Minnesota’s Whalen retires from USA Basketball

Last fall, Minnesota’s Lindsay Whalen was named to the 2017-20 USA National Team. Despite being added to the team, Whalen has now announced she is retiring from playing internationally.

“I’ve cherished all of my time with USA Basketball since I was 20,” said Whalen in a press release. “This was a very tough decision, but I feel like it’s time in my career to step aside and give another young player the opportunity. I started with USA Basketball in Brazil, so finishing at the Olympics back in Brazil seems like I’ve come full circle.

“It was definitely a tough decision given the gold medal culture that Carol (Callan) and Dawn (Staley) and Geno (Auriemma) and everyone else has created, it’s the best to be in that. Because not only is it amazing on the court, but everybody truly cares for each other off the court. You become a family for that month, month-and-a-half that you’re together. I’m certainly going to miss that, but I’ll always enjoy my memories with USA Basketball as a player.

Whalen helped USA Basketball to compiled an overall record of 66-3 in her time on the team, including exhibition games. She won six gold medals when she played in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, 2010 and 2014 FIBA World Championships, 2003 FIBA World Championship For Young Women (U21), and the 2002 World Championship For Young Women Qualifying Tournament (U20).

“Lindsay is the consummate USA National Team player and teammate,” said Carol Callan, USA Basketball Women’s National Team director. “We appreciate everything she has done for USA Basketball. Her work ethic and contributions to the USA National Team culture are immeasurable. She joins a long list of USA Basketball alumni responsible for our continued success. We know that she will continue to contribute to women’s basketball in many ways and wish her the best.”