Lindsay Whalen – Bio, Net worth, Height, Age, Stats, Salary, Contracts, Career and More
Lindsay Whalen is a name in the world of women’s basketball who did not succumb to the status of mediocrity and evolved over the years. Eventually, her understanding of the game grew better, and she managed to take on the role of head coach and then assistant coach at the WNBA franchise Minnesota Lynx. In her playing days, surprisingly, despite her shortcomings on the scoring front, she managed to dictate the game on the court. Her playmaking abilities as a point guard established her among some of the best point guards in WNBA history.
The University of Minnesota’s basketball achievements have greatly benefited from the contributions of WNBA legend Lindsay Whalen. Her remarkable journey through the competitive landscape of basketball is truly inspiring. Let’s explore how Lindsay Whalen attained her esteemed position in women’s basketball.
Lindsay Whalen: A Short Bio
Lindsay Whalen has retired from the job of a generational basketball player. However, her journey in the field of basketball is far from over, as she continues to guide the young generation of ballers. Currently, she is in the role of assistant coach for the Minnesota Lynx. But it is not just her overall WNBA recognition that has earned her this role. Her success as a coach stems from her international career and includes a set of Olympic gold medals and world titles. From the large courts of the WNBA to the passionate international courts, Lindsay Whalen has seen it all.
Lindsay Whalen Biography
Personal Information
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Name | Lindsay Whalen |
Age | 42 |
Date of Birth | May 9, 1982 |
Nationality | American |
Mother’s Name | Kathy Whalen |
Father’s Name | Neil Whalen |
Profession | Basketball Coach, Former Player |
Net Worth | $5 million |
Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
Weight | 173 lbs (78 kg) |
Education | University of Minnesota |
Relationship Status | Married |
Team | Retired |
Draft Info | 4th overall, 2004 WNBA Draft |
Experience | 15 years |
Lindsay Whalen: Personal Life
Early Life
Lindsay Whalen was born on May 9, 1982, in Hutchinson, Minnesota; her full name is Lindsay Marie Whalen. She is the oldest of five children and has four siblings. Two of them are sisters named Katie Whalen and Annie Whalen, while the other two are brothers. The names of Lindsay’s brothers are Thomas Whalen and Casey Whalen.
After becoming engaged with basketball and other sports, Lindsay Whalen attended Hutchinson High School in Minnesota. During her high school career, she achieved remarkable success in basketball, averaging nearly 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game as a junior. Whalen led her team to three consecutive conference championships and received four honorable mentions as an All-State player. In addition to basketball, she participated in track and tennis, earning All-Conference honors in those sports as well.
While playing club basketball for the Minnesota Jaguars, she reached the state finals and won them. The club gained national recognition and was ranked among the top 20 basketball clubs in the nation.
Personal Assets and Diet
When it comes to assets, Lindsay Whalen did have a house in Golden Valley, Minnesota. She used to live there with her husband, Ben Greve. As per the Star Tribune report, the property that the WNBA coach and her husband had was a 4,129-square-foot villa. However, they sold the house in 2020. It was built in 2001, and Lindsay was quite attached to her house.
“When I was playing for the Lynx, it was perfect. It was just five minutes from downtown Minneapolis and Target Center, yet quiet and peaceful,” the Minnesota Lynx assistant coach once said about her house memories. But there is no particular information about other assets like the cars of Lindsay Whalen.
However, the WNBA basketball coach revealed her diet to ESPN in 2017. It consisted of a variety of meals that she ate to maintain a balanced diet. Overall, it can be divided into two parts:
Pre-workout Meal: Scrambled eggs with red, green, and tomatoes, plus oatmeal made with whole-grain oats
Other Meals: Bread and butter, apple, cheese, and chive salad, miso sea bass, roasted cauliflower, mini donuts, and cabernet
Family Background
The parents of Lindsay are Neil Whalen and Kathy Whalen. However, there are no details about the athletic background of Lindsay’s parents. It is commonly understood that Kathy and Neil have been supportive of their daughter’s ambitions.
Lindsay Whalen Partner
The WNBA star married the love of her life from the University of Minnesota, an All-American golfer, Ben Greve, on October 6, 2008, in Hutchinson. However, there is not much information about their personal lives or the love story of Lindsay and Ben that developed during college. For now, neither of them has children.
