As the WNBA season pauses for its annual Hall of Fame ceremony, all eyes turn to Cheryl Reeve, whose induction marks only the second time a coach has earned that distinction. Reeve, who has been taking a brief respite from the Minnesota Lynx's schedule, will be joined in the 2026 class by stars Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne and veteran broadcaster Doris Burke.
A Coach's Journey to the Summit
Reeve's résumé reads like a masterclass in sustained excellence. Since taking the helm of the Lynx in 2010, she has guided the franchise to four WNBA championships and amassed 378 career victories — just one shy of the all‑time record held by Mike Thibault. Her impact extends beyond the club, highlighted by a historic eighth consecutive gold medal for the U.S. women's Olympic team at the 2024 Paris Games.
The coach's achievements have earned admiration from peers and protégés alike. Parker, a two‑time MVP and the only player to capture both Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, calls Reeve "a blueprint for leadership." Delle Donne, a two‑time league MVP who led the Washington Mystics to their lone championship, echoes the sentiment, noting how rare it is for a coach to dominate at such a young age.
A Hall of Fame Class Like No Other
Beyond Reeve, the ceremony honors a constellation of talent that shaped the modern game. Candace Parker's historic 2008 double‑award season, Elena Delle Donne's back‑to‑back MVPs and her 2015 championship run, and Doris Burke's groundbreaking role as the first woman to call the NBA Finals as a TV analyst all underscore the class's depth. Their stories intertwine with those of trailblazers like Amaya Valdemoro, Isabelle Fijalkowski, Kim Muhl and others whose contributions span continents and decades.
The induction also shines a light on the institutions that have nurtured this talent. From the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame itself to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, ESPN, and Kirkwood Community College, each organization plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the sport's rich heritage. Their collective efforts ensure that the legacies of coaches, players and pioneers continue to inspire future generations.