Cheryl Reeve Makes History with Fifth WNBA Coach of the Year Award

Historic Achievement for Cheryl Reeve

Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, has made history by being named the 2026 WNBA Coach of the Year for the fifth time, a feat that no other coach in major U.S. sports has accomplished. The league announced this milestone on Monday, confirming Reeve’s status as a groundbreaking figure in women's basketball.

A Remarkable Season Amid Adversity

In her 17th season in charge, Reeve led the Lynx to an impressive 33-11 record, securing the No. 1 seed in the playoffs for the second consecutive year despite facing significant challenges. The team had to navigate through various roster changes and injuries, most notably losing star forward Napheesa Collier for a significant portion of the season.

Reeve secured 40 out of 74 media votes, significantly outpacing her competitors, Natalie Nakase of the Golden State Valkyries and Sydney Johnson of the Washington Mystics. This recognition further solidifies her legacy as one of the most successful coaches in the league's history.

Vote Breakdown

| Coach | Team | Votes | |------------------|-------------|-------| | Cheryl Reeve | Lynx | 40 | | Natalie Nakase | Valkyries | 20 | | Sydney Johnson | Mystics | 14 |

Overcoming Challenges

The Lynx faced a tumultuous offseason, losing several key players to expansion drafts and free agency while also dealing with injuries. Collier underwent surgeries on both ankles, which delayed her return until late July. Despite these setbacks, Reeve's leadership enabled the team to start the season strong with an 8-2 record and maintain their momentum through the summer.

During a standout moment of the season, Reeve captured her 380th win, surpassing Mike Thibault to become the winningest coach in WNBA history. She ended the season with 397 wins, now just three victories away from the 400 mark.

Playoff Challenges Ahead

Reeve has previously won the Coach of the Year award in 2011, 2016, 2020, and 2024. Ironically, while she has led the Lynx to four WNBA Championships, the only time she won the award and a title in the same season was in 2011. This year, her team faces a daunting task; after losing Game 1 of their playoff series against the No. 8 seed New York Liberty, the Lynx are in a must-win situation for Game 2, set to take place on Tuesday in Brooklyn.

With a great deal at stake, Reeve's ability to rally her team will be put to the test as they strive to avoid becoming the first No. 1 seed to be eliminated by an eighth seed in a first-round playoff series. The clock is ticking as they seek redemption and a path forward in this year’s postseason.

Cheryl Reeve’s journey is not just about accolades but also about resilience and strategic excellence, making her an inspiration for athletes and coaches alike across the landscape of sports.

Conclusion

As the 2026 Coach of the Year, Cheryl Reeve exemplifies what it means to overcome adversity and lead with excellence, poised to chase not only another championship but also solidify her legendary status in the WNBA.