The 5-foot-9 Whalen was also part of a group of point guards -- along with players such as Sue Bird, Becky Hammon, Courtney Vandersloot and Chelsea Gray -- who have redefined what the position can do in the WNBA. See our full republication guidelines for more information. Its easy to fall back on the clich that superstar former players dont always make the best coaches, but that doesnt explain why Dawn Staley and Kim Mulkey succeeded while Whalen didnt. Her No. Marrying Ben Grieve, a golf star at University of Minnesota in October 2007, Ben is rumored to be her college boyfriend. Legendary, baby, Hardaway said. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Lindsay Whalen, considered the greatest player in Minnesota womens basketball history, resigned as coach on Thursday after a third straight losing season. Coyle can be maddeningly vague when the news isnt good, and after some back and forth with reporters it became abundantly clear Whalen hadnt resigned, and this decision had been in the works for awhile. Overcome with emotion, she decided that wasnt the time to talk. But the Gophers couldnt finish in a 72-67 loss at the Big Ten Tournament. Lindsay was only the second player Whalen was scheduled to appear at a news conference with Coyle but was a no-show. That made it a tough day all around. However, what we do know is that her family lives on her annual salary of $330,000, and her estimated net worth to date is around $3,630,000. Additionally, she is also the head coach of the University of Minnesotas womens basketball team. Mara Brauns scoring average of 15.6 points per game ranked second among Big Ten freshmen. Together, we just felt like now is the right time for her to step down, Coyle said. The men's team is 7-20 overall and last in the Big Ten at 1-16 under second-year coach Ben Johnson. I wanted to see how the Sparks would react. Lindsay visits Ben in Pinehurst, North Carolina as he competes in US Amateur golf in August 2019 ( Source : instagram ). I think we have a really great core group of people here who have made progress throughout this past year. Whalen's entire family -- husband Ben Greve, parents Kathy and Neil Whalen and all her siblings -- will be in Springfield, Massachusetts, for her induction this weekend. She had surgery in August of 2017 to repair the hand, but was ruled out after that. Fantasy women's basketball: Which rookies will make the biggest impact in 2023? Only second to Candace Parker, Whalen was the Most Valuable Player runner up. Registries that are private will not appear when searching by name. By the time the Gophers women's basketball team's appearance in the Big Ten Conference tournament ended Thursday, Lindsay Whalen and Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle had agreed. Jon Krawczynski. They would ask me, Tim, how great do you want to be? Hardaway said. The Lynx offered Whalen a multi-year contract extension prior to the playoffs. Ben always stood in the shadows, never uttering a word to the media about their personal life together. "I always said she was a hockey player playing basketball," Reeve said. She is married to an insurance advisor and former Minnesota Golden Gophers golfer Ben Greve. Whalen was a center in hockey, but gave up the sport because it wasn't available to girls at her high school then (she proudly says it is now). To explain: When Whalen a converted hockey player was going to her first basketball camp, she was anxious, crying, not wanting to go into the gym. But Brunson, who now works as an assistant to Reeve with the Lynx, also pointed out that Whalen knew how to manage looks for her teammates. That year, back to the finals went the Lynx. ", Former Lynx star Whalen was a Minnesota legend long before Naismith Hall call, WNBA draft grades: Fever, Lynx score top marks, Stars react to the WNBA draft's top picks, How No. That proved to be spectacularly wishful thinking. Kathy and Neil raised her in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Duncan and Ginobili werent the only teammates in the building. Whalen was 71-76 overall and 32-58 in the Big Ten in five seasons from 2018 to 2023, taking over as coach of the program just before playing her final season with the WNBA's Lynx in 2018. 