Caitlin Clark’s rollercoaster season has included injury setbacks, scoring highlights, and now, a polarizing All-Star storyline.
Just weeks after returning from a groin injury that kept her out of four straight games, the Indiana Fever star has officially been named captain of Team Clark for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, thanks to a league-high 1,293,526 fan votes.
But it’s not just her on-court presence that has fans talking, it’s the identity of her All-Star coach.
In a twist that has divided the WNBA fanbase, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, known for her intense coaching style and firm grip on locker rooms, will take the reins of Team Clark.
Reeve’s Lynx currently lead the WNBA standings, and per league rules, the coach of the team with the highest winning percentage gets to coach the All-Star captain’s squad.
That means Reeve, not Clark’s college coach Lisa Bluder or any other familiar figure, will call the shots for the league’s most talked-about rookie during the All-Star weekend on July 18 and 19.
Cheryl Reeve gets the call for Team Clark, and fans are not thrilled
The WNBA confirmed the coaching selections with a social media post that read, “With the head coach of the top-ranked team scheduled to guide the All-Star team whose captain earned the most fan votes, here are your 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game head coaches: Team Clark will be coached by Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. Team Collier will be coached by New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello.”
Reeve’s appointment quickly stirred debate online. While some praised her résumé, which includes four WNBA titles and multiple Coach of the Year honors, others were less enthusiastic.
One user wrote, “No one wants Cheryl Reeve. She is WNBA old guard. We need new energy,” pointing to the coach’s reputation for being rigid and abrasive.
Another fan suggested, “Can we trade Reeve for free agent Lisa Bluder?” in reference to Clark’s beloved former Iowa coach, who recently transitioned to a media role.
Reeve’s presence also raised eyebrows due to her coaching Collier – captain of the opposing All-Star squad – in Minnesota.
While the matchup sets up an intriguing dynamic, fans of Clark seemed more focused on concerns that Reeve’s temperament could clash with the Fever guard’s style.
“Please swap coaches,” pleaded another user, while some nostalgically called for the return of Cheryl Miller, who co-coached Team USA to victory in the 2024 All-Star Game alongside Clark.
Reeve’s obvious strengths
While some of the backlash may stem from Reeve’s strong personality, others pointed to her performance in last year’s All-Star Game, where her team fell short. Miller, meanwhile, was viewed more favorably after helping lead Clark’s squad to victory. “Bring back Cheryl Miller!” demanded one fan, echoing a sentiment felt across WNBA Twitter.
Sandy Brondello, who will coach Team Collier, brings her own impressive credentials. The Liberty head coach guided New York to a WNBA Championship last season and has continued that momentum into 2025.
While Brondello enjoys a warmer reception among fans, the scrutiny facing Reeve suggests that the All-Star spotlight may be just as intense on the sidelines as it is on the court.
Despite the outcry, Reeve’s leadership is unlikely to change. The league’s rules regarding All-Star coaching selections are based on merit and standings, not popularity.
Still, the WNBA may have underestimated just how fiercely protective Clark’s supporters are of their star rookie.
As Clark prepares to return to the national spotlight, fans will be watching closely – not just for her play, but for how she gels with a coach many didn’t see coming.
Whether Reeve can steer Team Clark to victory or fuel further discontent will be one of the defining stories of All-Star weekend.
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