08-02-2025
Lindsay Whalen Day in Hutchinson
From the Minnesota Lynx:
Nearly four months following the Lynx' trade with Connecticut that brought Hutchinson, Minn., native and former University of Minnesota Golden Gopher superstar Lindsay Whalen back to Minnesota, the hometown legend is returning to where it all began. On Friday, May 7, Whalen, acquired by the Lynx in a trade with the Sun on January 12, 2010, will make her triumphant return to her hometown of Hutchinson for a full day of events, highlighted by a pep rally at the Hutchinson Event Center.
'I'm really excited to come back home,' said Whalen. 'I have so many great memories growing up in Hutch and playing for Coach Rostberg. I'm looking forward to going home and seeing all of the people that supported me throughout my days growing up in Hutch.'
The all-day embrace will kick off at 12:00 p.m. when the mayor of Hutchinson, Steve Cook, will officially proclaim the day 'Lindsay Whalen Day' at the City Center. Following the proclamation, Whalen will stop at St. Anastasia Elementary School and then the Hutchinson Orthopedic & Fracture Clinic where she'll meet with physical therapy and pediatric patients. An appearance at Zella's Restaurant will follow. Whalen will sign autographs at each stop.
'We are thrilled that Lindsay has come home to play in Minnesota again,' said Cook. 'After her outstanding careers in Hutchinson and with the Gophers, we were all hoping that she would become a member of the Lynx someday. Now that it has become a reality there is a lot of excitement in the community. Friday will be a memorable day for Hutchinson as we welcome Lindsay home.'
The grand finale of Friday's festivities will come when residents of Hutchinson pack the Events Center to formally welcome home Lindsay during a pep rally. John Mons, station manager of local radio station KDUZ, will emcee the event that will feature guest speakers, including Whalen's former high school coach Andy Rostberg, Cook and other important people in Whalen's life. Whalen will host a question and answer session, followed by an autograph session. The event is free and open to the public.
'It is always great to have Lindsay back in Hutchinson,' said Rostberg. 'She has been a great example to others of the results that come from hard work.'
Full Schedule of Events:
12:00 p.m. – Proclamation of 'Lindsay Whalen Day' at City Center by Mayor Steve Cook
1:00 p.m. – St. Anastasia Elementary School Visit
1:30 p.m. – Stop at Hutchinson Area Health Clinic/Orthopedic Center to visit adult and child patients
5:00 p.m. – Zella's – Happy Hour with Whalen
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Homecoming segment with Whalen at the Hutchinson Event Center