13 jersey was retired. In a heartfelt post, Lindsay shared her admiration, thanking her for the numerous ways she had contributed to her life. Whalen was on the elevator down when the reality hit her that an era was over. Stanley and Shank Grentz were teammates at Immaculata in the 1970s, before going on to coaching careers and now, the Hall, together. Though Whalen was born in Hutchinson, Minnesota, she spent most of her early life in Kalamazoo County in Michigan. Whalen was traded back to her home state and spent nine seasons with the Lynx, with whom she won four WNBA titles. Im not real sure of the rules, but what the hell, lets just make them as we go.. Whalen brought in the 10th-ranked group of freshmen in the country, according to ESPN, and three of them were starters. Minnesota women's basketball coach Lindsay Whalen missed the Gophers' 62-49 win Thursday at Rutgers after having an emergency appendectomy on Tuesday. Rebate checks, credits and Social Security tax cuts proposed in House DFL bill, Wells Fargo closing two sites as it consolidates metro offices, U regents change leaders, call special session on presidential search, Flooding begins as record-setting snowfall melts into state's rivers, Funeral set for Pope County deputy fatally shot over the weekend, St. Olaf investigating sexist social media post that has impacted 'well-being of our community', Mpls. Whalen now paces the sidelines at Williams Arena, which is also where she got her last WNBA title. Registrants do have the option of keeping their registries private. She is of American nationality. Whalen went on to battle it out with the Lynx against the Sparks up until game five with a final score of 77-76. Early in Game 4 of the 2017 WNBA Finals in Los Angeles, Sparks guard Odyssey Sims was going for a breakaway layup, and Whalen was determined to stop it. Thats couch cushion change at Kentucky and Alabama, but real money here. She is the mother to a son and a daughter. Completing the season at 27-7, the Lynx had the second best franchise history record, along with the best record in the league. One of the most selfless people, shes a Gopher through and through and Im glad shes going to be around. Coyle mentioned ongoing conversations he had with Whalen, beginning last year at the Final Four in New Orleans, that led to this. @Lindsay_13. While her basketball career was successful and brilliant in all of its accomplishments, her personal life is somewhat of a mystery. Furthermore, she has an estimated net worth of about $3 million as of 2022. In addition, she has over 40.3k followers on Instagram. Whalen was scheduled to appear at a news conference with Coyle but was a no-show. Obviously, she's an icon. Rematching, the Lynx and the Indiana Fever battled it out to a result of a final score of 3-2 with the Lynx beating the Fever won the championship. The relationship between the two teams was frosty and it had been a physical series -- both times. She is so much loved in these hallways and these buildings. Lindsay Whalen sat in a restaurant in Prague on Jan. 12, 2010, eating a traditional Czech dinner with her husband, her best friend from childhood and her best friends husband. "Shes a big part of what were doing here, and everybody knows it. My sincere apologies for not being there today as I was overcome with emotion in the elevator on my way to the press conference. Whalen was 71-76 overall and 32-58 in conference games. Coyle said she was busy meeting with her staff. The thought was Whalen might get one more year with a highly-touted class of Minnesota-born players in Braun, Mallory Heyer, Amaya Battle and Nia Holloway all likely back next season. "It was premeditated," said Whalen, who will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2022 class on Saturday. Athletic director Mark Coyle said Whalen would stay on as a special assistant to the athletics director through April 12, 2025. I dont think were starting over, Coyle said. Minnesota has struggled to sustain success in both men's and women's basketball, a fact Coyle acknowledges. Whalen is active on social media. We have everything in place, he said. Whalen married Ben in October 2007, This is proof that although Whalen is a Hall-of-Fame player, it doesnt guarantee coaching success. 4 pick in the WNBA draft that year. Lindsay was a star basketball player for the college team, while Ben represented Minnesota Golden Gophers in several golf tournaments. Lindsay retired from her playing career at the end of the 2018 season. By Salim Prajapati, 2023 FOX Television Stations, until SAT 1:00 PM CDT, Buffalo County, Dunn County, Pepin County, from WED 1:00 PM CDT until THU 7:00 PM CDT, Marshall County, from MON 10:10 PM CDT until FRI 1:00 AM CDT, Marshall County, until WED 7:00 AM CDT, Clay County, Redwood County, until FRI 4:00 PM CDT, Clay County, Kittson County, Mahnomen County, Marshall County, Norman County, Polk County, Wilkin County, until TUE 4:00 PM CDT, Aitkin County, Carlton County, Lake County, Pine