Connecticut point guard Lindsay Whalen was honored by the University of Minnesota during a pregame ceremony on January 3rd at Williams Arena. With 10,331 fans on hand, Whalen’s No. 13 was raised to the rafters.

“I think that getting my number retired by my school is a tremendous honor, and I truly appreciate that,” Whalen said before the ceremony. “To see all of the other athletes that are up in Williams Arena, like Carol Ann Shudlick, Kevin McHale, and the others...it’s crazy to think that I will be up there with them. I don’t think that it has sunk in yet.” Sun coach Mike Thibault was also on hand for the ceremony to honor Whalen, who is generally credited with sparking a passionate interest in the University of Minnesota women’s basketball program. Whalen’s WNBA exploits are still followed intently by her fans back in Minnesota.

Whalen, who led the Golden Gophers to the Final Four in April of 2004 before helping the Connecticut Sun reach the WNBA Finals during a memorable rookie season, was also honored by The Minneapolis Star Tribune. The newspaper made Whalen the first female ever to be named Star Tribune Sportsperson of the Year in December. Whalen led the Sun with 148 assists during the regular season, setting a single-game franchise assist mark (13) while also averaging 8.9 points per game. During the playoffs, she averaged 13.4 points and 5.1 assists per game for the Sun, who won the first Eastern Conference title in franchise history with a sweep of the New York Liberty.

For more check out these local Minnesota news stories:

"Lindsay Whalen: Queen of the Court"
Star Tribune (registration might be required to view)

"A legacy bigger than basketball"
Star Tribune (registration might be required to view)

" As If Whalen Never Left."
Twin Cities(registration might be required to view)

Photos by Jerry Lee/University of Minnesota