One of the most successful athletes in Minnesota history is getting the chance to add to her legacy.
Former University of Minnesota standout and current Minnesota Lynx point guard Lindsay Whalen will be returning to her alma mater as the next head coach of the Golden Gophers women’s basketball program.
The Gophers announced Thursday afternoon that they’ve hired Whalen, a Hutchinson native, as their new head coach.
“People talk about the ‘it’ factor, and that is always difficult to define, but everyone who has ever spent time around Lindsay Whalen knows she has it,” Minnesota athletic director Mark Coyle said in the press release.
“She has excelled at everything she has ever done in her life because she’s unflappable, determined and has a legendary work ethic. She’s played for some of the top coaches in the world, she’s competed at the highest levels the sport has to offer, and I know she will be a great head coach for our women’s basketball program.”
As part of the agreement between the University of Minnesota and Whalen, she will play the upcoming 2018 season with the Lynx, before joining the Gophers.
“I have so many special memories at the University of Minnesota. I can’t tell you how excited I am to have the opportunity to make more,” Whalen said in the press release.
“Becoming the head coach here at the U and being a Gopher again is a dream come true. At every level, basketball has given me so much. I’ve learned from so many great players, coaches and mentors, and now I have a chance to share that knowledge and help shape the new generation of Gopher stars. I’m ready to get started.
Prior to entering the WNBA, Whalen had a very successful career in Maroon and Gold, playing at Minnesota from 2000-04. She finished her career as the school’s all-time points leader and helped the Gophers reach the NCAA Final Four for the first time.
Now, her basketball career gets the chance to come full circle, now helping lead a school and basketball program that made her into the player and person she is today.
The four-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist will return to the Lynx for the 2018 season as she tries to add to help Minnesota defend its title while continuing to add to her already decorated resume.