County, Saint Louis County, is in effect, Aitkin County, Anoka County, Anoka County, Anoka County, Anoka County, Big Stone County, Big Stone County, Blue Earth County, Brown County, Carver County, Carver County, Chippewa County, Chippewa County, Clay County, Clay County, Crow Wing County, Crow Wing County, Dakota County, Dakota County, Dakota County, Dakota County, Goodhue County, Goodhue County, Goodhue County, Goodhue County, Hennepin County, Hennepin County, Hennepin County, Hennepin County, Hennepin County, Hennepin County, Houston County, Kittson County, Kittson County, Kittson County, Lac Qui Parle County, Marshall County, Marshall County, Morrison County, Nicollet County, Norman County, Norman County, Polk County, Polk County, Ramsey County, Redwood County, Renville County, Renville County, Scott County, Sherburne County, Stearns County, Stearns County, Traverse County, Traverse County, Wabasha County, Wabasha County, Washington County, Washington County, Washington County, Wilkin County, Winona County, Wright County, Wright County, Wright County, Yellow Medicine County, Yellow Medicine County, Buffalo County, Buffalo County, La Crosse County, Pepin County, Pierce County, Pierce County, Pierce County, Pierce County, Saint Croix County, came to a close on Thursday after five seasons, Pope County deputy killed: Josh Owen Memorial Fund information, Boston Marathon: Elk River native Emma Bates is first American woman to cross finish line, Minnesota flooding: St. Croix River near Stillwater; swinging bridge near Duluth closed: Videos, Family and SJU alumnus remember the owner of a popular bar in St. Joseph, Monday marks Holocaust Remembrance Day focusing on remembrance, faith, Minneapolis mayor signs resolution to allow broadcast of all Islamic calls to prayer, Fmr. Lindsay Whalen's legacy, through the eyes of two kids who couldn't turn away. Furthermore, Whalen was also invited to the USA Basketball Womens National Team training camp in 2009. Heres the right reason: Staley and Mulkey were much better prepared. In Hennepin County, has a new application process made it harder to access social safety-net programs? Following her retirement, she redirected her focus toward coaching. Add up the years. Instead, Harris followed in another set of Naismiths footsteps, as a coach. Lindsay Whalen has resigned as Minnesota women's basketball coach, the school announced Thursday. Her contract remains in force through 2025, for the same salary she would have made coaching. mayor signs change allowing Muslim call to prayer at any time, Wild defeat Stars in Game 1 late-night thriller on Hartman's double-OT goal, Cine's grueling rehab has him healthy, excited and back with Vikings, 1960s Eden Prairie home with luxurious updates and 'character' lists for $580,000, Elk River's Bates runs second-fastest Boston Marathon ever by U.S. woman, Gustavsson gets first playoff start and sets Wild franchise record, Stars' Pavelski leaves after a hit becomes minor on review, Kings edge Oilers 4-3 in OT to take early lead in series, There for the taking, Gophers fall to Northwestern in Big Ten women's tourney, After leaving U, point guard Powell transferring to Tennessee, Former state prep star leads women's basketball turnaround at Florida, 325-pound center makes Gophers fourth college stop as graduate transfer, Virginia prep safety commits to Gophers football program for 2024, Reilly brothers make Gophers hockey history, Gophers hire West Virginia coach to replace Whalen, Freshman Cooley delivers Frozen Four flashback of Gophers last title team. That won her the permanent job. Harris was going to be a pastor; ironically, basketballs founder, Dr. James Naismith, also was a pastor. Whalen brought in the 10th-ranked group of freshmen in the country, according to ESPN, and three of them were starters. It led to speculation that perhaps the decision wasnt mutual. Her No. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Though it didnt require an explanation, Whalen gave one on social media Thursday night. Whalen will never be forgotten in Minnesota basketball, but it was time for a change. Whalen, 40, had signed a contract extension a year ago to take her through the 2024-25 season. In addition, she also played for Team USA in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Dayton declared Sunday "Lindsay Whalen Day" in Minnesota, an honor her teammates shortened to "Whay Day." Besides, Lindsay has uploaded several pictures of her mom and dad on Instagram. The Gophers' loss to Northwestern on Thursday dropped their record to 14-17. Whalens class and panache won her lots of friends in Minnesota over the years, all of whom wished the best for her. Alex Iafallo scored in OT to lift the Los Angeles Kings to a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers to open their first-round playoff series Monday night. Furthermore, there are no details available about her ethnicity at present. And it's why she was so beloved by teammates and fans. In 2018, the Gophers designated her as their head coach, but she announced her resignation from the role in March 2023. In 2017, Whalen suffered a hand injury that caused her to miss 12 games. In a 15-season WNBA career -- six with the Sun and nine with the Lynx -- Whalen averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds. The team will return leading scorer Sara Scalia, a second-team All-Big Ten player. Under Whalen the Gophers are 59-56 overall, 28-44 in the Big Ten. Gophers' Athletic Director Mark Coyle announced Thursday Lindsay Whalen is stepping down as the school's womens basketball coach after five seasons. Donations made by check can be made out to MinnPost and mailed to us at PO Box 18438, Minneapolis, MN 55418. What a bad representation having maya pretend she is Jordan! She is so much loved in these hallways and these buildings. After a 21-11 debut, Whalens teams went 16-15, 8-13 (the COVID-shortened season), 15-18 and finally 11-19. "My sincere apologies for not being there today as I was overcome with emotion in the elevator on my way to the press conference. Whalen, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame last year, immediately brought a surge of excitement and season-ticket holders, but she wasn't able to translate that into enough success on court. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Lindsay Whalen, considered the greatest player in Minnesota women's basketball history, resigned as coach on Thursday after a third straight losing season. "I think we have a really great core group of people here who have made progress throughout this past year and it's our job to find a coach who can continue to build upon the success.". Indeed, the Gophers are still hoping there will be a postseason option available. Whalen married Ben in October 2007, and the couple was later graced with two delightful children. Coyle said she was busy meeting with her staff. Whalen led the Gophers to their only Final Four appearance in 2003. Brunson said that everyone -- from coaches to teammates to practice players to fans and even occasionally referees -- got the "Weezy stare" at times. He cultivated within her a strong sense of discipline and a passion for sports. Incoming players include a recruiting class ranked 10th in the nation by ESPN made up of four Minnesota players: Mara Braun (Wayzata), Nia Holloway (Eden Prairie), Amaya Battle (Hopkins) and Mallory Heyer (Chaska). Filip Gustavsson set a franchise playoff record with 51 saves. References: (MinnPost, Twin cities, WNBA), You may also read the age, parents, professional career, net worth, body measurement, and social media of Joe Smith (Basketball), Alyssa Thomas, and Matt Leinart. She will stay on in the department as an assistant to Coyle. "We have good players coming in, I feel very excited about the future.''. This is a wow' moment for me.". It seems crazy now, but at that time some Gopher fans mused about Whalen taking the Gophs to the 2022 NCAA Womens Final Four in Minneapolis, its first such trip since Whalens playing days. Whalen, in a tweet Thursday night, said her absence was due to her being overcome with emotion in the elevator on her way to the news conference. You looked at the two rosters: They had a lot of players in their primes. "From what I can see and tell, looking at the Big Ten, it takes time. On March 3, 2023 04:08 PM. A native of Minnesota, a state known for its American folklore, Whalen was the women's basketball version of Paul Bunyan, except she was 100% real. And while Minnesota rallied to tie it in the fourth quarter before losing 72-67, the usual menagerie of careless ball-handling (22 turnovers) ultimately ended their season. Lindsay Whalen and Janel McCarville were reunited as teammates in 2013 when with a three team trade, the Minnesota Lynx gained Janel. Talking about her education, Whalen attended Hutchinson High School in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Coyle indicated to reporters that the decision was mutual, although Whalen gave no indication in her postgame press conference Wednesday that she was anticipating stepping down. They tied for 12th in the Big Ten with a 4-12 record, their fewest wins in 12 years. 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