LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Sparks have hired Utah coach Lynne Roberts to fill their head coaching vacancy, the franchise announced Tuesday night.
Roberts spent over nine seasons at Utah and led the team to three straight NCAA Tournament berths. She was the Pac-12 Coach of the Year in 2023. The Utes started this season 3-1 and will be coached by Gavin Petersenwho was the school’s associate head coach.
“Lynne is an exceptional coach and leader,” said Sparks Governor and Managing Partner Eric Holoman. “We are excited to bring his decades of winning coaching experience to our organization. Through our extensive international search, Lynne’s modern basketball outlook, communication skills and ability to build relationships made her the right choice for this position.
Roberts inherits a team with a strong young core of Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink and Dearica Hamby. The Sparks have the No. 2 pick in next year’s WNBA draft. Los Angeles finished 8-32 last season, which was the worst record in the league.
“I am honored to be named the next head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks,” said Roberts. “I want to thank our ownership group for this incredible opportunity. From our conversations with Eric Holoman and Reagan Pebley, it is evident that we share the same commitment to creating a winning culture and team. »
She replaces Curt Miller, who was fired in September and is now general manager of the Dallas Wings.
Roberts is the second current college coach to be hired this month. Florida Gulf Coast’s Karl Smesko got the Atlanta Dream job last week.
There are still three vacancies in the WNBA, with Washington, Connecticut and Dallas seeking coaches.
___
