As a fan of the Minnesota Lynx, it has been awesome to see them grow their chemistry and become one of the hottest teams in the WNBA.
They have an incredibly likable roster, largely due to the infectious energy the players bring to each and every game. Because of that, I wanted to interview a player on the team to discuss her career.
I was able to get in touch with Anastasiia Olairi Kosu’s managing team, who were kind enough to let me interview her. In the interview, I asked her about her career in Russia, her transition to the WNBA, and what it’s like to take part in a team that seems to have so much fun while also being successful.
Kosu’s Path From EuroLeague Courts to the WNBA Draft
Kosu began playing basketball at a very young age in Russia, and debuted in a EuroLeague game at just 15 years old. In 2019, Kosu was named MVP of the FIBA U16 European Championship en route to winning Russia a gold medal.
She has spent the last few years on the professional Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg, an experience which she described as completely different from the WNBA.
Kosu explained that “everything happens very quickly in the WNBA. You have to make decisions and react faster and be prepared for constant physical contact. In Russia, and European basketball in general, there is more emphasis on tactics, set plays and team ball movement.”
“I enjoy both styles,” Kosu said. “Playing in different countries has helped me become a more versatile player and taught me how to adapt more quickly to any situation on the court.”
Kosu was drafted 15th overall in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft. “[The draft] was a very emotional moment for me,” she said. “Making it to the WNBA had been one of my biggest goals, so when Minnesota drafted me, I felt happiness, pride and an incredible sense of relief all at once.”
The draft also took place on Kosu’s mother’s birthday. “She has supported and guided me throughout my basketball journey since I was very young, so it was the greatest gift I could have given her.”
Kosu became the first Russian to be drafted into the WNBA since her former Lynx teammate Maria Kliundikova in the first round of the 2018 draft.
The Transition to the WNBA Happened Overnight
For Kosu, the transition into the WNBA was instantaneous.
“After the draft, there was almost no time to process all those emotions,” said Kosu. “My team in Russia won the championship, and the very next day, I flew to the United States. I had to arrive, meet my new team, learn the system and prove that I deserved my place. The most difficult part was adjusting to the speed of the game, the language and a completely new life.”
Kosu began playing for the Lynx immediately, recording her first minutes in the Lynx’s season-opening win against the Dallas Wings. Her first WNBA point didn’t come until Minnesota’s June 14 win against the Sparks, where she tallied three points and an assist in three minutes of play.
“Your first points in the WNBA is the moment you realize ‘I’m really here…I’m playing in this league,’” Kosu exclaimed. “But during the game, you do not have much time to celebrate. You enjoy it for a few seconds, and then you have to get back on defense and focus on the next possession. It was only after the game that I could take a moment to process how important that milestone was for me.”
A Day in the Life of a WNBA Player
Kosu described what a typical day looks like on practice and game days.
“Our schedule can change a lot, but a typical day starts with breakfast, recovery or treatment if needed and a workout in the weight room,” Kosu explained. “If we are preparing for a game, we also have a team meeting and watch film before practice. After practice, I stay for some extra work and focus on recovery, because we play and travel so often.”
Game days are more strenuous. “Breakfast, team meeting, shootaround, rest, pregame meal and then the game itself. Sometimes, we head straight to the airport after a game and arrive in another city late at night. People see the games, but they do not always realize how much time goes into travel, recovery and preparation.”
Through all the stress of practices, game-days and playoff runs, Kosu also expressed how important it is to find time for herself and the things that make her happy.
“When I have some free time during the season, I like to stay home, get some sleep, watch movies, not have to rush anywhere and simply take my mind off basketball,” Kosu said. “It is important for me to maintain balance and remember that I have a life outside of the sport. Even small things that bring me happiness help me recover and feel energized again.”
Reeve and the Lynx Veterans Are Shaping Kosu’s Game
At 6-foot-1, Kosu came into the WNBA as a small forward, with some power forward flexibility. She mentioned how coach Cheryl Reeve helped with her versatility, among many other things.
“Coach Reeve is very demanding, and she is always honest with you. She pays close attention to details and expects every player to be ready to fulfill her role, regardless of how many minutes she plays. Last season, I played mostly at small forward, but now I play more power forward and sometimes center. I think coach Reeve’s expectations have helped me become a more versatile and disciplined player.”
Coach Reeve is one of many important voices that have played a part in Kosu’s WNBA journey. She referenced how important having a veteran presence is in both the locker-room and in her everyday life as a 21-year-old.
“The more experienced players help me, explain the details of the game and share their knowledge with me,” Kosu said. “There is something I can learn from each of them – not only about basketball but also about life. I see my age as an opportunity to grow while being surrounded by some of the best players.”
“We also have several players who take on the role of being a major voice in the locker-room. Napheesa Collier is our captain, and her voice carries a lot of weight within the team. Our veteran players are also highly respected, and they understand when they need to say something, calm the team down or bring more energy.”
The Lynx Locker Room Chemistry Is the Real Deal
One of my main points of discussion with Kosu was about the Lynx locker-room, and their all-around team chemistry. From their victory shuffles to the ever-growing popularity of Courtney Williams and the Stud Budz, the Lynx seem to have a chemistry unmatched by many teams in the league.
“The chemistry is completely genuine,” Kosu admitted. “Everyone has their own personality and opinions, but we respect one another and are working towards the same goal. We can joke, dance and have a great time together, but we also know how to be serious and honest when it comes to basketball.”
“I really value being part of this environment. Even when things are not going well for me, I can feel the team’s support,” said Kosu.
When discussing the locker-room and team chemistry, I wanted to hear stories of victory, as well as defeat. Kosu mentioned how important winning is to the joy of the team, and considering the Lynx place atop the league standings, that joy is likely at an all-time high.
“Winning always feels good, so of course, there is more joy, music, laughter and energy in the locker room – especially after a difficult game or when we feel that we played well as a team,” Kosu described. “But the season is long, so we enjoy the victory and the next day, prepare for the next game.”
A Heartbreaking End to Kosu’s Rookie Season
Kosu’s rookie season ended in heartbreaking defeat, as the Lynx lost to the Phoenix Mercury in the Semifinals. This series was a battle of two powerhouse teams, as the Mercury were led by Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, and the Lynx by Collier, Williams and Kayla McBride.
Kosu described the locker-room as “very quiet” after the series defeat.
“It was difficult to find the right words in a moment like that,” Kosu said. “You realize how much work the entire team put into the season and how quickly it came to an end. It was my first experience like that in the WNBA, while some of our players had gone through the pain of losing in the Finals the year before, so the emotions were even stronger for them.”
That semifinal loss still stings, but the Lynx have used it as fuel. With Kosu growing into her role on a team that sits atop the WNBA standings, Minnesota looks ready to finish what it started.
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