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With Seimone Augustus’ departure, it’s the end of an era

By Bria Felicien

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 07: Seimone Augustus #33 of the Minnesota Lynx celebrates their 73-67 win over the Atlanta Dream in Game Three of the 2011 WNBA Finals at Philips Arena on October 7, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 07: Seimone Augustus #33 of the Minnesota Lynx celebrates their 73-67 win over the Atlanta Dream in Game Three of the 2011 WNBA Finals at Philips Arena on October 7, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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I am in my feelings

The fact that Seimone Augustus signed a deal with the L.A. Sparks has finally hit me.

After spending 14 years in one place, she – both a Lynx legend and unrestricted free agent – made a move that she has to feel is best for her and no doubt screams “immediate championship aspirations.”

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Both the Sparks general manager and head coach cited her competitiveness and proven ability to win in the announcement of the signing.

It had to be a hard decision, she’d been with Minnesota since 2006; I haven’t done anything that long except exist.

“Thank You, Minnesota” she wrote on Instagram. “for shaping and molding me into the woman I am today. As tears flow, like the Mississippi River runs from the heart of Baton Rouge to the heart of Minneapolis know that you will always be a part of me.”

As a person that struggles with change, it took me a few hours to recognize why I felt so many emotions about the move. I realized I’m not sad. I’m adjusting.

I’m not upset that Seimone is leaving the Lynx or making a move that she feels is best for her life and career. I’m always a fan of players being able to take control of their future and doing the the things they want to do.

But I still can’t wrap my head around the Sparks.

“Through intense playoffs battles and time with Team USA teammates, I have come to know the Sparks character and commitment to winning,” Augustus said in the announcement. “I’m excited to join friends who are now teammates to chase another championship.”

I’m still looking forward to her interviews about the move, though.

The Sparks-Lynx rivalry aside, Seimone will now be WNBA teammates with Candace Parker – if you remember the 2008 Final Four, you have just a glimpse of my pain growing up in the SEC.

I’ve never had a home WNBA team, so like many other fans, I followed a player I loved in college and rooted for their success as a pro. And since I’ve only known her in a Lynx jersey, I’ve pulled for Minnesota by default.

And once Sylvia Fowles arrived in 2015, I wanted Minnesota to succeed even more. We call Minnesota “LSU North.”

I wish I would have been better prepared, mentally at least, for Seimone and Syl to no longer be WNBA teammates or appreciated the minutes they eventually shared on the court last season. Who knows what the Olympics will hold.

I’m a Louisiana native and LSU grad, so in terms of basketball, Seimone Augustus is everything.

Icon. Legend. Everything.

And I’ve loved Syl ever since I saw her playing in a purple and gold jersey. Seimone graduated in 2006 and Syl 2008.

From 2004-2008, LSU went to the Final Four in five consecutive seasons and didn’t leave with one national championship. Seimone said last year that she would run into people in Louisiana who’d bring up the Tigers run and said the two winning in Minnesota together has helped LSU fans. It definitely made me feel a little better.

“I think that was a thorn in both of our sides, at least a little staple in our heart,” Seimone said in 2019. “We always figured, ‘damn, we missed out on an opportunity to get at least one championship at LSU,’ but to come back and get two (together) on the professional level, I think it kinda heals that little wound that we have.”

Syl didn’t necessarily agree, and said winning WNBA titles hasn’t “soothed” what they’d missed out on in college, but said their friendship had more than endured.

“We are besties,” she confirmed, just before the Lynx played the Dream in 2019. “We’re like two peas in a pod, seriously. When you see Seimone, you see me. I guess that’s just kudos to our friendship over the years. It’s hard to find good people. It’s just hard to find good people these days.”

Now, I’ll have to readjust and get used to watching my LSU favorites thrive separately, again. I mean, technically Seimone will be wearing purple and gold again.

Lynx ownership seems to be managing just fine.

“I would like to thank Seimone for all the great memories she provided us and our fans while she wore the Lynx uniform,” said Lynx owner Glen Taylor. “We wish her well in this next chapter of her career and we look forward to seeing her number in the rafters of ‪Target Center in the future.”

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