MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the hiring of former WNBA player and collegiate coach, Elaine Powell to their coaching staff as an assistant coach for the 2023 season. In addition, Michael Wexler will be joining as the team’s video coordinator. Per team policy, terms of the contracts were not released.
“I am thrilled to be reunited with one of the greatest competitors I have ever coached.” said Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations Cheryl Reeve. “EP’s more than two decades of experience as a professional player and collegiate coach will no doubt be a great addition to our staff and players as she possesses great insight and perspective on what it takes to be successful.”
Powell brings a vast array of basketball knowledge to the Lynx, drawing from her time playing professionally and coaching collegiately. Recently an assistant coach at Georgia Southern University during the 2022-23 season, she helped lead the Eagles to a 21-10 record and a fourth overall finish in the Sun Belt Conference. From 2016-22, Powell was Head Coach at Langston University where she led the Lions to the SAC Conference Championship game and NAIA National Tournament in 2021. Powell’s coaching resume also includes time as an assistant coach for Grambling State (2008-12), Ohio University (2012-13) and Alabama A&M University (2013-16). During her tenure as an assistant coach at Alabama A&M, she also served as the recruiting coordinator for the women’s program.
Powell was drafted in the 4th round of the 1999 WNBA Draft by the Orlando Miracle, the first player in LSU history to be drafted by the WNBA. She played 11 seasons, highlighted by her time with the Detroit Shock where she was a valuable part of the 2003, 2006, and 2008 WNBA Championship teams. Powell also made her presence felt in the community as she was awarded the 2002-2003 WNBA off-season Community Assist Award for extensive community outreach.
Michael Wexler, a Plymouth, Minn. native, comes with a background that includes professional and collegiate experience. Prior to joining the Lynx, Wexler served as a video associate for the Houston Rockets and assisted their head of player development during the 2022-23 NBA season. He also spent time as a graduate assistant with the Pepperdine University Men’s Basketball Team, where he acted as their video coordinator. In addition, his resumé includes time with USA Basketball, NBA Player Development and as a student-athlete on the men’s basketball team at Pepperdine University.