Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird Episode Summary: "Kayla Thornton on Going from Undrafted to the Valkyries’ First WNBA All-Star" Release Date: July 25, 2025

In this compelling episode of Bird's Eye View, host Sue Bird delves into the inspiring journey of Kayla Thornton, highlighting her transformation from an undrafted player to becoming the first WNBA All-Star for the Golden State Valkyries. Featuring an in-depth interview with Nafeesa Collier, Thornton not only shares her personal triumphs but also offers valuable insights into perseverance, adaptation, and excellence in women's basketball.

Introduction and Episode Overview

The episode kicks off with Kayla Thornton excitedly recounting the success of the recent live show in Indiana, emphasizing the vibrant energy and memorable moments from the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and the All-Star Game.

Kayla Thornton [01:08]:

"We had a great turnout, great guests, great energy... Honestly, the whole weekend had that vibe from the live shows that we did, to Friday night Skills Challenge, the three-point contest and then to the actual All Star Game."

Exploring the 50, 40, 90 Club

Sue Bird introduces a special segment using Google Pixel's Gemini AI to dissect the elusive 50, 40, 90 club—a benchmark of shooting excellence in basketball. The discussion highlights the difficulty of achieving these statistics and what it signifies about a player's efficiency.

Sue Bird [02:12]:

"Getting in the 50, 40, 90 club is hard. In the WNBA, there's only been one player to ever do it."

Through a dynamic exchange with Gemini AI, the segment underscores why maintaining a 90% free-throw percentage is particularly challenging and identifies the types of players who typically attain such high efficiency.

Gemini AI [02:51]:

"While all three percentages are impressive, hitting 90% from the free throw line is generally considered the most challenging."

Live Show Highlights and Guest Introduction

Transitioning from the analytical discussion, Kayla Thornton provides a preview of her live show and introduces the guest of honor, Nafeesa Collier, whose remarkable ascent in the WNBA serves as a testament to resilience and dedication.

Kayla Thornton [05:36]:

"My next guest is making history this season. She is not just having a breakout year; she's doing it as the very first All-Star in franchise history for the Golden State Valkyries."

In-Depth Interview with Nafeesa Collier

Early Life and College Career

Nafeesa Collier shares her athletic background, revealing that she initially focused on track before transitioning to basketball in high school. Her natural athleticism and determination set the foundation for her future in the sport.

Nafeesa Collier [13:50]:

"To be honest with you, I didn't really start playing basketball until like I was maybe high school."

Challenges of Entering the WNBA

Collier recounts the hurdles she faced being undrafted, including her initial training camp experience with Washington and the subsequent waiving. Her emotional response to being cut underscores the harsh realities aspiring WNBA players often encounter.

Nafeesa Collier [18:41]:

"I had to, like, decide like, okay, is that it? Or am I going to keep going... I decided to go, you know, the route of I'm not going to let this stop me."

Overseas Experience and Growth

Determined to improve, Collier played overseas in South Korea and Israel. These experiences not only enhanced her skills but also fortified her mental toughness, preparing her for future opportunities in the WNBA.

Nafeesa Collier [25:00]:

"Playing overseas... really helped and just made me have this fire."

Success with Dallas and New York

After returning to the WNBA, Collier secured a spot with the Dallas team, where she honed her defensive prowess. Her subsequent trade to the New York Liberty marked a pivotal moment, leading to her first All-Star selection.

Nafeesa Collier [35:57]:

"We are a team that understands the goal that we wanted. Being selfless and understanding your role is a part of winning the championship."

Becoming the First All-Star for Golden State Valkyries

Collier's election as an All-Star is a crowning achievement in her career. She reflects on the significance of this milestone, attributing her success to unwavering faith, relentless hard work, and the support of her mentors and coaches.

Nafeesa Collier [68:20]:

"It's a blessing and, you know, it goes all to God... All my hard work is now coming to pass."

Insights on Defense and Player Development

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Collier’s defensive skills and her role as a 3-and-D player—an essential position in modern basketball that demands both defensive excellence and three-point shooting capability.

Kayla Thornton [34:43]:

"What are some of the three and D players that have been in our league successfully?"

Nafeesa Collier [35:38]:

"I think being a defensive mindset and executing on offense as well helped me stay on the floor where I can be a stretch and score while also playing defense."

Collier emphasizes the importance of understanding opponents, film study, and maintaining mental fortitude to excel defensively.

Nafeesa Collier [37:14]:

"Defense is understanding who you're playing. That's half of the job."

Building a Legacy with the Golden State Valkyries

As the first All-Star for the Valkyries, Collier discusses her role in shaping the new franchise. Her leadership, combined with a strong team ethos, positions the Valkyries as a formidable contender in the league.

Nafeesa Collier [62:39]:

"It's an honor. It's a testament to our players, our coaches, the hard work we put in."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with heartfelt reflections on Collier’s journey, her pride in her accomplishments, and her vision for the future with the Golden State Valkyries. Her story serves as an inspiring example of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness through resilience and teamwork.

Nafeesa Collier [65:39]:

"This is a first of a lifetime for all of it... I could take a little bit of pride in that and just be thankful."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sue Bird [02:12]: "Getting in the 50, 40, 90 club is hard."
• Nafeesa Collier [18:41]: "I'm not going to let this stop me."
• Nafeesa Collier [25:00]: "Playing overseas... really helped and just made me have this fire."
• Nafeesa Collier [37:14]: "Defense is understanding who you're playing. That's half of the job."
• Nafeesa Collier [68:20]: "It's a blessing... All my hard work is now coming to pass."

Key Takeaways

• Resilience and Determination: Collier’s undrafted status did not deter her; instead, it fueled her determination to improve and succeed.
• Importance of Overseas Play: Her time playing internationally was instrumental in developing her skills and mental toughness.
• Role of Coaching and Mentorship: Support from coaches like Sydney Parsons and Kelly Wilson was crucial in her development as a 3-and-D player.
• Legacy Building: As the first All-Star for the Valkyries, Collier is not only achieving personal success but also laying the foundation for a new franchise.
• Team Ethos and Selflessness: Emphasizing teamwork and understanding one's role contributes significantly to team success and personal growth.

Conclusion

Sue Bird's interview with Kayla Thornton and Nafeesa Collier offers an inspiring narrative of overcoming obstacles and achieving excellence in the WNBA. Collier's story underscores the values of perseverance, adaptability, and teamwork, making this episode a must-listen for fans and aspiring athletes alike.