Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark had a forgettable sophomore season that was marred by multiple injuries. The Iowa Hawkeyes legend was limited to 13 games this year before ultimately being shut down for the rest of the season due to a groin injury.
Clark’s extended spell on the sidelines forced her to take on a different role for the squad. Among other things, she became a cheerleader on the bench, supporting her teammates in every way she could. This included rookie Makayla Timpson, who had her moments in her first year as a pro after being selected by the Fever in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Timspon worked hard to find her way into head coach Stephanie White’s rotation. The 6-foot-2 forward-center had limited opportunities in 2025, but Timpson made sure to make them count whenever she got the chance to play.
The former Florida State Seminoles standout played 31 games for Indiana in her rookie year, averaging 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in 7.1 minutes per contest. Timpson was far from a key player for the Fever last season, but the 23-year-old showed flashes of her potential throughout the campaign.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Timpson had left the United States to join Czech team ZVVZ USK Praha for the EuroLeague Women season. This is common practice for WNBA players during the offseason, but this is the first time Timpson is heading overseas to play professionally.
On Friday, Timpson took to social media to share her parting message for the 2025 WNBA season. She expressed her gratitude to her teammates and how much it means to her to have spent her rookie year with them.
“Rookie season ✅ Words can’t express the love I have for my teammates, coaches, and amazing fans! Every moment this season was filled with joy and laughter that I’ll cherish forever with this special group I now call family.
“Grateful for the lessons, memories, and experiences that’ll last a lifetime. OFFSEASON MODE: ON ” Timpson posted on Instagram.
The Fever players were quick to respond to Timpson’s heartfelt statement. This included a message of support from Clark, who had nothing but love for the rookie.
“So proud of u ” replied Clark.
Sophie Cunningham, Kelsey Mitchell, Natasha Howard and a handful of other players also rallied behind Timpson with messages of support. This shows the admiration her teammates have for Timpson, as well as how tight-knit the Fever are.
Timpson made her debut for her new team on Wednesday, registering two points and two rebounds in five minutes of action. She helped ZVVZ USK Praha secure a 77-57 blowout win against Tango Bourges Basket.
Timpson will be back for the Fever in 2026. Alongside Clark and Aliyah Boston, she is one of three players still under contract for the new season, as the rest of the players enter free agency amid CBA negotiations.
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