Blessing Kasongoma is a 2019 high school graduate planning on studying journalism and communications in college. She is interning for the summer with the Timberwolves and Lynx as a part of the Step Up program. This is her first piece on the site!

As you may know, the Minnesota Lynx are always on the move with a busy game schedule. But there is more to the lives of the players than just basketball. They all have different interests and passions outside of the game. Here are some interesting facts about the players.

Seimone Augustus

How often do you keep in touch with family when distant? The Lynx are always on the road. Despite the busy schedule, Seimone Augustus still manages to talk to her mother each day. “Everyday is the same we wave/talk via FaceTime 7-7:30am every morning and every night about 9-9:30. Causal texts and laughs throughout the day.” She wrote on Instagram.  “My mama is my “BESTFRIEND” literally there is nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for her.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxXkhDQHG6O/

Temi Fagbenle

Forward Temi Fagbenle has many other talents and skills besides basketball. She is artistic as well. Fagbenle sings and dances, and she hopes to pursue an acting or singing career, as well as being involved with creative and artistic modeling. She also sews in her free time. The international player hopes to travel to every African country. She enjoys eating Nigerian food, listening to music and biking. Did you know that most of her family now lives in Ibadan, Nigeria?

Karima Christmas-Kelly

With a double major in marketing and sociology from Duke University, and a Master’s in sports management from Adelphi University, Karima Christmas-Kelly is preparing herself further for life after basketball. The Lynx guard recently graduated from the Harvard Business school crossover into the business program. “This was the most amazing and thought-provoking experience I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of.” She wrote on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwpqv9Mn_V6/

“Thankful and grateful for my mentors turned friends and for the content that was provided through this course.” She added. Kelly hopes to be an Athletic Director on the collegiate side, and to open up her own gym. 

Lexie Brown

Like other Lynx players preparing for life after basketball, Lexie Brown, already equipped with a Sociology degree along with a Markets and Management certificate, is also a Duke Fuqua School of Business graduate. Did you know that the Lynx guard is also a YouTube blogger?  She uploads travel Vlogs of places around the world with her friends. The Lynx guard describes herself as the biggest homebody on earth. “I love shopping, preferably online. I just don’t like the mall, it’s too much walking and too many people.” She said. “I would pick staying on the couch or in my bed home watching movies and eating than going out.” She’s not completely against socializing though.

Sylvia Fowles

Sylvia Fowles is heavily involved in her community with advocating and giving back. She has founded the Sylvia Fowles Family Fund, a program that supports youth and families in her community of Miami, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Chicago. “That’s what it’s all about, it’s all about giving back. I’ve been blessed throughout the years to be in a position to give back.” she said.

Jillian Alleyne

Jillian, known as Jill, is also all about giving back to her community. The new Minnesota Lynx forward launched a youth program called Jillian Alleyne Basketball Clinic. The program helps young aspiring basketball players grow in their game. Jillian launched the very first basketball camp at her former high school, Summit High School. The southern California star wrote, “I am looking forward to giving back to my community and providing a resource for the ball players out here.”

Napheesa Collier

Do you have any habitual routines you practice before a big moment? Well, rookie Lynx forward Napheesa Collier has a very specific ritual before games. She puts her socks and shoes on in a certain order. “I put my left socks and my right socks, then I put my left shoe and my right shoe.” She said. She doesn’t listen to music when she’s warming up because she says that it gets stuck in her head the whole game.