Just like Sue Bird with the Seattle Storm, Sylvia Fowles saw his jersey hoisted to the ceiling on Sunday. Selected in second position in the 2008 Draft by the Chicago Sky, the player playing at the pivot position remained there for seven years before joining the Minnesota Lynx in 2015, where she played the rest of her career.
In Minneapolis, she had her best years with two WNBA championship titles (2015, 2017). She was also voted Finals MVP twice (2015, 2017) and regular season MVP once (2017). Her impact on the team was immediate with a league title in her first season in 2015.
“I understood that this was where I wanted to be” said Sylvia Fowlesabout the Minnesota Lynx. “My life changed once I arrived here. I have reached my “prime”. This franchise was all I needed”.
A legendary career
During her 15 seasons in the league, Sylvia Fowles left her mark as one of the most dominant players in history. She has won the trophy for best defender of the year four times (2011, 2013, 2016 and 2021). She also holds the career rebounds record in WNBA history (4,007) as well as the double-double record (193). With her four Olympic gold medals with Team USA (2008, 2012, 2016 and 2021), she can even claim the best list of all time.
“It’s difficult because I’m not used to talking about myself. If I am the way I am, it is thanks to the people who are part of my life” added Sylvia Fowles. “It’s about me, but I wouldn’t be the same without these people who have helped me throughout my journey. I’ve never been one to chase goals or records. But when I see what the names are on the shirts on the ceiling next to mine, I think it’s important to have done my job..
In a perfect evening, the Lynx players marked the occasion with a victory, the first at home this season thanks to an 11-point comeback to overcome the Los Angeles Sparks (91-86).
Sylvia Fowles’ number 34 now floats at the very top of Target Center, alongside those of Lindsay Whalen, Rebekkah Brunson and Seimone Augustus. Three players with whom she was WNBA champion. The next on the list should be without too much surprise Maya Moore, who announced her retirement last January.
