MINNEAPOLIS — According to herself, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve does not exude warmth.

She can come across as assertive, exacting, and somewhat abrasive—her own description. Reeve is known to challenge reporters when she disagrees with their questions, offers candid critiques of her team’s performances, and communicates directly with her players.

“I’m not just gonna, like, hug Cheryl,” joked Lynx guard Kayla McBride, adding, “I think Cheryl’s coaching style is still relevant, but with the shift in the league, younger players are less receptive to being held accountable for excellence.”

However, McBride emphasizes that Reeve is an outstanding coach, even if her tough demeanor is hard for some players to accept.

This is also true for many newcomers to the WNBA this season, including fans and media who often expect women in sports to conform to traditional feminine stereotypes. Reeve’s bold and unrefined style is unapologetic and authentic.

Her coaching methods have proven effective, consistently leading to victories.

Reeve is on the verge of making history as the first WNBA coach to win five titles, leading a team composed primarily of underappreciated players. In contrast, the New York Liberty boasts a roster of superstar talent, including two former No. 1 draft picks (Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu) and two MVP winners (Stewart and Jonquel Jones). Minnesota’s standout player, Napheesa Collier, was the No. 6 pick in the 2019 draft and is often overlooked in discussions about the top players worldwide.

However, the Lynx now face a significant challenge after relinquishing a 15-point lead at home, resulting in New York stealing Game 3 with a score of 80-77. Many expect the Liberty to clinch the championship in Game 4, set for Friday night at the Target Center. Reeve tends to excel when others doubt her team.

No one anticipated Minnesota’s remarkable journey this season—no one except Reeve, who confidently argued that her team deserved recognition and support from fans early in the season.

On May 3, during the preseason’s first day, Reeve tweeted that “the W is more than one player,” referencing the league’s focus on promoting Caitlin Clark in a preseason game while overlooking the Lynx’s match against the Chicago Sky (which featured rookie Angel Reese).

This tweet sparked a frenzy on social media, with accusations that Reeve harbored a personal grudge against Clark.

When Clark was omitted from the Paris roster, many people pointed fingers at Reeve, even though the player selection was made by a USA Basketball committee that didn’t include her.

Moreover, Reeve also led Team USA this summer to an exceptional eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. This is a role that often brings criticism, regardless of whether her team wins gold, as some star players ultimately end up benched. Reeve referred to the experience as “taking bullets” for USA Basketball.

Once again, her straightforwardness is reminiscent of male coaches, such as the NBA’s Gregg Popovich, famous for his gruff demeanor with the press.

Yet, players contend that Reeve is far more than what is visible on the court or portrayed on social media.

In 2021, when the Lynx targeted McBride in free agency, Reeve personally called McBride’s mother to ensure her that the team would look after her daughter, despite McBride’s age of 27 at the time. Additionally, when Collier returned to play just 74 days after giving birth to her daughter Mila, Reeve assured her that she could take time off from practice if she needed to nurse or pump.

Reeve has also been an advocate for others. The WNBA is widely recognized now as a league of player activists, but coaches had been leading that charge for years, with Reeve at the forefront. She wrote an open letter in 2021 in “Sports Illustrated,” advocating for the inclusion of trans women in women’s sports. Reeve’s usual game-day attire includes jeans, a blazer, and a T-shirt featuring a political message, often promoting support for the LGBTQ+ community, gun control, or urging voter participation.

“Once I became a head coach, it became easier for me to utilize my platform,” Reeve stated. “I felt there were important matters that needed addressing publicly, and if I could lead by example for our players in tough areas, it would empower them to speak out, too. It’s important to show them that even when facing criticism, standing up for beliefs is an act of courage, and a way to give a voice to those who are unheard.”

Reeve does not seek praise or validation from anyone. Her fulfillment comes from her players and the Lynx’s trophy collection—which may soon see a new addition.