Lynx great Sylvia Fowles celebrated as team raises her No. 34 to rafters

Four-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time WNBA title, two-time WNBA Finals MVP, four-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, one-time MVP, former Minnesota Lynx star finally has time to see family and friends Increased. She was also a diligent aunt who took her nieces and her nephews to school. And she’s relaxed after a professional career that began in 2008 and retired in 2022.

Many Lynx fans cheered on Fowles in a “Sweet Sill” headband at Sunday’s jersey retirement ceremony at Target Center in Minneapolis, which highlighted one of the greatest basketball careers in history. .

“My life has changed since I came here. I think I’ve reached the peak,” he said of his WNBA career as the No. 34 jersey was unveiled under the rafters after the Lynx’s first home win of the season. rebound leader Fowles said. Los Angeles Sparks game was 91-86. “This organization was everything I needed from top to bottom and I came in with these. [teammates] A person who can only be described as wonderful.We fight and fuss, but when this he got between the four lines we fought – and that [a problem] Also for other teams. “

Fowles enjoyed lengthy celebrations in the same building and helped the Lynx become a dynasty with four WNBA titles in seven seasons. Fowles, who won Finals MVP on the team’s 2015 and 2017 title-championship, has other Lynx stars including Rebecca Branson, Seymone Augustus, Lindsey Whalen and Maya Moore in Minnesota. It has become the most successful driving force in the world of sports. history.

“It’s been a pleasure playing with you. The legacy you leave behind is huge and it’s already impacting these players,” said a former union player who officially retired from the WNBA in January. Moore of University Links Forward said. “Well done. You should be proud of yourself. I love you.”

Whalen, who will be inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022, said Mr. Fowles had a gentle personality that contrasted with his on-court ferocity.

“We needed her, but definitely not in 2015.” Lynx great Sylvia Fowles celebrated as team raises her No. 34 to rafters And there is no 2017 [championship] Without her,” Whalen said of Fowles, who joined the team in 2015 after spending his first seven seasons with Chicago Sky. “And I think that makes her the best center ever.”

Fowles remained connected to basketball with the Lynx after his retirement by coaching some of the team’s players. Ahead of training camp this season, she will be teaming up with current Lynx star Nafisa Collier and the team is eager to give the Lynx legend a win on Sunday, she said.

“We wanted to get this win, especially [Fowles’] The jersey was retired, but I’m really happy,” Collier said after the come-from-behind goal.

Mr. Fowles said he hopes to continue using the extra time after retirement. She plans to stay close to the game, but she said “she’s not yet” going to jump into coaching.

Before leaving the stage during the ceremony, she thanked the fans who supported her and Lynx’s remarkable success.

“I haven’t forgotten you guys,” she said as fans clamored for her. “You guys are great. I don’t think people understand the generosity of the Minnesota Lynx fans.”