dallas Wings Bolster Coaching Staff with Camille Smith and Nola Henry
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The Dallas wings have made meaningful moves too strengthen their coaching staff, announcing the hiring of Camille Smith and Nola Henry as assistant coaches. The duo will join newly-appointed head coach Chris Koclanes, who is set to lead the team into the 2025 season. this strategic addition comes as the Wings aim to build a competitive roster and culture under Koclanes’ leadership.
Both smith and henry bring a wealth of experience to the table, having previously worked together under Curt Miller during the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Sparks. Miller, now the general manager of the Wings, has reunited with the pair in Dallas, signaling a strong commitment to continuity and expertise.
Camille Smith: A Veteran Presence
camille Smith is no stranger to the WNBA, having spent 13 years as a player before transitioning into coaching. her career included stints with the San Antonio Stars, Seattle Storm, Connecticut Sun, and Phoenix Mercury. After retiring in 2019, Smith joined the Wings as a player development coach in 2020. Since 2022, she has served as the head coach of Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, were she has honed her leadership skills.
Koclanes praised Smith’s competitive spirit and professionalism, stating, “Camille is as competitive and committed to excellence as they come.She is a true professional in every sense of the word, as a former player and now current head coach at Dallas’ own Paul Quinn College. She embodies the idea that how you do anything is how you do everything, and I’m excited for her to bring her discipline, honesty, and accountability to our culture.”
nola Henry: A Rising Star in Coaching
Nola henry, meanwhile, has been making waves in the basketball world. She is one of six head coaches in the Unrivaled league, a new professional women’s basketball 3-on-3 league set to tip off this Friday. Henry will lead the Rose Club in this innovative format, showcasing her adaptability and strategic acumen.Before her role with Unrivaled, Henry served as an assistant coach for the Sparks and was part of Miller’s staff during his tenure with the Connecticut Sun. A former player at the University of Massachusetts and the College of Charleston, Henry brings a player’s outlook to her coaching, making her a valuable asset for the Wings.
A Dynamic Coaching Trio
The addition of Smith and Henry to Koclanes’ staff signals a fresh start for the Dallas Wings. With Miller’s leadership as general manager and a coaching team that blends experience and innovation, the Wings are poised to make a strong push in the upcoming season.
Koclanes emphasized the importance of Smith and Henry’s roles, noting that they will “connect with our players and challenge them to reach heights they didn’t think possible.” This focus on player development and accountability reflects the Wings’ commitment to building a winning culture.
Key Takeaways
| Key Figure | Role | Experience |
|———————–|——————————|——————————————————————————–|
| Camille Smith | Assistant Coach | 13-year WNBA veteran,Head coach at Paul Quinn College |
| Nola Henry | Assistant Coach | Unrivaled Head Coach,Former Sparks and sun assistant Coach |
| Chris Koclanes | Head Coach | Newly appointed,leading the wings into the 2025 season |
| Curt Miller | General Manager | Former Sparks Head Coach,now overseeing the Wings’ operations |
Looking Ahead
The Dallas Wings’ coaching staff overhaul is a clear indication of the team’s ambition. With Smith’s veteran leadership, Henry’s innovative approach, and Koclanes’ vision, the Wings are building a foundation for success. Fans can expect a team that not only competes on the court but also fosters growth and accountability off it.
As the 2025 season approaches,all eyes will be on Dallas to see how this dynamic coaching trio transforms the team. Will the Wings soar to new heights? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the future looks bright in Dallas.
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Stay updated on the latest WNBA news and team developments by following the Dallas Wings on their official website and social media channels.The Dallas Wings are ushering in a new era of basketball, marked by a fresh coaching staff and a renewed sense of purpose. With the recent hiring of Camille Smith and Nola Henry as assistant coaches, the team is poised to rebuild and redefine its identity under the leadership of head coach Chris Koclanes and Executive Vice President Curt Miller.
Camille Smith, a former player with a reputation for her defensive prowess, brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the Dallas-Fort Worth community. “As a player, she had an elite feel defensively, seeing things before they were happening and consistently disrupting in the post,” said Koclanes. “Her eye on that side of the ball will be a huge asset as we establish our defensive identity.” Smith, who has been a Dallas Wings season ticket holder since retiring in 2019, described the opportunity as a “dream come true.” She added, “I have watched from the stands, and now I am ecstatic about bringing my knowledge and game experience to the sidelines.”
Joining Smith is Nola Henry, whose basketball IQ and interaction skills have earned her respect across the league. “We are lucky that Nola is choosing to join the Wings,” Koclanes remarked. “Her consistent demeanor,communication style,and elite basketball IQ have earned her a high level of respect and trust league-wide.” henry,who is known for her ability to connect with players and bring innovative ideas to the table,expressed her excitement about the role. “This is an amazing opportunity to be part of building something special with the Dallas Wings,” she said. “I am excited to use my experience and skills to help contribute to the growth of this franchise.”
