Cheryl Reeve has achieved great success with the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA, winning four championships, the most by any coach in league history. Her impressive coaching career reached new heights when she was selected to lead the U.S. national team for the current Olympic cycle.
This season has been particularly enjoyable for Reeve, who values the harmony within her team. She appreciates that everyone, from players to coaches and trainers, feels comfortable being themselves. According to Reeve, this authenticity contributes to a positive team environment.
Since their championship runs in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017, Reeve has guided the Lynx through a transition period. Despite challenges and the absence of star player Napheesa Collier due to injury, the team has managed to achieve the third-best record in the league (17-8) by the All-Star break.
The Lynx lead in various statistical categories such as defense, assists, and 3-point shooting, and they seem to have developed strong team chemistry.
Kayla McBride, who recently scored 30 points in a game against Atlanta, praises the team’s ability to problem-solve and work together effectively on the court. She believes the team’s success is due to the combination of individual career satisfaction and collective experience.
Overall, Reeve’s coaching has not only led to championships but also fostered a cohesive and successful team dynamic.
Cheryl Reeve had a tough start in her first season with the Lynx in 2010, going 13-21. However, she turned things around, leading the team to 11 consecutive playoff appearances.
The streak ended in 2022 when Sylvia Fowles retired, marking the end of an era for the championship-winning teams. Despite a challenging 0-6 start last year, the Lynx bounced back to make the playoffs again. This season, they’ve made even more progress.
Their recent victory over New York in the Commissioner’s Cup, the WNBA’s mid-season tournament, showed that Minnesota is once again a strong contender.
“I believed we could be one of the top four teams, and we’re in that range now. We’re meeting our expectations,” said Reeve, who also serves as the team’s general manager and was later promoted to president of basketball operations. “Now we need to focus on improving and making this season truly meaningful.”
Reeve grew up in a military family, excelled in basketball at LaSalle University, and also did well academically. She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and management information systems, as well as a master’s degree in business administration. She was even nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship.
Her coaching career began at her alma mater, LaSalle, and she spent 12 years in college coaching, including five as head coach at Indiana State, before moving to the WNBA. After nine years as an assistant with Detroit, where she won two championships, Reeve got her big break with Minnesota.
Reeve is known for speaking her mind. Recently, she’s been making statements by wearing T-shirts with messages like “Well behaved women seldom make history” and “Black girls rock” under her blazer during games. In 2020, she made a bold move by only hiring women as assistant coaches to help push for more women in leadership roles.
She’s never been afraid to speak out, like earlier this year when she used social media to highlight that the WNBA is more than just one player, referencing rookie Caitlin Clark’s promotion.
When Indiana’s strong fan base visited Minnesota on Sunday, Reeve wasn’t interested in discussing the crowd that mostly supported Clark rather than the Lynx.
She quickly dismissed a reporter’s question about the national team selection—Clark didn’t make the cut, but Reeve isn’t on the committee—in her pregame interview.
Despite being tough and intense, Reeve often emphasizes the importance of players taking leadership roles on the team. Many times this year, she’s been pleased to hear Collier, McBride, and others discussing strategies during timeouts, similar to how she would advise.
“Her expectations for our performance are very high,” McBride noted. “I’ve learned a lot about professionalism and coaching from her.” The Team USA players expect the same level of coaching.
“I’m really looking forward to being coached by her for a month,” said New York star Sabrina Ionescu.
“Her deep understanding of the game, her ability to position you effectively for the team’s success, and her dedication to excellence from watching film to practice to games—all of that inspires me to become a better player. That’s why she’s one of the greatest coaches we’ve ever seen in this sport.”
