The 2026 WNBA season tips off Friday, May 8, with two new teams, a new CBA and a Minnesota Lynx roster that looks drastically different after key departures and new additions including rookie Olivia Miles.
Odds and Ends
‘Slow Mo’ Anderson proves the NBA’s smartest player doesn’t have to be the fastest
Kyle Anderson Slow Mo Timberwolves profile explores how the deliberate, high-IQ veteran has built a 12-year NBA career on instincts, smart play and contributions that rarely show up on the stat sheet.
Record-breaker Nabwe has her sights set on the Olympics
Anthonett Nabwe Minnesota Gophers thrower has earned her fourth Big Ten Field Athlete of the Week honor this season and holds the all-time Big Ten hammer throw record as she sets her sights on the 2028 Olympics.
First-year coaches Terry, Smith named ACE’s Best in Black College Basketball
ACE Black basketball coaching honor roll 2026 recognizes Tierra Terry and Nolan Smith as Heads of the Class alongside Howard and Prairie View A&M head coaches.
Illinois Head Softball Coach Tyra Perry on 700 Career Wins, Big Ten Diversity and Building a Family
Tyra Perry Illinois softball coach reflects on 700 career wins, Big Ten diversity and the people who make coaching worth every moment in an MSR interview.
HBCUs still fighting for respect in March
HBCUs made the 2026 NCAA Tournament field in historic numbers for the first time since 1994, with five programs earning wins and sparking a conversation about long-overdue recognition.
‘Court Queens’ Gives women’s basketball its due
Court Queens by Jordan Robinson and Emma Baccellieri celebrates more than 130 years of women’s basketball history with Black women prominently featured throughout.
Minnesota connections highlight SWAC’s March Madness run
Minnesota athletes continue to shine across the SWAC and NCAA, highlighted by Ariel Bland and Nina Thorson.
D3 March Madness ends, but Millsaps leaves its mark
The Millsaps women’s basketball NCAA tournament run ended with an 81–73 loss to Bethel after winning the Southern Athletic Association championship.
Back to softball
Sophomore outfielder Jae Cosgriff is looking to build on her freshman season as Minnesota softball begins the 2026 campaign.
Former prep players home for a visit
Minnesota athletes return home for college basketball matchups while others make history in Olympic and state championship hockey.
Yet more MIAC diversity
St. Catherine women’s basketball diversity is reflected in first-year player Beatrice Clayton and Assistant Coach Geno Bullard as the Wildcats build academic and athletic success.
Adjusting to a faster game
Emmamuella Sennowo St. Olaf basketball journey reflects her adjustment to a faster MIAC pace and a new offensive role as a first-year forward.
More MIAC diversity – Representing Black hockey
Black hockey MIAC representation takes center ice as St. Olaf senior Kelijah McElroy reflects on his collegiate career and inspiring the next generation.
Table-top book captures 170 Boston Celtics ‘moments’
A new illustrated book explores the Boston Celtics’ overlooked Black history, from NBA firsts to the complex legacy shaped by race and rivalry.
Gopher hockey forward ‘just an athletic guy’
Javon Moore is making history in Gopher hockey as the program’s second Black men’s player while building toward an NHL future.
NIL, transfer portal make high school recruitment more competitive
Veteran coach Milton Barnes launched Play Right Sports Academy to help high school athletes navigate recruiting challenges in the transfer portal era.
MAC players adjust to new coaches
Macalester basketball players are adjusting to new coaches, academic demands, and evolving roles during the 2025–26 season.
New MAC assistant coaches help teams rebuild
As Macalester men’s and women’s basketball rebuild this season, first-year assistant coaches Mamadou Diallo and Taylor Pilot share their coaching journeys, philosophies, and goals.
Prep Academy gets new coach, top prospect
Minnesota Prep Academy appoints Quincy “Coach Q” Caldwell as head basketball coach and welcomes Canadian standout Tito Onyemachi as a top new prospect.
