Lindsay Whalen Returns to Lynx as Assistant Coach
Lynx legend Lindsay Whalen Returns to Coaching Staff
Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota Lynx fans have a reason to celebrate. Franchise icon Lindsay Whalen is returning to teh team, this time as an assistant coach. The announcement comes after Whalen stepped away from coaching in 2022,following a successful stint as head coach of the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team.”I’m so excited to be back with the Lynx and back with Coach and Bekky [assistant coach Rebekkah Brunson],” Whalen said in a team release. “Eric and I have also known each other for a long time, and for me, I couldn’t imagine joining a better staff as I return to coaching and get my first opportunity to coach in the WNBA. We have a special group with this team and I can’t wait to get to work.”
Whalen’s return fills the void left by associate head coach Katie Smith, who departed in November to join the coaching staff at her alma mater, Ohio state. Smith had been a valuable asset to the Lynx as joining the team in 2020.
Whalen’s Lynx legacy is undeniable. Her jersey, No. 13, hangs retired in the rafters, a testament to her five all-Star seasons and instrumental role in the team’s four WNBA championships.Before her time in Minnesota, Whalen spent six seasons with the Connecticut Sun, where she played under legendary coach Mike Thibault. She boasts an remarkable WNBA career, with 480 regular-season games played, 323 wins (second only to Sue Bird), and 54 postseason victories (second behind Brunson). Whalen also added two Olympic gold medals to her trophy case, representing Team USA in 2012 and 2016.
The Lynx are hoping Whalen’s experience and leadership will help propel the team to another championship run.
lynx Legend Lindsay Whalen Returns to Coaching Staff
Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota Lynx fans have a reason to celebrate. Franchise icon Lindsay Whalen is returning to the team, this time as an assistant coach. The announcement comes after Whalen stepped away from coaching in 2022, following a accomplished stint as head coach of the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team.
“I’m so excited to be back with the Lynx and back with Coach and Bekky [assistant coach Rebekkah Brunson],” Whalen said in a team release.”Eric and I have also known each other for a long time, and for me, I couldn’t imagine joining a better staff as I return to coaching and get my first opportunity to coach in the WNBA. We have a special group with this team and I can’t wait to get to work.”
Whalen’s return fills the void left by associate head coach Katie smith, who departed in November to join the coaching staff at her alma mater, Ohio State. Smith had been a valuable asset to the Lynx since joining the team in 2020.
Whalen’s Lynx legacy is undeniable. Her jersey, No. 13, hangs retired in the rafters, a testament to her five All-Star seasons and instrumental role in the team’s four WNBA championships. Before her time in Minnesota,Whalen spent six seasons with the Connecticut Sun,where she played under legendary coach Mike Thibault. She boasts a remarkable WNBA career, with 480 regular-season games played, 323 wins (second only to Sue Bird), and 54 postseason victories (second behind Brunson). Whalen also added two Olympic gold medals to her trophy case, representing Team USA in 2012 and 2016.
The Lynx are hoping Whalen’s experiance and leadership will help propel the team to another championship run.