Lindsay Whalen Instagram and Social Presence
Lindsay Whalen has been actively posting on social media platforms like Instagram for a long time. Most of the content is related to her personal life adventures and professional accolades. She has 39.2K followers on Instagram. However, her X profile, formerly known as Twitter, is protected and has only 34 followers. Also, there is no particular information about the Facebook page of the Minnesota Lynx’s assistant coach.
- Instagram: @lindsaywhalen
- X: @lindsaywhalen
- Facebook: Not Available
- LinkedIn: Lindsay Whalen
Other Social Presence
When it comes to other social appearances that Lindsay Whalen has made, these are the events and functions in which she participates. Usually, the subjects of these events focus on mental health awareness. Additionally, Lindsay often leads the Midwest Basketball Training (MBT) facility to guide the younger generation on the small details and nuances of basketball.
Lindsay Whalen Net Worth
Attribute | Details |
Name | Lindsay Whalen |
Net Worth | $5 million |
Position | Guard |
Source of Wealth | Basketball, Coaching |
Salary | $400,000 (approx.) |
Endorsements | Bell Bank |
Endorsement Earnings | 0.1 million (approx.) |
Lindsay Whalen Salary
There is no specific information about Lindsay Whalen’s WNBA salary. However, according to CBS data, when she left the Minnesota Lynx as head coach, she received a $215,000 buyout that was included in her contract for termination without cause.
Lindsay Whalen Endorsements
Lindsay Whalen has been associated with Bell Bank’s location in Minneapolis City Center. She was honored with the title of Bell Bank Champion. The primary part of the agreement between Whalen and Bell Bank was that she would be featured in advertisements, events, social media, and customer greetings and meetings.
After signing the endorsement deal, Michael Solberg, president and CEO of Bell Bank, said, “Coach Whalen has been an outstanding ambassador for the entire state of Minnesota. As we expand our markets, especially in the Twin Cities, Lindsay’s work with us will help build brand awareness. Her accomplishments and responsibilities as a professional basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, and major college coach make her a role model whose values align well with Bell’s.”
Lindsay Whalen Endorsement Earnings
No credible source cites any numbers for Lindsay Whalen’s endorsement earnings. However, the Athlete Speakers have cited the range of Whalen’s earnings, mentioning that her endorsement fee range is $10,000–$20,000, $20,000–$30,000, $30,000–$50,000, $50,000–$100,000, or $100,000 or more.
Lindsay Whalen Career Stats
College Stats
Whalen ended her career as Minnesota’s all-time points leader, as well as being second all-time in assists and third all-time in steals. A four-time all-state selection at Hutchinson High School, about an hour west of Minneapolis, Whalen went on to become the catalyst for the most successful seasons in the history of Gopher women’s basketball.
She was the first three-time All-American in program history, a three-time All-Big Ten selection, and a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. After a Sweet Sixteen appearance in her junior season (2002-03), Whalen led the Gophers to their only Final Four in program history in 2004. Her jersey, No. 13, hangs in the rafters of Williams Arena. Other achievements she earned during her time are listed as follows, according to the WNBA:
- Led Minnesota to the NCAA tournament three straight years, including its first-ever Final Four appearance in 2004
- Two-time Naismith Award Finalist (2004,2003)
- Two-time Wade Trophy Finalist (2004, 2003)
- Average attendance at women’s basketball games grew from 1,087 during her freshman season to 9,866 during her senior year
- Finished career with 2,285 points, fifth-best in Big Ten history
- First Golden Gopher to earn All-American honors in three different seasons
