Makayla Timpson is excited to work with her FSU mentor Natasha Howard

Makayla Timpson is still surreal, she is in the WNBA.

After four years of Florida's career, Timpson was selected by Indiana Heat in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Edison, a Georgia native, didn’t know she was on the fever radar before choosing, but it was a surprising surprise.

"I mean, it's a surprise," Tipsen said. "My agent told me, like, 'I'm going to stand up next.' I don't know who I'm going to go, but I'm excited.

As the WNBA preseason progresses, Timpson wasted very little time on the full lineup, including superstars Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston.

"I'm surprised," Timpson said.

"But obviously, it's amazing just to show who I am as a person and all the skills I've done in college. But I'm just ready to work in my career."

FSU alumna Natasha Howard mentor Makayla Timpson

Timpson ended her FSU career by breaking Natasha Howard's record keeping, including career rebounds (1,094) and doubles (18).

Now, she can fight alongside the former FSU star.

Both Seminoles had a relationship for a while. Even when Timpson competes overseas at FSU and Howard, both know that both have a chance to compete at a professional level.

"We kept talking, and she told me, like earlier last year, she wanted to play with me, and that was before she had a fever."

"So, I think she's talking about it, but yes, we've been talking, she's been giving me a lot of guidance and I'm so happy to be with someone like her."

Howard will enter her 11th season. The three-time WNBA champion signed a one-year contract with Fever, initially selecting the former All-American team in 2014.

The 31-year-old sees Timpson as the young version and is happy to coach her rookie teammates who hopes to get big things from her in the future.

"I'm really happy to have a little mini. I told her that she will be the next me when I retire."

“So I’m glad she’s a part of our team, our organization, and I’m glad to coach her and teach her something, give her some of the movements, tips and things I’ve done in the game.”

What role does Makayla Timpson play in Indiana Hot character

In an experienced lineup, Timpson provides youth and depth for fever. She can see quality time on the bench as she moves forward.

In the 6-foot-2 game, she will provide defensiveness as a shooter and rebound threat. She holds records in both categories on FSU.

In her final season in Seminole County, Tipson ranked third in the country with 0.5 blocks per game, adding 17.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.

"I can go in and block a lot of shots. Just do the perfect thing here," Timpson said. "It's like just stopping shots, rebounds and defenses, being a great teammate and working hard."

In its preseason debut, Timpson scored four points on the bench against the Washington Mystics on May 3.

On May 4 against Brazil, she scored nine points, most of which came from the free throw line, and she made 5 of 6 shots. She also added a steal and a barrier.

"I would say that as long as we work hard and keep moving forward, it is not suitable for who we are playing," Tipsen said after the Brazilian game.

"Just prepare for bigger opponents and win the championship. We just focus on what we want to do and keep pace without worrying about scores."

The fever will open on May 17 with Chicago Sky. It will be televised on ABC at 3pm

Peter Holland Jr. contacted him via email at pholand@gannett.com or x@_da_pistol.