On Saturday, June 27, while the Minnesota Lynx were in the middle of defeating the Phoenix Mercury, something interesting happened.

An individual who is used to introducing others on the microphone, was introduced herself.

As part of the Minnesota Lynx Inspiring Women platform sponsored by Land O’Lakes, the Lynx honored Lynnette Sjoquist, the voice of the Minnesota Gophers women’s basketball team for the last 14 years.

And did she ever get a standing ovation.

“I was surprised and flattered to get the call,” Sjoquist told Lynxbasketball.com. “It meant a great deal. I’m always in favor of women and young girls to follow their dreams and strive for whatever it is… For me it was sports… Whatever I can do to encourage young women to dream.”

The platform aims to honor women throughout the state who inspire, motivate, and encourage other through personal and professional leadership.

Well, the decision-makers with the Lynx made a great choice with Sjoquist. Along with being the voice of the Gophers, she was also a member of the first professional women’s basketball team, The All American Red Heads. Sjoquist has, and continues to, play an integral part in breaking social barriers and stereotypes by showing young girls that they can be part of athletics and professional basketball, like you know, playing for the Minnesota Lynx.

“I think it’s great that they are great role models not only on the court, but off the court.” Sjoquist said of the Lynx. “It gives young girls something to aspire to. They’re very approachable. Great young women, great role models. I know they are very open and welcoming to kids, working camps. The WNBA had done a great deal.”

She would be lying, though, if she imagined the strides women’s basketball would take in nearly 40 years since she played with the Red Heads.

“(Did I see it coming?) No. Did I hope for it? Absolutely. I was hoping that we were convincing people that women could play. Did I ever expect to see a great league in not only the U.S. but also overseas? But no, I can’t tell you that I even dreamt. Back when I was playing, we were traveling town to town playing against men.”

Sjoquist was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the All American Red Heads in 2012.

She was presented with a team autographed basketball by Minnesota Lynx Director of Business Operations Carley Knox.