She’s the storm in a suit on the sidelines, the brain behind the Minnesota Lynx dynasty, and the fire that never cools—Cheryl Reeve isn’t just in the game, she is the game. Whether she’s barking at refs, lighting a fire under her players, or dissecting opponents with chess-master precision, Reeve’s fingerprints are all over the Lynx’s championship DNA. After crushing Finals losses in 2012 and 2016, she didn’t sulk—she schemed, came back, and won it all. Now, after another heartbreak in 2024, one question looms: can she cook up one more comeback in 2025? But before we skip to the next play, let’s hit rewind and uncover the roots of a legend.

Where Was Cheryl Reeve Born? What’s Her Nationality?

Born on September 20, 1966, in Gloucester County, New Jersey, Cheryl Reeve grew up in Washington Township under the watchful eye of her father, Larry Reeve, a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and Vietnam War veteran. And it was under Larry’s strict yet fair parenting style that Reeve developed her grit and work ethic. “The thing I most admired about my father was that he treated me and my brothers the same. Girl. Boy. It didn’t matter,” Cheryl once shared (Players Tribune). That deep-rooted sense of equality still fuels her sideline fire and locker room leadership today.

Her childhood blended military discipline with a growing love for sport, particularly basketball. She was a standout both in the classroom and on the court, setting the tone for a career that would redefine coaching standards in the WNBA. As an American of white ethnicity, Reeve’s Jersey upbringing became the bedrock for her no-nonsense coaching style and relentless pursuit of greatness.

Which High School Did Cheryl Reeve Attend?

Cheryl attended Washington Township High School in Sewell, New Jersey. It was at Washington Township High School that she became part of the school’s first team to reach the state finals, which helped her establish her reputation as a promising young talent.

In addition to her athletic abilities, Reeve balanced her academic pursuits. She was named a Rhodes Scholar nominee in 1988, a testament to her intellectual prowess. During her college years, she received numerous awards, including an MAAC Scholar-Athlete Post Graduate Award and an NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship. 

After graduating from high school, Reeve later went on to graduate from La Salle University with a degree in computer science and later earned an MBA. 

What Is Cheryl Reeve’s Ethnicity and Religion?

Cheryl Reeve is of American ethnicity, and while she has been open about many aspects of her personal life, her religious beliefs are not publicly documented. What she has shared with the public, however, is her personal journey regarding her sexual orientation. In a 2019 article, Reeve opened up about the challenges she faced growing up and her eventual acceptance of her identity. 

This level of transparency about her personal life has made her a role model for many, not only in the world of sports but also for those struggling with their own identity. While her ethnicity and religious views remain private, Reeve’s advocacy for inclusivity and her open-hearted approach to personal growth have made her a powerful figure in both basketball and beyond.