Minnesota Lynx’ point guard Lindsay Whalen decided to say goodbye to professional basketball. Whalen, who won four WNBA champions with the Lynx, announced on Monday that she would retire at the end of the season.
The retirement, however, doesn’t mean that the 36-year-old will move away from basketball entirely. Whalen already accepted a job at her alma mater, Minnesota University, and will coach their women’s basketball team.
“I would like to thank the WNBA, the Connecticut Sun, and the Minnesota Lynx for believing in me all of these years,” – said Whalen in a statement. “I look forward to the next chapter in my basketball career and wish my Lynx coaches and teammates all of the best in the future.“
Lynx’ fans will have the opportunity to see Lindsay Whalen in action in two more games of the regular season. The team is currently locked for at least fourth seed in the Western Conference, so Whalen will also play at least one more playoff series.
“I feel so fortunate to have been on the sidelines for so many of her wins,” – said Lynx coach and general manager, Cheryl Reeve. “Lindsay’s will to win made her special, along with always putting her team and teammates first. I will always cherish the times we spent together over the last eight years bringing championships to her home state of Minnesota.“
Lindsay Whalen was selected fourth overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun. After five years in Connecticut, she was traded to Minnesota Lynx and went on to play her best basketball. Besides winning four WNBA Championships, she was also named four times All-Star and had two All-WNBA First Team honors. Whalen will end her career as the WNBA playoffs all-time assists leader.
Besides successful WNBA career, Lindsay Whalen also found success with USA Basketball Women’s National Team. Playing for the USA, Whalen won two Olympic gold medals and two World Championship trophies.
