Big news for Portland Fire fans! The WNBA's newest team is making a splash by bringing in a legendary player to their coaching staff. Get ready, because Sylvia Fowles, a two-time WNBA Finals MVP, is joining the team as an assistant coach!
This exciting development was first reported by ESPN on Wednesday. Fowles, who recently retired from her illustrious professional basketball career, is stepping into her first coaching role with the Fire. She'll be working alongside head coach Alex Sarama.
Fowles' impact on the game is undeniable. Her WNBA career spanned an impressive 15 years. She showcased her skills with the Chicago Sky from 2008 to 2014 and then with the Minnesota Lynx from 2015 until her retirement in 2022.
Her resume is packed with achievements. Fowles led the Minnesota Lynx to WNBA championships in 2015 and 2017, earning the Finals MVP title both times. She's also an eight-time WNBA All-Star, a three-time All-WNBA First Team selection, and a four-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. Her defensive prowess earned her a spot on the All-WNBA Defensive First Team eight times. Furthermore, she led the WNBA in rebounds three times and blocks twice.
Over her 15-year WNBA career, Fowles averaged an impressive 15.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game.
But her achievements don't stop there! Fowles is also a four-time Olympic gold medalist, representing Team USA in the 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 Olympic Games. She's also a member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
Fowles joins a team that currently includes Brittni Donaldson as an assistant coach and assistant general manager.
The Portland Fire are gearing up for their inaugural season, set to begin in 2026.
This article was written by Nik Streng, the high school sports editor for The Oregonian/OregonLive.
What do you think of this exciting addition to the Portland Fire? Will Sylvia Fowles' experience translate into coaching success? Share your thoughts in the comments!