The hiring of Smith and Henry marks a significant shift for both the Wings and the Los Angeles sparks, who will be without their expertise next season. The Sparks, who recently appointed Lynne Roberts as their new head coach, are still in the process of finalizing their coaching staff. Both teams struggled last season,with the Sparks finishing 8-32 and the Wings 9-31. Injuries played a major role in their disappointing performances, with the Sparks losing No. 2 pick Cameron Brink to an ACL tear and the Wings missing Satou Sabally for the first half of the season due to a shoulder injury.
Looking ahead, the Wings hold the No.1 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft,while the Sparks have the No. 2 pick. Top college prospects like UConn’s Paige Beuckers, Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles and Sonia citron, and USC’s Kiki Iriafen are expected to be in contention for these coveted spots.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|—————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| New Coaching Additions | Camille Smith and nola Henry join as assistant coaches. |
| Head Coach | Chris Koclanes, praised for his leadership and vision. |
| 2023 Season Records | Wings: 9-31; Sparks: 8-32. |
| Top Draft Picks | Wings: No. 1; Sparks: No. 2.|
| Key Injuries | Sparks: Cameron Brink (ACL); Wings: Satou Sabally (shoulder). |
The Dallas Wings are embracing this pivotal moment with optimism and determination. As Smith aptly put it, “This is such an exciting time for the Dallas Wings, and I am thrilled to be part of this new era.” With a talented coaching staff and a top draft pick, the Wings are ready to soar to new heights.
Headline: dallas Wings Strengthen Coaching Staff with key hires: Camille Smith and Nola henry Join Chris Koclanes for 2025 Season
Introduction: A New Era for the Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings have made strategic moves to bolster their coaching staff, announcing the hiring of Camille Smith and nola Henry as assistant coaches. They will join newly appointed head coach Chris Koclanes, who is set to lead the team into the 2025 season. This coaching trio, under the guidance of Executive Vice President Curt Miller, aims to build a competitive roster and foster a winning culture in Dallas.
Camille Smith: A Veteran Presence
Camille Smith brings a wealth of experience to the Wings, both as a former WNBA player and a seasoned coach. With 13 years of playing experience across teams like the San Antonio Stars, Seattle Storm, connecticut Sun, and Phoenix Mercury, Smith transitioned into coaching after retiring in 2019. She previously served as a player progress coach for the Wings and is currently the head coach at Paul Quinn College in Dallas.
Koclanes highlighted Smith’s competitive spirit and professionalism, stating, “Camille is as competitive and committed to excellence as they come. She embodies the idea that how you do anything is how you do everything, and I’m excited for her to bring her discipline, honesty, and accountability to our culture.”
Nola Henry: A Rising Star in Coaching
Nola Henry is a rising star in the basketball world, known for her innovative approach and strategic acumen. She is one of six head coaches in the Unrivaled League, a new professional women’s 3-on-3 basketball league, where she leads the Rose Club. Henry previously worked as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks under Curt Miller and has a strong background in player development.
A former player at the University of Massachusetts and the College of Charleston, Henry brings a player’s outlook to her coaching, making her a valuable asset for the Wings.
A Dynamic Coaching Trio
The addition of Smith and Henry to Koclanes’ staff signals a fresh start for the Dallas Wings. With Miller’s leadership as general manager and a coaching team that blends experience and innovation, the Wings are poised to make a strong push in the upcoming season.
Koclanes emphasized the importance of Smith and Henry’s roles, noting that they will “connect with our players and challenge them to reach heights they didn’t think possible.” This focus on player development and accountability reflects the Wings’ commitment to building a winning culture.
Key takeaways
| Key Figure | role | Experience |
|———————–|——————————|——————————————————————————–|
| Camille smith | Assistant Coach | 13-year WNBA veteran,Head coach at Paul Quinn College |
| Nola Henry | Assistant Coach | Unrivaled Head Coach,Former Sparks and Sun assistant coach |
| Chris Koclanes | Head Coach | Newly appointed,leading the Wings into the 2025 season |
| Curt Miller | General Manager | Former Sparks head coach,now overseeing the Wings’ operations |
Looking Ahead
The Dallas Wings’ coaching staff overhaul is a clear indication of the team’s ambition. With Smith’s veteran leadership, Henry’s innovative approach, and Koclanes’ vision, the Wings are building a foundation for success. Fans can expect a team that not only competes on the court but also fosters growth and accountability off it.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Dallas to see how this dynamic coaching trio transforms the team. Will the Wings soar to new heights? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the future looks bright in Dallas.
Stay updated on the latest WNBA news and team developments by following the Dallas Wings on their official website and social media channels.
