Sitting in A Bar of Their Own, the new all-women’s-sports sports bar in Minneapolis, waiting for the arrival of Coach Cheryl Reeve and Alissa Pili, the newest member of the Minnesota Lynx, one got the sense that this environment was not only welcoming, but necessary. We were all eager to hear what each of them had to say. What struck me was not so much what they said, but how they said it.
Coach Reeve opened this little soirée talking about the needs of the team moving forward. Also, how she envisions bolstering the roster to make the team far more competitive and creating an identity from day one, something she said had been missing last season. In talking about Pili, Reeve focused on her strengths and versatility in scoring, either driving to the basket or from three.
a warm Minnesota welcome for @alissa_pili. 💙 pic.twitter.com/gTp8B1Ia1u
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) April 22, 2024
Coach Dawn Staley, in an interview, talked about being unable to guard her. Coach Reeve, while not in those words, made it clear that that particular quality is something the Lynx will put to good use. Both Reeve and Pili acknowledged that the biggest area of concern was improving Pili’s defensive skills. This is in terms of bringing them up to the same level as her offensive capabilities.
Alissa Pili and Her Confidence Shined Immediately
What struck me most, particularly when Pili began to talk, was her demeanor. She spoke of herself with quiet dignity and confidence that let us know that she is well aware of who she is. The commitment she brings to the Lynx, and a surety in her foundation, not only as an athlete but as a person.
That foundation is rooted in her culture and her family, which, in her words, keeps her very humble whenever she receives accolades or awards. While not being specific about how her family keeps her humble, it is not difficult to imagine that it is done with pure love and pride, particularly in a family with nine siblings.
As Alissa fielded questions from those present and on Zoom, it became rather obvious that her answers were not so much guarded. They were measured. Many of the questions were exactly what one would have expected. Pili’s replies were not ego-driven. Rather, more deeply rooted in a desire for clarity about herself, her goals, and her development on and off the court. What impresses me the most about Alissa Pili is her character, her faith in herself, and her self-awareness of her strengths and weaknesses.
Takeaways About Alissa Pili
What I see is the kind of teammate that will have a grounding effect, solidity, and reliability to not only use her skills but continue to grow with a spiritual commitment as well as a physical one. I think her sense of family will include her teammates as much as her own family.
Perhaps for her, there is no difference. Alissa Pili is precisely the kind of athlete Cheryl Reeve wants to help establish a solid identity. I for one think that she made the right choice. Welcome to Minnesota, Alissa Pili. We should all be very excited to see what she brings to the court and all of us.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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