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It all started with a dream to coach a soccer program after an illustrious career. The hunger to accomplish this dream pushed Carley Knox to earn All-American honors and the title of highly touted soccer player. At this time, she already had a plethora of collegiate offers to choose from. But, as Ohio University interested her the most, she opted for the Bobcats.

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While pursuing a degree in Sports Administration and Women’s Studies, Knox played for the Women’s NCAA Div I Soccer team. By the time she graduated, she had a Mid-American Conference Championship 1998 win already in her basket. It seemed that her dream was about to come alive as she took the position of soccer coach at St. Bonaventure University. Read on to delve deeper into Knox’s journey from a soccer player to the pride of a WNBA head coach’s wife.

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Cheryl Reeve’s wife’s journey to triumph

After taking up coaching at St. Bonaventure University, Knox returned to Ohio to pursue a master’s degree in Sports Administration and Women’s Studies. Meanwhile, she also discovered a unique version of herself and opened up about being interested in women. And, the next moment, she went from being a soccer coach to nothing. “A lot of those opportunities, those doors closed in my face.

Since then, Knox promised herself to change how people see LGBT+ community members. “That’s why I’m so passionate about wanting to make it better for generations that come behind me. I don’t want opportunities to be stolen from people because of who they are.” After years of hard work and passion, Knox got hired by the Detroit Shock as Director of Sales and Marketing in 2005.

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At this time, Knox’s wife Cheryl Reeve, was already an assistant coach with the team. But the couple met for the first time in 2006, and the powerful relationship started right from there as the two began dating. After staying there till 2010, both Reeve and Knox joined the Minnesota Lynx.

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While Reeve joined as the head coach for the team, Knox took up the position of business development manager. But growth wasn’t the only reason behind the switch. Since 1999 when the Lynx played their inaugural season, they also participated in Twin Cities Pride. Both the wives had everything they could hope for: position, passion, and love.

But soon, the power couple faced a major drawback in the first season. “We are a bad basketball team. It starts at the top. I have not been able to get them to understand defensively what we need to get done, and clearly, our offense is one of the worst in the league,” Reeve ranted as the Lynx ended up at 13-21. But, soon the scenario changed.

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Building a family while leading the way in sports

It was due to the return of injured players of the team after two years. Additionally, Maya Moore, a 2011 rookie, joined the team. Soon, the Lynx roster overcame the competition, finishing with the league’s best 27-7 record. As the team achieved the best from the worst, it was a proud moment for both the HC and the Lynx. By now, Reeve and Knox were ready to commit the rest of their lives to each other.

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In 2011, the couple finally walked down the aisle. But soon, they realized the need for a little one to be added to the family, and they welcomed Oliver, who was born in the mid-2010s. Since then, they have been living with their beloved son and two dogs. As of now, Reeve is the head coach for the Lynx, whereas Knox is the president of the Lynx.

Just like them, their son is fond of the Minnesota Lynx and has never missed a match. Right now, he is preparing to go to primary school. Moving on, Reeve’s spouse earlier this year became the 2024 Grand Marshal. Quite evidently, Knox and Reeve have taken impressive redemption from those who snatched opportunities from them. What do you think about their inspiring journey? Comment down below!

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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.

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Written by

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Yashika Dutta

2,141 Articles

Yashika Dutta is a Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, covering the NCAA, WNBA, and Olympics. A member of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, she specializes in the high-stakes energy of college basketball, with features on the Big Ten Conference and the chaos of March Madness that bring fans right to the hardwood. Her coverage has even caught the attention of UConn coaches and Olympian Rori Dunk, earning her recognition for both accuracy and insight. A former state-level basketball player, Yashika channels her on-court experience into reporting that captures the game’s intensity beyond the box score. With a player’s sense of timing and a journalist’s instinct for storytelling, she shines a light on rising stars like Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins, while unpacking the pressures and triumphs that shape college hoops. Whether charting a Big Ten rivalry or chronicling the ethos of March Madness, Yashika connects fans to the heart of the game with energy and authenticity.

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Deepali Verma

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