Naz Hillmon has been the embodiment of what it means to be a leader. Even early this season—when her minutes were limited—she was still the voice guiding every huddle, setting the tone for her teammates. Recently, she spoke to the media about what she has learned this year, highlighting adaptability. She lived it. Hillmon went from barely getting minutes to becoming a starter, and her journey this season represents a masterclass in leadership, growth, and dominance—the three pillars that make her the clear 6th Player of the Year.
Leadership That Never Wavered
Even without guaranteed playing time at the start of the season, Naz never shrank from her role as a leader. Her energy, presence, and consistency off the court carried over when her number was called. That steady voice in the huddle built the foundation for everything that followed.
Remarkable Growth
The most staggering transformation of Hillmon’s career came from beyond the arc. Prior to this season, she had made only one three-point shot in seven years—four years at Michigan without a single made three, plus three seasons in the WNBA. This year, she drilled 53. Not only is she making threes; she’s taking them as an integral part of Karl Smesko’s system.
Naz could have easily decided the system wasn’t for her and faded out of the Dream’s future plans. Instead, she transformed her game. Now, every time she rises for a three, her teammates, Dream fans, and—most importantly—Naz herself believe it’s going in. Early in the season, the Dream bench erupted every time she connected from deep. By the end of the season, they’d grown accustomed to it. This evolution is one of the most dramatic improvements you’ll ever see from an athlete in any sport.
Defensive Dominance and Rebounding Excellence
Before her breakout from three, Hillmon was already a force on the glass and a stout defender. This season, she reached entirely new levels. She posted a career-high 271 rebounds—99 more than in any previous year—and a career-high 19 blocks. Her defensive rebounding surged to 202 boards, giving the Dream critical extra possessions and fueling transition opportunities.
Smesko consistently trusts Hillmon with the opponent’s biggest offensive threats. Watch any Dream game this season and you’ll see her matched up with A’ja Wilson, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, or any other high-impact forward or center. Her work on Thomas and Collier in particular was stellar. One night against the Connecticut Sun—when Brittney Griner was unavailable—questions swirled about who would handle Tina Charles in her return to Gateway. Another reporter, with total confidence, said, “Naz has it. Don’t worry.” That night, Hillmon delivered again, proving herself invaluable on both ends.
She doesn’t shut down every scorer entirely, but she makes life miserable for them and then secures the rebound once the shot goes up. Her ability to combine defensive disruption with rebounding production is rare and invaluable.
The Steadying Force in a Turbulent Season
The Dream endured major injuries this season—Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Brittney Griner, Rhyne Howard—and yet they kept winning. One reason: Naz Hillmon. She became the constant, anchoring Smesko’s system and stabilizing the rotation.
Putting Others First While Letting Her Game Speak
Even during her run for 6th Player of the Year, Hillmon frequently used her media availability to champion her coach Karl Smesko as a Coach of the Year candidate and Allisha Gray as an MVP candidate. She hasn’t pushed for her own recognition, telling reporters she prefers to let her game do the talking—just like Gray. Watching Hillmon this year, her message could not have been clearer.
“There is the 6th Woman of the Year, and NO ONE is more deserving.”
Naz Hillmon’s season was a triumph of leadership, growth, and dominance. She transformed her game, lifted her team, and became one of the most complete players in the league—all while embodying the unselfish spirit of a true leader.
