'It gives us hope': Minnesota Samoans cheer on Alissa Pili at her first Lynx home game

Faamati Winey wanted to make Alissa Pili feel welcome. So for Pili's first regular season home game as a member of the Minnesota Lynx, Winey wore a home-made Alissa Pili shirt, a lei and a frangipani flower in her hair and never took her eyes off the game. “This is a huge deal for us,” Winey said. “It is the first time a professional women's basketball player has been Samoan. Opening day is a perfect time for our community to support her.” Added Winey, “She's going to feel right at home here in Minnesota.” Create a More Connected Minnesota MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to