INDIANAPOLIS — When Makayla Timpson found out she was going to be on the Indiana Fever opening day roster, the first people she called were her parents.
“They’re always in the loop for everything,” Timpson said Thursday. “Those are my two biggest supporters … my dad, he was just laughing, they’re all super excited. I’m the first pro in the family, so it means a lot to me.”
Timpson officially made the Fever team on Thursday as Indiana announced its 11-player opening day team. Indiana is only able to carry 11 to start the season because of salary cap limitations but should be able to sign a 12th player around the end of June when prorated contracts peter down.
Timpson, who was drafted at No. 19 out of Florida State in the 2025 WNBA Draft, is the only rookie to make the Fever’s roster. She beat out four other players for the 11th and final spot, including fellow draftees Bree Hall and Yvonne Ejim and training camp players Jaelyn Brown and Jillian Alleyne.
“I’m super excited,” Timpson said. “Grateful for the opportunity, thankful for the staff for believing in me, to get me on the roster, to be a great fit for the team. They’re super great, and I can’t wait to get to the season.”
The 6-2 forward impressed throughout training camp with her grit and poise, coach Steph White said, even as a rookie. She’s a tenacious defender, as evidenced by a steal and score in the first half against the Brazilian National Team, and her wingspan makes it so she can always get a hand on the ball.
She played a total of 25 minutes in Indiana’s three preseason games, mostly embedded in the rotation, scoring 15 points.
Timpson likely won’t be in the rotation, playing behind starters Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard and backups Bri Turner and Damiris Dantas. But playing time is not necessarily what White and her coaching staff are focused on for Timpson’s development right now.
“The most important thing for me right now with KK is just to be a sponge,” White said. “Just learn. You know, there are probably going to be situations where she may or may not be in the rotation, she’s playing behind some Hall of Famers. And so her opportunity to just learn and grow and get experience and reps and practice and stay ready, so that when she does get out there and she does get opportunity, that she’s ready to go.”
Timpson is happy to accept any role on the roster — something White said was crucial for whoever got that 11th and final spot. The Fever needed someone who would “stay ready so they don’t have to get ready,” no matter the amount of minutes they end up getting. Someone who is going to stay engaged on the court, in huddles, in the locker room, and in any aspect of the team.
Timpson fits all of those attributes and more.
“Her upside is tremendous,” White said. “I mean, she’s a player who, throughout the course of college, just continued to get better, continue to get more efficient. She does things that you can’t teach. She’s got a great feel about her and great patience, and she’s coachable. And so you know, the decisions that we make, some for her are about this year, and some are about her future. And KK has a bright future ahead.”
