Makayla Timpson gathered her closest family and friends to watch the 2025 WNBA Draft, and the room erupted with joy when the Indiana Fever selected her with the 19th overall pick. While her playing time has been limited in her rookie season, Timpson is gaining invaluable experience practicing alongside standout talents like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Beyond the court, her journey is grounded in faith and family.

Where is Makayla Timpson from, and what is her nationality?

Makayla Timpson was born on September 20, 2002, in Edison, a tiny town located in southwest Georgia just 20 miles from the Alabama state line. Raised by her parents, Eric and Rena Timpson, alongside her three sisters, she grew up immersed in the close-knit rhythms of small-town life. 

An American, Timpson attended Early County High School. During her junior year, she averaged 22.7 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Her skills caught the eye of scouts, earning her a No. 48 national ranking by ESPN’s Hoopgurlz and a spot on the Georgia All-State Team by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She further committed to play college basketball at Florida State, where she carved out quite a career.

Timpson, a three-time ACC All-Defensive Team selection during her career at Florida State, emerged as one of the nation’s top shot-blockers by her senior year. Timpson also made it to the Naismith Trophy Watch List and the Katrina McClain Watch List during her college career. She was also named to the All-ACC First Team and the All-ACC Defensive Team in her senior year. In her entire college career, she averaged 13.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.2 blocks over 131 games at Florida. Apart from basketball, she majored in psychology in college, which would be useful in her WNBA pursuits as a unifier in the dressing room. 

Indiana Fever general manager Amber Cox described her as “a defensive powerhouse,” highlighting her average of 3.1 blocks per game in her senior year, which ranked third in Division I. Timpson also posted impressive all-around numbers with 17.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game in her final year of college ball. Cox emphasized her ability to run the floor and pointed to her remarkable 6-foot-10 wingspan as a key factor in the Fever’s decision to draft her.

What is Makayla Timpson’s ethnicity?

While Timpson’s exact self‑identified ethnicity isn’t publicly official, many assume it to be African‑American. Both her parents, Rena and Eric Timpson, are U.S. natives from Edison, Georgia.

Is Makayla Timpson Christian? 

Yes, Makayla is likely a Christian, as her father is a Pastor at Covenant Word Ministries, and faith has been a central part of her family life. She has not spoken about her personal faith, but her background suggests her alignment with Christianity. 

Timpson is expected to get more playing time as the season goes on with the Indiana Fever. She has played in 9 games while playing 3.3 minutes per game. The fans are already calling for more involvement from her. Her defensive capabilities could be key in solving some of Indiana’s problems. However, even if she doesn’t get the opportunity this season, she has dipped her toe into the water and is bound to get her time to shine sometime in the future.