8:40 PM
When Tara VanDerveer got the news that she was going to be the Phoenix Mercury's new head coach, she was overjoyed.
It's been 24 years since the cheerful and upbeat Nygaard played for the Cardinal, but VanDerveer has kept in touch and watched her coaching career.
"There is no one who isn't enthusiastic," VanDerveer said. She has a lot of enthusiasm. She will not be tired. She has a passion for the game and is prepared for it. She's a really good person. I'm looking forward to Phoenix andVanessa.
A recent trend is that former WNBA players are getting the chance to be head coaches. Every new head coach in the league since December 2020 has been a former player.
Dan Hughes stepped down as the Seattle Storm's head coach in May of last year due to health reasons. The Atlanta Dream hired Tanisha Wright in October. Sandy Brondello, who had been in Phoenix, took over the New York Liberty earlier this month.
Pro players becoming pro head coaches is a natural progression. The coaching pool of former players has the chance to grow with the 26th season of the WNBA.
"I think it's great that they understand the league," VanDerveer said. They've been involved in it. They are aware of the travel, the fatigue, and all the things that go along with it.
That's not a guarantee of success, and there are good coaches in the league who never played basketball. The league's goals to elevate women in leadership positions are reflected in the opportunities for former players to coach.
The women's Final Four was held in 1995 through 1997 and the team that went to the semifinals was coached by Bill Laimbeer. Kate Starbird and Jamila Wideman were two of the best players on those teams. She has a vibrant personality and a sense of humor.
She played for the Portland Fire and Miami Sol in the NBA. She has had a lot of experience as a coach since retiring from playing. There isn't a lot of time for skill development at the high school level in the WNBA, so it could be beneficial for the team to have a player with that experience.
She knows how to deal with professionals because she was an assistant coach in the league for two years. If Diana Taurasi comes back in 2022, her relationship with her, Diggins-Smith and Griner will be one of the biggest keys to the Mercury picking up where they left off.
In college, she would make it sound as if she accidentally got into the school, even though it was not. She's very bright and a quick study, and her people skills can help with the coaching transition.
She's the complete package, I think. Whether they are professional athletes, college athletes or high school athletes, people are people. What do you want your coach to do? Someone who is going to help you be the best you can be, and give your team the best chance to succeed. Who cares about you? She's a great mentor and all that.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
