Gophers coach Whalen back at practice after emergency surgery last week

Lindsay Whalen missed the last two Gophers games due to having an emergency appendectomy last week. Whalen had surgery on Jan. 4 and was able to return to practice Tuesday with light duties.

"The medical staff both at the hospital and around our team has been tremendous and our administration has been very supportive. I just can’t thank everyone enough. I’m doing my best to ease back into things. I’ll have to sit a little more than I’m used to and I thank everyone for checking in," said Whalen.

***To see an extended interview with Gophers head coach Lindsay Whalen, CLICK PLAY ABOVE***

Associate head coach Carly Thibault-Dudonis filled in for Whalen while she was recovering from her surgery. The Gophers beat Rutgers in New Jersey and lost to Maryland at Williams Arena Sunday.

"Obviously our staff stepped up in a big way. Carly did a tremendous job, so did Shimmy (Gray-Miller) and Kelly (Curry). I feel our team is in a really good place right now," Whalen added.

The Gophers will travel to Madison and take on Wisconsin on Wednesday night. The game is set for 6:30 p.m. Whalen is expected to make the trip.