Tanisha Wright is the former WNBA player and was an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces for two seasons. She will now be the Atlanta Dream's head coach, the franchise announced Tuesday.
Wright, 37, was a member of the league for 14 years, including 10 seasons in Seattle where she was the Storm's starting guard. She won the 2010 championship. She averaged 7.3 points per game and 2.6 rebounds over her career.
She will take over the Atlanta team, which went 8-24 last season. In 2018, the Dream made it to the playoffs for the last time.
Wright stated that it was an honor to be named Atlanta Dream's head coach and that he is excited to help build a team that values the player experience. "I've been part of championship teams so I know what it takes to win this league. I am excited to contribute my talents to the franchise and help the Dream achieve their goals.
Wright joins ex-WNBA players Vickie Johnson and Noelle Quinn (Seattle) as the fifth Black coach for the 12-team league. He is also a former NBA player Derek Fisher and James Wade (Chicago).
Renee Montgomery, Dream co-owner, stated that Tanisha is well-respected in the league and will be a strong leader for our team.
After years of turmoil, the Dream were sold to new owners after former co-owner Kelly Loeffler was criticized by players. After April's draft, Chris Sienko was fired as general manager. Coach Nicki Collen resigned from the Dream to take over the Baylor women's basketball position.
Mike Petersen, assistant head coach, stepped down as interim head coach in July due to health reasons. Darius Taylor was appointed his replacement.
Chennedy Carter, selected No. The Dream suspended Chennedy Carter, who was drafted No. 4 in 2020's draft, for "conduct detrimentally to the team". She didn't play in the remainder of the 2021 season.
Crystal Bradford and Courtney Williams, the agents for the players, said last week that he was told by the Dream not to bring them back next year after their May fight. This despite the fact that the team was made aware of it shortly after it occurred. Montgomery said that the team did not realize the full extent of the fight until recent times.
