The Atlanta Dream managed to do what many other teams have tried over the years. They lured Karl Smesko away from Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Smesko was announced as the Dream’s new head coach on Wednesday. He made FGCU a perennial NCAA Tournament team and went 611-112 – a winning percentage of .845 – during his 23 years as the first and so far only coach of the school.
At the Division I women’s level, only FGCU and UConn have won 25 or more games in each of the last 14 seasons.
“The W has intrigued me for a long time,” Smekso said Wednesday. “When this opportunity presented itself, it really seemed like the right place and time. I’ve had great conversations with the general manager and their owners and it’s the right decision for me at this time.
The Eagles have been one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the country. They have made 300 or more 3-pointers in 15 consecutive seasons, including setting the NCAA record with 431 in 2018.
That attracted the attention of many major Division I schools, some from power conferences — even other WNBA teams — trying to hire Smesko in recent years. Until now, he had never thought that now was the time to make a move.
“Karl is a proven leader with a history of developing his players and creating a winning culture,” said Dream general manager Dan Padover. “His fast, innovative style of play will be attractive to our players and fans. We are excited to have Karl bring his incredible basketball IQ to the dream.”
Smesko, 54, will join the franchise later this month. His top assistant, former FCGU player Chelsea Lyles, was named the Eagles’ next coach shortly after Smesko’s move to Atlanta was announced. Lyles – now the second female coach in FGCU program history – will debut her new role when the Eagles play Sunday in Fort Myers against NJIT.
“Chelsea will do an outstanding job,” Smesko said. “No one could be more ready to seize this opportunity. »
Atlanta went 15-25 this year and needed to win its last few games to make the playoffs. There is a strong young core with Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray leading the way, as well as veteran center Tina Charles. The Dream have not had a winning record since the 2018 season.
Smesko brought a complex and efficient offensive system to FGCU – 3-pointers or layups are the goal, mid-range jumpers are frowned upon – and it has worked wonders, with his teams winning 30 games or more seven times and finishing with a winning percentage of .800. or better 15 times.
He thinks great things await the Dream.
“I’m not afraid of challenges,” Smesko said. “Everything is in place for great things to happen in Atlanta and if we make good decisions along the way and continue to improve, anything is possible.” I wouldn’t go to Atlanta if I didn’t think a WNBA championship wasn’t a realistic possibility. »
Dream owner Larry Gottesdiener called the hiring “an exciting moment for our fans, the city of Atlanta and the entire Dream organization.”
“A great basketball spirit is coming to our city,” Gottesdiener said. “Karl’s passion and commitment to women’s basketball brings out the best in everyone around him. I am confident we have found the right leader to take our organization to the next level.
The dream licensed former coach Tanisha Wright last month after Atlanta fell in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year. Smesko said part of the appeal of the job was joining the WNBA at a time of enormous popularity, fueled in part by the buzz surrounding young stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese last season.
“The W is currently very high, growing rapidly and the potential for future growth is exceptional,” Smesko said. “I’m really excited about it. During our preseason practices at FGCU, our film sessions break down WNBA playoff games. That’s why, for me, being such a big fan of the league makes it even more exciting to have this opportunity.
Atlanta was one of a record seven coaching openings in the WNBA this offseason. Three have now been filled with Stephanie White goes to Indiana And Ty Marsh takes over in Chicago. Washington, Dallas, Los Angeles and Connecticut still have vacancies.
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