Basketball coaches are often seen as figures who focus solely on delivering the right strategies for their teams and achieving wins. While their role depends on achieving positive results, successful coaches have built their careers on quality management of players. One such coach is Cheryl Reeve, who, besides her no-nonsense approach, has wowed Kayla McBride with her impressive care and strong player-coach bonds. Kayla McBride has now opened up about Cheryl Reeve’s caring side since joining the Lynx in 2021.
Kayla McBride Discusses Cheryl Reeve’s Caring Side After Joining Lynx
Hard Shell – Soft Inside: McBride’s Assessment of Cheryl Reeve
Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride recently discussed her relationship with her coach, Cheryl Reeve. Responding to questions on what surprised her about Reeve, McBride said:
“Cheryl has a hard shell, but she is so soft on the inside, especially when you get close to her. She is a person first; she treats her players like people. I’ve always felt that, even in the beginning of the season when I wasn’t here. I was treated like a person before a basketball player.”
McBride also mentioned that Cheryl’s interaction is not just with her alone, but with her family. “When I started here, she called my mom and dad and said that I was safe and she was going to take good care of me. Those things go a long way for people like me.” she added.
These comments demonstrate that Cheryl Reeve is a fantastic person who genuinely cares about her players. While many from the outside might see her as a hard shell, her players see her as a friend and coach.

A Great Personality Powering Her Team to Success
Coach Cheryl Reeve and her team came close to claiming the 2024 WNBA championship. While they fell just short of the title, the Lynx finished the season with an impressive 30-10 record, earning second place in the league standings. Reeve’s leadership and ability to keep her team motivated and united were key factors in their strong performance.
But Reeve wasn’t finished. Her talent for bringing out the best in her players after narrowly missing the championship was on full display this season. The Lynx have improved on last year’s performance, currently leading the standings with an impressive 30-8 record. With four games remaining, they are strong contenders to claim the 2025 WNBA championship.
Happy Players – Successful Team
Winning the remaining four games could see the Lynx tie the current record for the highest number of wins in a season. The current record stands at 34. Cheryl’s impressive personality has undoubtedly been a powerful force behind her team’s success.
Understanding how to manage her players enables Reeve to maximize the team’s potential and maintain high-level performance. If Reeve continues to keep her players happy and engaged, her team will continue to deliver excellent results. As the season draws closer to its end, we wait to see how Cheryl Reeve will continue to motivate her team.
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