For sure, Team USA and Cheryl Reeve’s experience at the Paris Olympics was one of a kind. Especially for Reeve, as she was the captain of the ship sailing amid criticism due to Caitlin Clark’s Olympics snub. Throughout, there was one thing constant for Reeve that only Sheryl Swoopes was able to notice.

On August 22nd, Sheryl Swoopes joined host Jordan Robinson for the latest episode of the Queens of the Court WNBA podcast. While discussing topics around the league, Swoopes praised the Minnesota Lynx head coach for her bold decisions. According to Swoopes, most WNBA teams leave things as they are in the hope that they will improve on their own.

But Cheryl Reeve is not among them. “Cheryl Reeve is one of those coaches who says, ‘Listen, this isn’t working, so let’s make some moves.’ She’s never been afraid to make a move, and those moves typically work out perfectly for her and her team.” And Swoopes is right. Even when Reeve is criticized for her decisions, she stands out by responding in the right way.

“It makes the seat I was sitting in a little more challenging, a little less rewarding. And I think that’s a sad commentary,” she replied to the media at a conference in Minneapolis of the criticism regarding who makes the team and who doesn’t. Selection committee chair Jen Rizzotti had said the goal was to make the best team for Reeve and though tough decisions, she ensured to deliver.

Cheryl Reeve silencing doubters in her own way

What better way to silence critics than by winning an Olympic gold? With the help of the USA women’s national basketball team, Reeve got the job done. On August 11th, Team USA returned with a 2024 Paris Olympics gold after defeating France. Despite a narrow 67-66 score, the American roster closed out the game to claim their eighth consecutive Olympic gold.

This is just a glimpse of Cheryl Reeve’s coaching excellence. Before making it to Team USA’s coaching position, she had already proven herself with the Lynx. After a stint in the NBA as an assistant coach with the Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, and Cleveland Cavaliers, she took up the position of Lynx head coach in 2011.

Since then, she has accumulated the title of four-time WNBA champion as a coach and three-time Coach of the Year. As of August 12th, she has recorded 65 playoff games and 495 regular season games for the Lynx. On top of that, she’s the most experienced coach among all 12 WNBA teams, with four-time All-Star coaching experience. Even now, she’s sailing smoothly toward the end of the season. Her staggering experience fuels her to remain unafraid. What do you think?

Stay tuned for more such updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show.” Our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.