- Named NCAA Mideast Region MVP for the 2004 NCAA tournament
WNBA Stats
Here is the categorization of Lindsay Whalen’s WNBA performances over the years with the franchises as per ESPN:
Year | Team | GP | FG% | RPG | APG | PPG |
2004 | Connecticut Sun | 31 | 45.4% | 2.9 | 4.8 | 8.9 |
2005 | Connecticut Sun | 34 | 46.6% | 3.8 | 5.1 | 12.1 |
2006 | Connecticut Sun | 33 | 38.9% | 3.7 | 4.6 | 9.0 |
2007 | Connecticut Sun | 34 | 46.8% | 4.8 | 5.0 | 13.4 |
2008 | Connecticut Sun | 31 | 46.1% | 5.6 | 5.4 | 14.0 |
2009 | Connecticut Sun | 34 | 43.0% | 4.6 | 4.6 | 12.3 |
2010 | Minnesota Lynx | 33 | 41.0% | 4.0 | 5.6 | 12.6 |
2011 | Minnesota Lynx | 34 | 51.1% | 3.5 | 5.9 | 13.6 |
2012 | Minnesota Lynx | 33 | 50.5% | 4.2 | 5.4 | 11.5 |
2013 | Minnesota Lynx | 34 | 48.6% | 4.4 | 5.8 | 14.9 |
2014 | Minnesota Lynx | 34 | 48.0% | 4.2 | 5.5 | 14.1 |
2015 | Minnesota Lynx | 29 | 46.2% | 2.9 | 4.3 | 10.9 |
2016 | Minnesota Lynx | 32 | 51.3% | 2.6 | 3.8 | 9.8 |
2017 | Minnesota Lynx | 22 | 45.1% | 2.5 | 4.1 | 8.0 |
2018 | Minnesota Lynx | 32 | 36.3% | 2.6 | 3.1 | 5.7 |
Record-Breaking Performance
Lindsay Whalen tried her best to score during the moments when her team required it. But it was her playmaking abilities on the hardcourt that shone the most for basketball enthusiasts. In fact, she is the Minnesota Lynx’s career leader in assists.
Lindsay Whalen Retirement
2018 was the year when Lindsay Whalen declared her retirement, marking the end of her career as a prolific player who revolutionized the role of guards. After retiring, she ventured into coaching and took over as the head coach of women’s basketball at the University of Minnesota.
Lindsay Whalen Achievements
- WNBA Championships: 4 (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017)
- Olympic Gold Medals: 2 (2012, 2016)
- All-WNBA Team: 5-time member
- WNBA All-Star: 5-time selection
- WNBA Peak Performer for Assists (2008, 2011, 2012)
- Eastern Conference All-Star (2004, 2006)
- Western Conference All-Star (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015)
- Western Conference Player of the Month (Aug. 2011)
- Eastern Conference Player of the Week (2005:1, 2007:1, 2008:2)
- Western Conference Player of the Week (2010:1, 2014:1, 2015:1)
- Named to the WNBA’s Top 20@20 Team
- WNBA’s career leader in games won (307)
- Lynx career leader in assists (1,285)
- Lynx single-season record for assists (199, 2011)
- FIBA World Championship Gold Medalist (2010, 2014)
Lindsay Whalen Contract
Lindsay Whalen was a top-notch talent in the league, so the pay she received from the franchise was expected to be handsome. Yet, there is no credible source citing Lindsay Whalen’s player salary. Rather, her coaching career is more in the limelight than her playing profile. That’s why, according to the Star Tribune, Lindsay Whalen, as coach, earned $547,000 in 2022-23, $575,000 in 2023-24, and $600,000 in 2024-25.
Unfortunately, she was fired, and that’s how she got paid a $215,000 termination fee.
FAQs
How tall is Lindsay Whalen?
Lindsay Whalen is 5 feet 9 inches tall on the vertical scale.
Where is Lindsay Whalen from?
Lindsay hails from Hutchinson, Minnesota, United States.
Who are the parents of Lindsay Whalen?
Lindsay Whalen’s parents are Kathy and Neil Whalen.
Which school did Lindsay Whalen attend?
Lindsay Whalen attended Hutchinson High School in Minnesota.
What position does Lindsay Whalen play?
Lindsay Whalen plays the position of guard.
How many rings does Lindsay Whalen have?
Lindsay Whalen has four WNBA championship rings.
How many MVPs did Lindsay Whalen win?
Lindsay Whalen is a four-time WNBA MVP title holder.
Who is Lindsay Whalen married to?
Lindsay Whalen is married to golfer Ben Greve.
Why was Lindsay Whalen fired?
Lindsay Whalen, the head coach of the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team, stepped down in March 2023 after five seasons. The university announced the decision as mutual, and Whalen received a $215,000 buyout.