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Cheryl Reeve's 25-year WNBA journey mirrors the league's evolution and growth

A modest start in 2001 led to a coaching dynasty. Cheryl Reeve's story is the WNBA's story—of grit, change, and relentless progress.

,   and  ASMedia
1 min read
The image shows a group of women playing a game of basketball in a gymnasium. There are people...
The image shows a group of women playing a game of basketball in a gymnasium. There are people sitting on the stairs on the left side of the image, and a wall in the background. At the top of the ceiling, there are rods and lights, and banners with text hanging from them. In the center of the court, there is a basketball hoop with a net, indicating that the game is taking place in a competitive atmosphere. The text on the banners reads "WKU Women's Basketball" and the date of the game, January 19, 2019, is also visible.

Cheryl Reeve's 25-year WNBA journey mirrors the league's evolution and growth

Cheryl Reeve has marked her 17th season as head coach of the Minnesota Lynx—her 25th year in the WNBA overall. The milestone comes at a time when player salaries and equity in the league have grown significantly. Her journey began with a modest $5,000 paycheck in 2001, far removed from today’s landscape. Reeve’s coaching career started long before the WNBA. As a college student, she worked as a youth basketball camp counsellor, sparking her passion for the game. She later spent a decade as an assistant coach in the league before taking the reins.

In 2009, she became head coach of the Lynx, a role she has held ever since. Over the years, she has embraced the challenge of adapting to a constantly evolving roster. Several key players have left the team recently, drawn by expanded opportunities and greater influence in the league. To deepen her connection with the franchise, Reeve chose to live in Minnesota year-round. She remains focused on building success with new talent, even as the league’s dynamics shift around her.

The full interview with Reeve is available on YouTube, offering more insight into her career and the changing WNBA. Her 25 years in the league reflect both personal dedication and the broader growth of women’s basketball. The Lynx now move forward under her leadership, navigating a new era of player empowerment.

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