd double-double of her career with 10 points and 13 rebounds. By hitting that stateline, the player broke WNBA veteran Natasha Howard’s all-time double-double list. It was the one she set with 41 double-doubles between 2010 and 2014. Impressive, right? Fast forward a few months, and fate has a funny way of connecting the dots.
Now, Makayla Timpson and Howard wear the same jersey, both suiting up for the Indiana Fever. A record-setting rookie sharing the locker room with the legend she just passed? You’d expect some tension or quiet competition. But that’s not the vibe in Indiana.
Instead, it’s been nothing but love and mentorship. “Just being here, it’s incredible,” Timpson said after Day 3 of Fever training camp. “The vets are amazing — Natasha [Howard], DeWanna [Bonner], everyone. They’ve welcomed me, helped me slow the game down. It’s faster, it’s more physical, but they’ve got my back. I’m learning from the best every day, and I just feel blessed to be here.” And it’s not hard to see why the Fever are just as excited about Timpson as she is to be in Indy.
Selected as the team’s first pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft (25th overall), Timpson arrived in the W after a stellar college career. In her final season at Florida State, she averaged 17.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game. But when she transitioned to W, she was the only Division I player to average at least 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Her dominance was a product of both skill and sheer physical tools. With a 6’7” wingspan and elite timing, she finished fourth in the nation in total blocks and earned semifinalist honors for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. Her calling card? Physicality. But, it seems her collegiate experience isn’t enough at W.
“it’s been pretty good…learning from the vets each and every day, they’re slowing my mind down cause it’s a lot faster and a lot more physical. understanding that they got my back, and i’m gonna be a great player here.” she expressed during training camp Day 3 press conference. And she’s right.
makayla timpson’s first impressions: “it’s been pretty good…learning from the vets each and every day, they’re slowing my mind down cause it’s a lot faster and a lot more physical. understanding that they got my back, and i’m gonna be a great player here.”
that’s my rook pic.twitter.com/s5SjfyZxGq
— cc akgae (@clrkszn) April 29, 2025
Over four years in the ACC, that edge became her signature, anchoring Florida State’s paint presence while becoming one of the league’s top defenders. She was a three-time All-ACC selection and made the All-ACC Defensive Team multiple times. But even with all that pedigree, Timpson knows the WNBA is a different level.
And honestly, Indiana Fever’s defense is no joke. Consider players like Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark solidifying the frontcourt for the Fever. The 2023 Rookie of the Year is the anchor inside. Her averages of 8.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game speak for themselves. Even Caitlin Clark, known more for her deep threes and dazzling passes, is getting in on the defensive evolution. Under White’s system, Clark has been pushed to elevate her work on that end. But Clark and Boston aren’t the only competitors for Timpson!
Under Stephanie White, Caitlin Clark and co. are aiming for something big!
Last season, the Indiana Fever struggled mightily on the defensive end. Despite having standout young talent like rookie sensation Aliyah Boston and the athletic Nalyssa Smith, the team still gave up an average of 87.7 points per game. Their defensive rating of 109.5 ranked 11th out of 12 WNBA teams — a painful reminder of how porous they were on that side of the ball. Defense, or lack thereof, was a big reason the Fever found themselves near the bottom of the standings.
But that’s not a mistake they plan on repeating this year.
New head coach Stephanie White is bringing a whole different mindset. And if you’re not familiar with her track record, let’s just say defense is kind of her thing. Last season, under her leadership, the Connecticut Sun were a defensive powerhouse. They led the WNBA with a defensive rating of 96.4 and allowed the fewest points per game, just 73.6 on average. That elite effort carried them to a 28-12 record and a deep postseason run.
And this season, she aims to bring something similar to Fever. And guess what?? She got an assistant to support her too. Notably, Briann January, a six-time WNBA All-Defensive Team selection and a former Fever player herself, was hired as an assistant coach this offseason.
Stephanie White, new Indiana Fever head coach, speaks Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, during a press conference held on Salesforce Court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
January’s defensive pedigree and voice in the locker room are expected to be game-changers for this young squad.
But, above that, the Fever front office has gone all-in to give White the personnel she needs to build a lockdown unit. The team added Brianna Turner, a two-time All-Defensive First Team selection known for her rim protection and versatility. Then there’s Natasha Howard, a proven vet with two All-Defensive Team nods of her own. Howard brings physicality, experience, and the kind of grit every elite defense needs.
But the biggest addition? That’s DeWanna Bonner. She followed White from Connecticut to Indiana, and she’s not just a familiar face. She’s a defensive difference-maker. With her length and instincts, Bonner can guard multiple positions and anchor the team on both the perimeter and inside. Her leadership and buy-in to White’s system will be critical.
Veteran guard Sydney Colson also joins the mix, bringing fiery energy, tenacity at the point of attack, and a voice that commands respect. It’s clear this Fever team is being built in the image of its new coach — tough, disciplined, and relentless on defense.
Now, amid all these new additions and high expectations, players like Mackenzie Holmes and Temi Fagbenle are being closely evaluated. But one name in particular is drawing attention — Chanelle Timpson. She’s an athletic forward who thrives in transition and has shown flashes of defensive potential. The challenge? The bar is high. Really high. This new-look Fever team has made defense the standard, not just a talking point.
Timpson isn’t being counted out, though. She fits the mold: high motor, physical tools, and a love for running the floor. She’s part of White’s strategy, but she still has to earn her spot. With training camp underway and three preseason games ahead, this is her window to prove she belongs.
So, the question is: can she rise to the moment?
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