Lynx Fans of the Pack | 2015 Playoff Edition

By Lindsey Young

Twitter

The Minnesota Lynx are heading into the WNBA Playoffs for the fifth consecutive season and seventh time in overall history. Composed of some of the most dedicated people around, the Lynx fan base has continued to grow exponentially since the team’s inaugural 1999 season.

In preparation for the playoffs and recognition of all our supporters, I talked with a handful of Minnesota Fans of the Pack. Get to know some of them below, and join the crew in cheering for the Lynx!

Amy Sharp | New Hope, MN

amy-300

Q: How did you first become a Lynx fan?
A: My friend Justin introduced me to the Lynx during the 2011 playoffs; I saw my first Lynx game, and I was hooked from that moment on.

Q: What was the highlight of the 2015 regular season?
A: Maya Moore winning the MVP at this year’s All Star Game!

Q: What else should people know about you?
A:
I am also a Wolves season ticket holder! I love basketball; it is my passion, and I consider both of the teams my second family.

Tiffany Bakken | Delano, MN

tiffany-300

Q: How did you first become a Lynx fan?
A: I grew up playing and watching basketball my whole life! I love the sport. I grew up watching my older brother play and played myself. I always watched the Timberwolves with my Dad, and a few years back we went to a Lynx game and it brought back all the passion I felt for the game; the team is so strong together, and it’s fun watching everyone. I go to a game every year!

Q: Who is your favorite player?
A: Maya Moore. She’s so young and talented and a great leader. She has no fear; she’s proven time and time again why she is one of the best.

Q: What is your favorite Lynx tradition?
A: Going downtown to a game every year with my husband. He doesn’t really like basketball, but he knows I love it so he always goes with. He will probably admit he’s starting to like it because these girls are so fun to watch together. He can name most of the bench, no problem!

Katie Godfrey | New Hope, MN

katie-300

Q: How did you first become a Lynx fan?
A: Well, my dad was a fan first. […] He went to a viewing party at the Chammp’s in Minnetonka for one of the playoff games against LA. My mom and I went with and went to the mall while he watched. My dad said if we weren’t done by halftime, we would have to stay so he could watch the rest of the game. Well, halftime came and went because it was a fast game, so my mom and I went to Chammp’s […]. The instant I started watching, I fell in love. I loved watching and how fast paced the game was. I loved how each and every one of the players was so passionate and hard working. I immediately turned to my dad and said “so, can we get season tickets?” and the rest is history!

Q: Who is your favorite player?
A: Lindsay Whalen. She is so inspiring—she clearly loves what she does, and it shows. She is so hardworking and dedicated, it’s incredible to watch. Her layups are unbelievable too! I think she really became my favorite when I met her at KLN in 2012. I told her that I thought she was awesome in the playoffs and she looked me right in the eyes and sincerely told me thank you. That really stuck with me. It’s not often you hear about professional athletes being so kind and generous, but with our ladies, they all are! Since then, I have talked to Lindsay a lot and have gotten to know her pretty well, and she’s awesome!

Q: What is your favorite Lynx memory?
A: Going to the parade and celebration for the 2013 Championship. It was so much fun seeing all the fans and players so excited about it. It was fun to celebrate and hear from the players.

Mary Morchinek | Eden Prairie, MN

mary-300

Q: How did you first become a Lynx fan?
A: Well, when I saw that this group of women was the only winning team in Minnesota in 2014, I decided to go to a game—my mind was made up after about three minutes in the Target Center! I fell in love with the team, the music, the action, the people in the stands. It was a very exciting feeling and I wanted to be part of this action, so I became a Member with the help of Kyle Burns […]. It’s a passion of mine now!

Q: Who is your favorite Lynx player?
A: Sylvia Fowles. She is new to the Lynx, but she has adapted so well and she just seems like a really nice person. She’s not flashy—Syl just does her job, and she isn’t a “ball hog.” She is a real team player.

Q: Who is your favorite non-starting player?
A: Tricia Liston. She is a great 3-point shooter, and I think she could be really good if she gets in a little bit more playing time. 

James O’Rourke | Queens, NY

Q: How did you become a Lynx fan?
A: I always disliked basketball […] But one day (2004) while on the phone, I was cruising the remote and saw this girl playing in the Final Four and thought she was amazing: Lindsay Whalen! I followed her to the Connecticut Sun, then in January of 2010 followed her back to Minnesota to the Lynx. Then they got Maya Moore. The rest is history. I will always be a Lynx Fan. The organization is classy, and they want to win for the fans as well. The Fans root for the Lynx organization and the team in turn roots for the fans!

Q: Who is your favorite non-starting player?
A: The Bench. Minnesota has the best bench [players] in the WNBA.

Q: What is your favorite Lynx memory?
A: Just a few weeks back I saw my first live WNBA game at MSG—Lynx vs. Liberty. The end result did not go well for the Lynx that night, but I had a great time and got to wave to a [fellow] Lynx Fan from Minnesota, Rebecca Law! Go Lynx, Go WNBA!

Roger Tapper | Bloomington, MN

Q: How did you first become a Lynx fan?
A: I was a casual fan prior to 2010. I had only been to a few stray games, but then I really got interested when the Lynx traded for Lindsay Whalen in 2010.

Q: What is your favorite Lynx memory?
A: The first Minnesota trip to the WNBA Finals in 2011, when both levels of the Target Center were packed!

Q: What else should people know about you?
A: In addition to the Lynx, I’m a die-hard fan of the Vikings and Twins. I’m a huge film geek, and I tweet pretty relentlessly. Follow me @rogerskolney!