The Minnesota Frost’s 2-1 overtime victory against the Ottawa Charge in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) finals not only earned the team its second consecutive championship in the league’s first two seasons but also secured the team’s first championship in the league’s history.
It also served as another example of the outstanding play and dominance of Minnesota’s collegiate and professional women’s athletes. These athletes, many of whom are homegrown, have produced championship after championship for the fans of the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
No dig to Minnesota’s men’s collegiate and professional teams, who have enjoyed great success, albeit with far fewer championships. However, the women’s sports teams in the state have been playing at an elite level for so long and have produced a multitude of college, pro, and Olympic championships.
And the athletes themselves are starting to see the individual benefits that success breeds through enhanced NIL payments, bigger contracts, more consistent media coverage, increased endorsement opportunities, and greater team and name recognition.
Minnesota Lynx: Linchpin for Women’s Success
For many, the Minnesota Lynx of the Women’s National Basketball Association are the gold standard for women’s sports in Minnesota. Their run of championships during the 20-teens created community excitement and made recognizable stars of their key players.
There was Lindsay Whalen, the hometown hero who makes good. Maya Moore, UConn standout and MVP award-winning player. Seimone Augustus, who weathered the tough years to become a champion. Rebekkah Brunson was a rebounding queen—and Sylvia Fowles was a dominant force in the middle.
And so many more. These teams were led by the greatest coach in Minnesota sports history, Cheryl Reeve. Reeve’s brand of coaching is characterized by toughness, an expectation of greatness, passion for the game, and a love for her players.
Her players are not only exceptional athletes but also excellent citizens who generously give their time to those less fortunate and conduct themselves as admirable role models. To anyone who thought Reeve would bail after the championship years, she is now helping to create a new Lynx dynasty with players like the great Napheesa Collier.
So Much College Excellence
The Minnesota Gophers’ Women’s Hockey team has won seven NCAA Championships, the last four under coach Brad Frost. These teams have been led by future National Team members Winny Brodt, Natalie Darwitz, Krissy Wendell, Amanda Kessel, Hannah Brandt, and Sarah Potomak.
The Gophers Women’s Gymnastics team has brought home nine Big Ten Championships. And while their counterparts on the school’s volleyball and basketball teams do not have as much hardware to show off. Both programs have made regular appearances in the NCAA tournaments for their respective sports.
And it’s not just the Gopher’s women that have found collegiate success. The University of St. Thomas, which now competes at the Division 1 level, won eight Division 3 NCAA women’s team championships, including four in cross country and two in softball. And Division 2 powerhouse Minnesota State University, Mankato women’s teams have brought home four national championships, with two of those trophies courtesy of their basketball squad.
And the women’s professional leagues have numerous Minnesota-born and trained athletes in their ranks. The Gophers have sent six players to the WNBA, including Whalen, Janelle McCarville, and Rachel Banham. And the ranks of the PWHL are full of Minnesota-born talent, including eight on the Frost roster alone, highlighted by star forward Taylor Heise from Lake City and netminder Maddie Rooney from Andover.
The Future
All of this, of course, speaks volumes about the homegrown athletic talent in Minnesota, as well as the top-notch coaching in the state and the enthusiastic fan support. The future looks bright for women’s sports and athletes in Minnesota. This was never clearer than during the WNBA Draft this year when Paige Bueckers from Hopkins, Minnesota was the number one overall pick.
Besides the Frost’s repeat championship, the Lynx are currently 4-0 and are the class of the WNBA. The University of Minnesota Women’s Basketball team is experiencing a resurgence under coach Dawn Plitzuweit. And with all of the youth sports teams, the highly competitive high school rosters, and amazing college talent in the state, more and more Minnesota women will have the opportunity to ply their trade in professional sports.
