Atlanta Dream Strengthens Coaching Ranks with ⁤Veteran Additions

The Atlanta Dream announced a critically importent boost ‍to its coaching staff on Monday, January 6, ⁣2025, welcoming WNBA veterans LaToya Sanders and Brandi Poole as assistant coaches. The team⁣ also⁤ celebrated the promotion of Brooklyn Cartwright to assistant general manager.

Head Coach Karl ‌Smesko expressed his‌ enthusiasm about the new additions, stating, “LaToya and Brandi⁣ bring invaluable WNBA experience, including deep postseason success, to our staff. Their leadership, knowledge, and passion for the game ⁢will be⁣ instrumental as we continue to build a winning culture in Atlanta. We are blessed to ‌have them join the Dream.”

LaToya Sanders: A ⁣Champion’s Mentorship

sanders brings a wealth of experience to Atlanta,⁢ having spent the last three years with the Washington Mystics, ‌most recently ⁣serving as associate head coach. Her remarkable seven-year WNBA playing career culminated in a championship ⁢victory⁢ with the Mystics in 2019.On joining the Dream, Sanders shared, “I’m excited to join​ the Atlanta Dream ⁤and work with such a talented team and staff. This is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to​ the continued growth and success of the institution.”

Brandi ⁢Poole: Decades of Basketball Excellence

Poole’s impressive resume⁣ boasts over two decades of leadership in basketball,encompassing both⁤ WNBA and collegiate coaching. ⁢ Her five-year stint as an assistant coach with the ‌Connecticut Sun stands⁢ out, where ‍she contributed to a remarkable 105-53 record and two ​WNBA Finals appearances. ⁤Poole commented, “Karl Smesko is a‍ highly respected coach, and I look forward to learning from and working beside him. His ​basketball acumen and​ character‌ are second to none.I am grateful to both ‌him and Dan Padover for believing in my abilities to contribute positively to the⁣ future of the Atlanta Dream and compete for a WNBA Championship.”

Brooklyn Cartwright: A Rising Star in the Front Office

Cartwright’s promotion to assistant general ​manager recognizes her significant‌ contributions since joining the Dream in 2021 as director of basketball operations. She has played a⁢ crucial role in shaping⁣ the team’s strategic ​direction, collaborating closely with the coaching⁤ staff and front office.Expressing her gratitude, Cartwright stated, “I am thrilled to take on this new role with the Atlanta Dream and deeply grateful to our ownership, General Manager Dan Padover,‍ and the entire organization for their unwavering support and ‍belief ⁢in me. This promotion ​is a testament to the incredible culture we’ve built—a culture that champions hard work, collaboration, and a relentless‌ pursuit of excellence. I’m⁢ excited to continue contributing to the Dream’s growth⁢ both on and off the⁣ court.”

With these strategic additions, the Atlanta Dream is poised for a strong season ahead, building on a foundation of talent and experience.

Atlanta Dream‌ Makes Big Moves: Expert Discusses Impact of Coaching Staff Additions

The Atlanta Dream announced a wave of exciting changes to thier coaching staff on monday, January 6, 2025.The team welcomed WNBA veterans LaToya Sanders and Brandi ⁣Poole as assistant coaches, while also promoting Brooklyn Cartwright to assistant general manager.These⁤ strategic additions ⁢signal a strong commitment to building a winning culture in Atlanta.



To better⁤ understand the potential impact of these​ changes, we spoke with Zack Miller, a ⁢basketball analyst and columnist⁣ who⁢ has closely followed the WNBA for over a decade.



World Today News: Zack, what are your initial thoughts on the Dream’s coaching staff shakeup?



Zack Miller: it’s a fantastic move by the Dream. Bringing ‌in experienced veterans⁤ like LaToya Sanders and ‌Brandi Poole, both with notable WNBA credentials, is a major boost.⁢ They bring a wealth‍ of ‍knowledge,both as‍ players ‌and coaches,and can offer invaluable mentorship ⁤to the younger players.



World Today News: Sanders won a championship with the Mystics in 2019. How notable is that experience for a team ‍looking to contend?



Zack Miller: Championship experience is invaluable. LaToya knows what it takes to win at the highest ‌level,and⁢ she can⁤ instill that mentality in⁣ the ​Dream players. ⁢ She’s also proven her coaching abilities with the Mystics, so she’s⁤ a ⁣valuable asset on both‌ fronts.



World Today News: What strengths ⁢does Brandi⁢ Poole bring to the Dream?



Zack miller: ⁣ Poole’s resume speaks for itself. Her five-year ⁤stint with the Connecticut ⁣Sun, including reaching the⁤ WNBA Finals twice, demonstrates her ability to contribute to a successful program. She’s known for her strategic thinking and player development skills, making⁤ her a great‌ complement to Coach Smesko.



World ⁣Today News: Brooklyn Cartwright’s promotion is also noteworthy. How⁣ critically important is it to have strong leadership in the front office?



Zack Miller: ⁣It’s crucial. Cartwright’s promotion shows‌ the Dream’s commitment to internal development and⁢ recognizes her contributions to ​the association. A strong front office creates a stable⁢ habitat for success, both⁤ on and off the court.



World Today News: how do you see these additions impacting the Dream’s prospects for the upcoming season?



Zack‍ Miller: I believe the Dream has​ made significant strides towards becoming ⁣a genuine contender.



Adding proven coaching ⁢talent and demonstrating a commitment to internal ‍growth sends a strong message.Coach Smesko ⁣now has a formidable staff ⁢around him, and with the right players, ⁣the Dream can certainly make a deep playoff run.