MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Minnesota Lynx guard Lindsay Whalen Monday announced her retirement from the WNBA effective at the conclusion of the 2018 season.

"I would like to announce that after 15 seasons in the WNBA I am going to retire after the 2018 season," Whalen said in a statement. "I would like to thank the WNBA, the Connecticut Sun, and the Minnesota Lynx for believing in me all of these years. I look forward to the next chapter in my basketball career and wish my Lynx coaches and teammates all of the best in the future."

Sign Up For Patch's Daily Newsletter and Breaking News Alerts in Your Neighborhood A four-time WNBA champion, Whalen will finish her career as the Lynx franchise leader in assists while ranking second in games played and fourth in scoring.

Gophers Name Lindsay Whalen New Head Coach She holds the single-season franchise record for assists (199, 2011) and the franchise mark for most assists in a single game (14, vs. Los Angeles on Sept. 4, 2013). The former Golden Gopher and current University of Minnesota head women's basketball coach has led the Lynx to wins in 71.4 percent of their games since her arrival, a total of 200 victories over 280 regular season contests.

The Hutchinson, Minnesota native will retire as the WNBA's all-time wins leader, racking up 322 career victories, including 54 in the postseason, which ranks second all-time behind teammate Rebekkah Brunson (57).

Whalen ranks third in WNBA history in assists, trailing only Sue Bird and Ticha Penicheiro.

Her impressive résumé includes six All-Star appearances, 13 playoff appearances, eight WNBA Finals appearances, four WNBA championships and Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2012 and 2016. "It has been a privilege and honor to watch Lindsay lead our team to four championships," said Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx owner Glen Taylor.