The Fever rookie went back home, to Blakely, Georgia, on Friday.

Makayla Timpson experienced a full-circle moment as she reflected on her journey from a small-town gym to going pro with the Indiana Fever. Her high school retired her number 21 jersey.

The Indiana Fever shared the moment on X with a simple message: “Congratulations to Makayla Timpson for having her jersey retired at her alma mater, Early County High School 👏.” It was a fitting message for a hometown hero.

Timpson's high school career was just the beginning of everything she would go on to achieve. Her high school team, the Lady Bobcats, laid the foundation for her time with the Florida State Seminoles in college.

She became Florida's all-time leader in career rebounds (350), blocks (103) 3.1 per game, and double-doubles. She also led the ACC with 227 2-point field goals in her senior year.

But it all began in high school. Timpson reflected on the recognition, “I mean, some of the stuff that they were saying, I can’t remember, but I mean, it’s incredible,” she said. “You know, to know that I had a triple-double one game, I forgot about that, but it’s been great.”

Her roots remain central to her story as she spoke about the community spirit. “It means a lot. You know, I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” Timpson shared. “Just grateful to be here, you know, just to be back and the community that just loves me so much. Just to be able to be an honor and a legend here is incredible”.

The accolades went beyond basketball

Her home city further honored her by declaring 9th January 2026 as 'Makayla Timpson Day'. She even received a key to the city, further cementing her name in the legacy.

The Georgia native was drafted 19th overall by the Indiana Fever in 2025. She made an immediate impact, playing 8 games in the post-season playoffs, averaging 2.3 points and shooting 66.7 % from the deep.

The forward-center played 31 regular-season games, averaging 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 56.1 percent from three. Her best performance was 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and two 2s in 22 minutes played against the Chicago Sky. She is under her rookie contract with the Indiana Fever for next season.

She's listen under Unrivaled’s development pool for the offseason. This milestone is just one of many for the 23 year old.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu