In a celebration of coaching excellence, Cheryl Reeve, the 60‑year‑old head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, was named the WNBA Coach of the Year for a record‑extending fifth time. The award, announced on Monday, reflects Reeve’s sustained success and her ability to guide the Lynx to the top of the league.
Vote tally and historic achievement
Reeve received 40 of the 74 votes cast by a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. No other coach has won the honor more than three times since the award was first presented in 1997. Reeve previously earned the distinction in 2011, 2016, 2020 and 2024.
Lynx dominate the regular season
Under Reeve’s leadership, Minnesota posted a league‑best 33‑11 record in the regular season, securing the top seed for the playoffs. The Lynx’s performance also gave Reeve a career record of 397‑201 over 17 seasons in Minnesota, making her the league’s all‑time leader in regular‑season victories after her 380th win on July 8 against the Connecticut Sun.
Playoff outlook
Entering the postseason, the Lynx are pursuing a historic fifth WNBA championship. They currently trail 1‑0 in a best‑of‑three first‑round series against the New York Liberty. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night in New York, offering the Lynx a chance to even the series and continue their championship quest.
Other top coaches
Golden State Valkyries’ Natalie Nakase finished second in the voting with 20 votes, while Washington Mystics’ Sydney Johnson placed third with 14 votes. Both coaches have earned respect for their recent achievements, but Reeve’s consistent excellence set her apart this season.
What the award means for Minnesota
Reeve’s fifth Coach of the Year award underscores the Lynx’s role as a pillar of Minnesota’s sports community. The team’s success brings pride to local fans, supports youth basketball programs, and highlights the state’s commitment to women’s professional sports. As the Lynx continue their playoff run, the community looks forward to cheering on a team that exemplifies dedication, teamwork, and leadership.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
