Atlanta Dream Appoint Karl Smesko as Head Coach

Karl Smesko, renowned for transforming Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) into a formidable NCAA women's basketball program, has been appointed as the head coach of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. Smesko's impressive tenure at FGCU includes a .847 winning percentage, 14 regular-season titles in the Atlantic Sun Conference, and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. His innovative coaching style, emphasizing 3-point shooting, earned him 13 ASUN Coach of the Year awards. The Atlanta Dream's decision to hire Smesko reflects their aim to enhance their offensive capabilities, following a period of plateau under previous coach Tanisha Wright. This move is part of a broader trend of coaching changes in the WNBA offseason, which has already seen several teams replace their head coaches. Chelsea Lyles, a long-time associate head coach, will succeed Smesko at FGCU.