Gophers Women's Basketball Embraces Lynx Influence

The University of Minnesota women's basketball team is drawing inspiration from the success of the Minnesota Lynx, the WNBA franchise that has won four championships in the last decade. The Gophers are actively engaging with the Lynx, watching their game film, and learning from their star players, as they aim to elevate their own program to new heights.

Unlocking the Secrets of WNBA Excellence

Tapping into the Lynx Fanbase

The Gophers are actively seeking to leverage the Lynx's loyal fanbase to boost their own attendance and engagement. "A lot of our season-ticket holders go to Lynx games," said Gophers head coach Lindsay Whalen. "We might call out to them to try to recruit people." By reaching out to the Lynx's dedicated supporters, the Gophers hope to tap into a ready-made audience and build a stronger connection with the local basketball community.

Emulating the Lynx's Winning Formula

The Gophers have been closely studying the Lynx's style of play, particularly the contributions of All-WNBA forward Napheesa Collier. "The Lynx are playing at such a high level," said Gophers assistant coach Carly Thibault-DuDois. "They play with great toughness. They play with great togetherness, so it's good for us." By observing and emulating the Lynx's team-first approach and relentless effort, the Gophers aim to cultivate a similar winning mentality within their own program.

Leveraging Lynx Expertise

The Gophers have taken a proactive approach to learning from the Lynx, including holding film sessions this summer to study the WNBA team's game footage. "We've watched a lot of her clips and how she does basic, fundamental things at an incredibly high level," said Thibault-DuDois, referring to Collier's impact on the game. By tapping into the Lynx's expertise and experience, the Gophers hope to accelerate their own development and unlock new levels of performance.

Overcoming Adversity

The Gophers have faced their own challenges, with incoming recruit Kennedy Klick suffering a season-ending right knee injury in fall practice. However, the team remains focused on Klick's progress and her eventual return to the court. "Kennedy is making progress toward playing for the first time this year," said Whalen, underscoring the Gophers' commitment to supporting their players through adversity and helping them reach their full potential.The University of Minnesota women's basketball team is embracing the influence of the Minnesota Lynx, leveraging their success and expertise to elevate their own program. By engaging with the Lynx's fanbase, emulating their winning formula, and tapping into their knowledge, the Gophers are poised to take their game to new heights and inspire the next generation of basketball talent in the state.