New Lynx coach
Suzie McConnell Serio received many questions and good wishes from fans after she was hired on Jan. 21. Here are her responses to your questions!
Hi. I was so happy to hear that you will coach the Lynx. They are a good team and deserve a coach with great leadership style. However, I still miss seeing you during your playing days and as a commentator. Do you miss playing? Have a great season!
Susan (Hampton, VA)
Hi, Susan! Part of me always misses playing the game of basketball. But I love coaching, and I am really looking forward to coaching the Minnesota Lynx. Thanks for the question.
Congratulations on your new position as head coach of the Lynx. I was wondering how you will decide on your assistant coaches. Could there be any former PSU players on your list?
Janet (State College, PA)
Hi, Janet. We haven't decided on our assistant coaching situation as of yet. However, it is more than likely that our assistant coaches will have WNBA experience. Thanks for the e-mail.
Welcome to Minnesota, Suzie! Look forward to having you and your family in the community. How would you describe your coaching style?
Val (Minneapolis)
Hi, Val. Thanks for the kind words. My family and I are looking forward to joining the Twin Cities community. I would describe my on-court coaching style as someone who is very enthusiastic, positive and is in constant communication with my players. The style of play that I prefer for my team is a fast-break, up-tempo style.
What was the determining factor that made you decide to leave Oakland Catholic? What do you hope to bring to the Minnesota franchise?
Scott (Indiana, PA)
Hi, Scott. The determining factor for me was that being able to coach the Minnesota Lynx was an opportunity of a lifetime, and I couldn't pass it up. What I hope to bring to Minnesota: a lot of wins!
I'm so excited for the upcoming season. Congratulations!! What position do you see that the Lynx need the most help with?
Mary (Blaine)
Hi, Mary. I'm very excited about the players that are currently on our roster. I think the biggest thing with all teams, including ours, is chemistry and getting all players on the same page. Thanks for being a great fan. I'm really excited about this season, too.
I want to know if I can try out for the team. Thank you very much — this would be a dream come true.
Angela (Minot, ND)
Hi, Angela. Unfortunately, we do not hold open tryouts. Your best bet is to contact the WNBA league office or contact other teams to see if they have open tryouts. Good luck!
What's it like to be coaching a team you once played against? Good luck, and I hope to see the Lynx in the finals.
Michelle (Louisville, KY)
Hi, Michelle. Well, I'm happy to be coaching the Lynx and not playing against them. I'm glad that we'll both be on the same team this time. Thanks for the question.
How will you best implement our potentially powerful offense of Katie, Svet and Tamika? What do you think is the missing link to make this group unstoppable?
Nicholle (Minneapolis)
Hi, Nicholle. Katie, Svet and Tamika are three very talented players in this league — there's no doubt about it. However, along with those three, a supporting cast is very important in the success of a team. Thanks for the e-mail.
Coach, WELCOME TO MINNESOTA!! I have only missed 3 Lynx games at Target Center in 4 years. I have seen the roster change dramatically from year to year. My thought is that it is hard for the team to learn to play together when the season is so short. Can we expect to see most of the players returning? I feel that we fans deserve to see the same core players develop into a division playoff contender! Thanks for your time! GO LYNX!!
Lisa (Minneapolis)
Hi, Lisa. All of the players on the current roster are expected to be at the opening of the 2003 training camp. And all of the players will have an equal opportunity to earn a spot on the team. Thanks for being such a great Lynx fan.
Congratulations, Suzie, on being named the Lynx coach. What is the biggest need that you will be looking for in the WNBA draft?
Chris (Marblehead, OH)
Hi, Chris. We are currently in the process of evaluating our roster and our overall team talent. Along with our continued college scouting, we are also evaluating and considering the possibility of a dispersal draft. Obviously, we want the 11 players who give us the best possible chance of winning games. Thanks for taking the time to e-mail.
Coach, welcome to Minnesota — land of 10,000 lakes and girls dribbling basketballs! I believe that between the talent coming out of Minnesota high schools and the success of the University of Minnesota women's basketball team that the future of women's basketball is here in Minnesota. One component of completely fulfilling that destiny is having a winning/successful team in the Lynx. What are some of your goals for taking the Lynx to the next level beyond the "rebuilding" mentality of seasons past and capitalizing on the talent of the current Lynx roster? Thanks in advance for your response and good luck with the rest of your high school season and the Lynx season.
Tracy (Minneapolis)
Hi, Tracy. I really believe that we have a number of talented players on this roster. Several of them have previously played for winning college programs. My hopes and expectations are to win now. Thanks for supporting the Lynx and women's basketball in the state of Minnesota.
Dear Coach, first of all, Congratulations! I am so happy for you and the Lynx. They made a great choice in signing you on. What will be the first thing you work on in training camp? Good luck this year to you, the team and your family!
Sue (Philadelphia)
Hi, Sue. When training camp starts, we will work on everything. But I can tell you one thing, winning basketball games all starts with defense. Thanks for the question.
Where do you see Shaun Gortman fit in next year? We miss her back at South Carolina. Go Lynx and Gamecocks!
Robert (Columbia, SC)
Hi, Robert. Shaun is a young, talented player who will have an opportunity to earn playing time on our team. Thanks for supporting Shaun and the Lynx.
Did you know when you retired from the WNBA that you wanted to be a WNBA coach?
Moriah
Hi, Moriah. Absolutely not. When I retired from the WNBA, I never expected to be coaching in the league. But I'm very grateful to Roger Griffith and the Lynx for giving me that opportunity.
What will it be like knowing that you have kids and coaching? What was it like to play against the guards such as Ticha, and being on the same team with Mery Andrade?
Ashley (Virginia Beach, VA)
Hi, Ashley. Well, my family and coaching are my two favorite jobs! Ticha and Mery are two great players and I enjoyed playing with them and against them in the WNBA. They are two of a long list of great players from Old Dominion. Thanks for e-mailing.
How big of a difference do you think Tamika Williams' play will have on your season's outcome?
Basketball Fan (Columbus, OH)
Tamika will play a vital role in the success of this team. She is a very talented player who knows how to win. Thanks for the question.
Dear Suzie: I am sooo excited that you are going to be the new Lynx coach. They are my favorite team! I think you're a great coach and player. How do you think your team will do this year?
Cara (Fairfax)
Hi, Cara. Thanks for your continued enthusiasm for the Lynx. I have high expectations for the Lynx this year. My goal is to win this year and take this team to the playoffs.
