Gophers women's basketball players took to social media to show appreciation and support for Lindsay Whalen after what athletic director Mark Coyle called a mutual decision to remove her as head coach Thursday.
Gophers incoming recruit Kennedy Klick sticks with Minnesota; unclear what freshmen will do
Several players posted tributes to Whalen, who is no longer the team's coach after what AD Mark Coyle called a mutual decision on Thursday.
March 4, 2023 at 6:08AM
The Gophers' leading scorer and freshman standout Mara Braun thanked her coach on Twitter.
but also posted how she wished the team had won more games this season. They finished with an 11-19 record and 4-14 in the Big Ten in Whalen's fifth season.
Another member of Whalen's heralded top 10 recruiting class from last year, freshman forward Mallory Heyer also posted a heartfelt message on Twitter on Thursday night.
Sophomore guard Maggie Czinano continued the sentiment toward Whalen, who she called "the most genuine person who pushed me every day."
Standout freshman guard Amaya Battle joined her teammates by saying on Instagram that Whalen had "the purest and most genuine heart."
Sophomore center Aminata Zie posted on her IG that "this one hurt" and Whalen was "truly one of the most humble and kind person I have ever met. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity."
Also on IG, Gophers graduate transfer Isabelle Gradwell said about Whalen: "My coach forever. Thank you for giving me a once in a lifetime opportunity and for always believing in me."
The Gophers women's basketball team's 2023 recruiting class will have to decide whether to play for a new coach after Lindsay Whalen announced her resignation Thursday.
The five-player class includes guard Kennedy Klick from Maple Grove, forward McKynnlie Dalan from Montesano High (Wash.), forward Ajok Madol from Canada, forward Dominika Paurova from the Czech Republic and guard Brynn Senden from Wayzata.
Klick, a 5-11 Brooklyn Park native, was the first 2023 commitment for Whalen. Playing close to home and in front of family was important to her. She told the Star Tribune on Friday that she still wanted to join the Gophers program next season.
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"My heart is set to play for the University of Minnesota," Klick said. "Obviously Coach Whalen was a big part of my commitment, but my dream has always been to be a Gopher."
Sam Rinzel had two of the Gophers’ three power play goals against the Irish.
