Cheryl Reeve is the head coach and President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA, she has carved out a legacy as one of the most successful coaches in the league’s history.
She was born on September 20, 1966, in Gloucester County, New Jersey, into a military family that eventually settled in Washington Township.
A standout athlete from a young age, Reeve graduated from Washington Township High School in 1984, where she played on the school’s first basketball team to reach the state finals.
She went on to attend La Salle University in Philadelphia, earning a degree in computer science and management information systems while excelling on the court.
As a player, she set the school record for most games started (110) and ranks fourth in career assists (420).
Siblings
Cheryl grew up with two brothers, forming a tight-knit sibling trio that navigated the challenges and adventures of a military family.
Her older brother, Larry Reeve Jr., and younger brother, Tom Reeve, were her companions during a childhood marked by frequent moves before the family settled in New Jersey.
While detailed public information about Larry Jr. and Tom is limited, reflecting Reeve’s preference for privacy, it’s clear that her family played a significant role in her development.
Career
Reeve began as an assistant coach at La Salle University in 1988, shortly after graduating, marking the start of a journey that would take her from college courts to the professional stage.
After two years at La Salle, she spent five seasons at George Washington University, where the team achieved five 20-win seasons, won three Atlantic 10 Conference Championships, and made four NCAA Tournament appearances.
Also Read: Penny Taylor Siblings: Meet Heather, Philip and Abbey
Her first head coaching role came at Indiana State University from 1995 to 2000, where she turned around the Sycamores’ program, leading them to their first postseason appearance in 20 years during the 1998-99 season.
Reeve entered the WNBA in 2001 as an assistant coach with the Charlotte Sting, helping the team reach the Finals in her first year.
She continued honing her craft with stints at the Cleveland Rockers (2003) and Detroit Shock (2006-2009), where she won two championships as an assistant and briefly served as general manager.
In December 2009, Reeve was named head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, a role that would cement her legacy.
Despite a challenging 13-21 debut season in 2010, she transformed the Lynx into a dynasty, leading them to a league-best 27-7 record and their first championship in 2011.
Under her leadership, the Lynx have won four WNBA titles (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup.
Beyond the WNBA, Reeve has made her mark internationally.
She served as an assistant coach for the USA Women’s National Team from 2014 to 2020, contributing to gold medals at the 2014 and 2018 FIBA World Cups and the 2016 and 2020 Olympics.
In December 2021, she was named head coach of the national team, leading the U.S. to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a FIBA World Cup title in 2022.
Accolades
Reeve holds the WNBA record for the highest winning percentage as a coach, with over 300 regular-season victories and the most postseason wins of any coach in league history.
Her accolades include WNBA Coach of the Year, WNBA Championships, Olympic and World Cup Gold, Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame and AP Coach of the Year.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
