The Minnesota Lynx, still reeling from a heartbreaking loss in the 2024 WNBA Finals, now face additional challenges with the departures of two key figures in their organization. General manager Clare Duwelius and assistant coach Katie Smith have both decided to move on to new opportunities, leaving significant voids in the Lynx leadership.
Duwelius Joins Unrivaled 3×3 League
Clare Duwelius, who has served as the Lynx GM for the past two seasons, is joining the newly launched Unrivaled 3×3 professional women’s basketball league. She will take on the role of GM and executive vice president for the Miami-based organization, which interestingly enough, was co-founded by current Lynx star Napheesa Collier.
Duwelius had been with the Lynx for a total of 11 seasons, working her way up through the ranks before assuming the GM position. Her leadership played a key role in the Lynx’s recent success, including their run to the WNBA Finals this past season.
Smith Returns to Alma Mater
Meanwhile, assistant coach Katie Smith is also embarking on a new chapter, returning to her alma mater, Ohio State University, as an assistant women’s basketball coach. Smith, a Buckeye legend who led the team to the national championship game as a freshman in 1993, will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the collegiate ranks.
“I’m both excited and grateful to return to my alma mater, Ohio State, and to the city my family and I proudly call home,” Smith said in a statement. “Ohio State and its women’s basketball program played such a pivotal role in my journey and I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the program that helped shape me.”
Katie Smith, former Lynx assistant coach
Smith’s illustrious basketball career includes winning two ABL championships with the Columbus Quest, two WNBA titles with the Detroit Shock, and three Olympic gold medals. She spent 6 1/2 of her 15 WNBA seasons with the Lynx and has been enshrined in the Naismith, Women’s Basketball, and Ohio State halls of fame.
Lynx Face Uncertain Future
The loss of both Duwelius and Smith represents a significant blow to the Lynx organization, which must now navigate the challenges of filling these key roles while also retooling a roster that fell just short of a championship. Head coach and president of basketball operations Cheryl Reeve acknowledged the impact of their departures in a statement.
“Katie has been an integral part of the Lynx since her return in 2020,” Reeve said. “She poured her heart and soul into developing the Lynx team and its players into a championship contender once again. Her passion, commitment, and loyalty have left an indelible mark on the organization.”
Cheryl Reeve, Lynx head coach and president of basketball operations
As the Lynx begin the process of finding replacements for Duwelius and Smith, they must also confront the realities of an evolving WNBA landscape. With five head coaching vacancies currently open across the league, as well as expansion franchises in Portland and Toronto set to join in 2026, the competition for top talent both on and off the court has never been fiercer.
The Lynx organization has a track record of success and resilience, having won four WNBA championships since 2011. However, the departures of Duwelius and Smith represent significant challenges that will test the team’s ability to adapt and rebuild.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Lynx to see how they navigate this period of transition and uncertainty. With key leadership positions to fill and a roster in need of retooling, the pressure is on for the Lynx to make the right moves and position themselves for continued success in the highly competitive world of the WNBA.
