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Lindsay Whalen named head coach of U of M women's basketball

On Thursday, University of Minnesota Athletic Director Mark Coyle announced Lindsay Whalen will be the new head women's basketball coach at her alma mater.

MINNEAPOLIS - One of the most decorated players in women's basketball history is coming home.

On Thursday, University of Minnesota Athletic Director Mark Coyle announced Lindsay Whalen will be the new head women's basketball coach at her alma mater. Whalen replaces Marlene Stollings who recently left the program for a position at Texas Tech.

"I have so many special memories at the University of Minnesota. I can't tell you how excited I am to have the opportunity to make more," said Whalen said in a press release. "Becoming the head coach here at the U and being a Gopher again is a dream come true. At every level, basketball has given me so much. I've learned from so many great players, coaches and mentors, and now I have a chance to share that knowledge and help shape the new generation of Gopher stars. I'm ready to get started."

As part of Whalen's agreement to become the head coach, she will play this upcoming season for the Minnesota Lynx.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Lindsay and her family as she becomes the next Head Coach of the University of Minnesota’s women’s basketball team," said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve in a statement. "I want to commend Mark Coyle and his staff for his swift movement in landing one of the all-time great Gophers. Lindsay is a proven leader at every level of her illustrious career and I know she will continue to excel as a head coach of the Gopher program. The Minnesota Lynx hold a special place with Lindsay and we are excited to see her back on the court this summer for her 14th WNBA season.”

Whalen was a four-time all-state selection at Hutchinson High School, the first three-time All-American in U of M women's basketball history, and led the Gophers to their only Final Four in program history in 2004. Her jersey, No. 13, hangs in the rafters of Williams Arena.

She was the first three-time All-American in program history, a three-time All-Big Ten selection and a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. After a Sweet Sixteen appearance her junior season (2002-03), Whalen led the Gophers to their only Final Four in program history in 2004. Her jersey, No. 13, hangs in the rafters of Williams Arena.

Whalen is also a four-time WNBA champion and winner of two Olympic gold medals.

A news conference regarding the announcement is scheduled for Friday.

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