Washington Mystics introduce new GM Jamila Wideman, coach Sydney Johnson

The Washington Mystics are ushering in a new era with the hiring of Sydney Johnson as head coach and Jamila Wideman as general manager, following a disappointing 2024 season where they finished with a 14-26 record. Both new leaders emphasized their commitment to fostering a player-friendly culture and building a winning team. Johnson, with extensive coaching experience including at Princeton and USA basketball, highlighted the team’s core values of excellence, joy, and accountability. Wideman, a member of the inaugural WNBA draft class, brings significant experience from her previous role at the NBA league office, focusing on player development and wellness. The Mystics aim to improve upon their recent performance and are hopeful for the upcoming season, which kicks off on May 16 against the Atlanta Dream. Fans are optimistic about the potential changes as the team seeks to reclaim its competitive edge in the league.