Minneapolis Lynx GM and Coach Katie Smith Depart for New Roles

Minneapolis Lynx GM and Coach Katie Smith Depart for New Roles

November 12, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Sports

Content Request

Key Points About GM Clare Duwelius and Assistant Coach Katie Smith Leaving the Lynx

  1. Departures:

    • Minnesota Lynx General Manager Clare Duwelius and Associate Head Coach Katie Smith have left the team for new opportunities.

  2. Duwelius’s New Role:

    • Clare Duwelius will become the General Manager and Executive Vice President of the Unrivaled 3×3 professional women’s league, which launches in January 2024 in Florida. The league was co-founded by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier[1][2][4].

  3. Smith’s New Position:

    • Katie Smith will join her alma mater, Ohio State University, as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team. She is a former head coach of the New York Liberty and has won multiple championships, including two WNBA titles with the Detroit Shock. She was also a seven-time WNBA All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist[1][2][4].

  4. Reeve’s Reflection:

    • Lynx coach and president of basketball operations Cheryl Reeve expressed her gratitude for Duwelius and Smith. She acknowledged Duwelius’s 11-year tenure and Smith’s integral role in developing the Lynx into a championship contender[2].
  5. Future Plans for Lynx:
    • The Lynx have announced they are still determining their front-office roles after Duwelius’s departure, indicating potential changes in their leadership structure[2][4].

Engaging and Informative Extension

While Clare Duwelius and Katie Smith are leaving the Minnesota Lynx, their contributions have left a lasting impact. Duwelius’s decade-long dedication to the team has been instrumental in its growth, and her new role in the Unrivaled league represents an exciting frontier for women’s basketball. Katie Smith, a basketball legend, returns to her alma mater to inspire and guide the next generation of Buckeyes. Both women have set high standards for commitment and excellence, and their departure marks a significant moment in the team’s history. The Lynx’s future will undoubtedly be shaped by these leadership transitions, as they continue to strive for success in the competitive WNBA.