Get ready for an exciting update on the Minnesota Lynx's offseason journey!
While we eagerly await the CBA deal between the WNBA and the players' union, let's dive into the world of the Lynx and their global adventures. Despite the uncertainty, these athletes are gearing up for an incredible season, and we're here to bring you all the details.
The Lynx Lineup:
The Minnesota Lynx boasts an impressive roster of 12 talented players: Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, Natisha Hiedeman, Kayla McBride, Bridget Carlton, Jessica Shepard, Maia Hirsch, Dorka Juhász, Maria Kliundikova, Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, Camryn Taylor, and Jaylyn Sherrod. Unfortunately, Napheesa Collier, who was set to join Unrivaled, will miss the season due to ankle surgery and a lengthy recovery period.
Let's explore where these Lynx stars are making their mark and how they're dominating the courts.
Courtney Williams:
Williams, a key player in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, has returned for a second year. After a brief stint with the Lunar Owls, she joined Vinyl and later traded to Breeze. Despite an initial offensive slump, Williams has been a force to be reckoned with, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Season Stats:
- Unrivaled: 12 games - 8.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Recent Highlights:
- Feb. 17 vs. Lunar Owls (75-70 loss): 15 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal
- Feb. 21 vs. Vinyl (77-56 win): 9 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 rebound
Alanna Smith:
For the first time, Smith is spending her offseason in the United States, a departure from her usual overseas adventures. She's a key member of The Mist, helping them to a strong start with her offensive prowess and defensive lockdown skills.
Season Stats:
- Unrivaled: 12 games - 8.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.6 BPG, 0.4 SPG
Recent Games:
- Feb. 9 vs. Rose (90-64 win): 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists
- Feb. 21 vs. Lunar Owls (92-73 win): 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal
Natisha Hiedeman:
Hiedeman, a veteran of Unrivaled, has returned for a second consecutive season. After playing for three different teams during the inaugural season, she concluded with Rose and helped them secure the championship. With Hive, one of the newest teams in Unrivaled, Hiedeman has been a valuable bench player, consistently contributing to the team's success.
Season Stats:
- Unrivaled: 12 games - 6.1 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Recent Games:
- Feb. 17 vs. Laces (76-71 loss): 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists
- Feb. 20 vs. Rose (80-78 win): 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal
Kayla McBride:
McBride, a beloved figure in Turkey, has returned to play for Fenerbahçe, her second home. Despite expectations of her joining Unrivaled, McBride chose to start her offseason overseas. She's been a two-way force, dominating both ends of the court and connecting on multiple threes.
Season Stats:
- Turkey-KBSL: 13 games - 13.2 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.5 RPG, 0.9 SPG
- EuroLeague: 9 games - 13.8 PPG, 3.6 APG, 3.1 RPG, 1.7 SPG
Recent Games:
- Feb. 18 vs. Girona (87-69 win): 18 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals
- Feb. 21 vs. CBK Mersin (94-70 win): 24 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals
Bridget Carleton:
Carleton, a true globetrotter, is playing in the Czech Republic this offseason, adding yet another country to her impressive list. She's been a versatile player, leaving her mark in various aspects of the game, just as we've come to expect from her.
Season Stats:
- Czech Republic-ZBL: 12 games - 12.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG
- EuroLeague: 10 games - 13.3 PPG, 3.76 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Recent Games:
- Feb. 18 vs. Zaragoza (82-71 loss): 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal
- Feb. 21 vs. SBS Ostrava (87-66 win): 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists
Jessica Shepard:
Shepard, a seasoned player, is in Italy this offseason, playing for Famila Schio. She's been a double-double machine, dominating the court with her impressive stats.
Season Stats:
- Italy-Serie A1: 17 games - 17.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.0 SPG
- EuroLeague: 13 games - 16.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.4 SPG
Recent Games:
- Feb. 18 vs. Venezia (68-66 win): 16 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal
- Feb. 21 vs. Scrivia (65-57 win): 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 1 steal
Maria Kliundikova:
Kliundikova, a midseason addition to the Lynx, is back in her home country of Russia, playing for UMMC Ekateringburg alongside her Lynx teammate, Anastasiia Olairi Kosu. She's been a well-rounded player, contributing in various areas of the game.
Season Stats:
- Russia-PBL: 18 games - 11.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Recent Games:
- Feb. 19 vs. Spartak (88-60 win): 6 points, 2 steals, 1 assist, and 1 block
Dorka Juhász:
Juhász, a familiar face in Turkey, is spending her WNBA offseason in a new country. She's been a dominant force on both ends of the court, showcasing her skills in Turkey-KBSL and EuroLeague.
Season Stats:
- Turkey-KBSL: 12 games - 12.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG
- EuroLeague: 15 games - 13.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Recent Games:
- Feb. 19 vs. Landes (81-72 win): 21 points and 10 rebounds
Anastasiia Olairi Kosu:
Kosu, another Lynx star, is back in Russia, playing alongside Kliundikova. She's off to a strong start, and we're excited to see her development leading into her second WNBA campaign.
Season Stats:
- Russia-PBL: 15 games - 10.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 0.9 APG, 0.4 BPG
Recent Games:
- Feb. 19 vs. Spartak (88-60 win): DNP
Maia Hirsch:
Hirsch, a Lynx draft pick, continues to develop her skills in France. After an inconsistent offseason last year, she's started this one strongly, with more playing time.
Season Stats:
- Franco-BWL: 16 games - 8.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.2 BPG, 0.2 SPG
- EuroLeague: 10 games - 5.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Recent Games:
- Feb. 22 vs. Chartres (85-82 win): 4 points and 1 rebound
Jaylyn Sherrod:
Sherrod is staying stateside this offseason, participating in Athletes Unlimited's fifth season. She's been a standout player, consistently performing well and reaching double-digit scores.
Season Stats:
- Athletes Unlimited: 9 games - 8.4 PPG, 2.9 APG, 2.6 RPG, 1.3 SPG
Recent Games:
- Feb. 18 vs. Rhythm (80-78 win): 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists
- Feb. 20 vs. Eclipse (89-83 loss): 9 points and 2 assists
- Feb. 21 vs. Gold Rush (84-71 loss): 11 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal
Camryn Taylor:
Taylor, a late addition to the Lynx in the 2025 season, has moved from Greece to France. She's been picking up the pace lately, with two straight double-digit outings.
Season Stats:
- France-BWL: 8 games - 5.1 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.3 SPG, 0.1 APG, 0.1 BPG
Recent Games:
- Feb. 20 vs. Angers (61-51 win): 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal
Stay tuned for more exciting updates on the Minnesota Lynx's offseason journey! We'll be back next week with another edition of the Lynx Offseason Update.
