The Atlanta Dream hired Karl Smesko as the team’s new Head Coach, the team announced Wednesday.
With the third highest winning percentage (.843) among active coaches in NCAA Division I (DI) women’s basketball history, the former Florida Gulf Coast University coach, has done a lot winning over the years, and the Dream are expecting him to bring that to Atlanta.
“Karl is a proven leader with a history of developing his players and creating a winning culture,” said General Manager Dan Padover in press release. “His fast-paced, innovative style of play will be attractive to our players and fans alike. We are excited to have Karl bring his incredible basketball IQ to the Dream.”
The 54-year-old Smesko is excited to be a part of Dream organization.
“I am humbled and honored to be the head coach of the Atlanta Dream,” said Smesko. “I am grateful for a remarkable 23 years at FGCU and will be forever indebted to the amazing women who have played for me, the incredible professionals who have coached with me, and the passionate fanbase who supported us along the way. I’m thankful to the leadership of the Atlanta Dream for their faith in me to lead this organization into the future and can’t wait to get started.”
Last season, the Dream, who fired their head coach, Tanisha Wright, after three seasons with the team, went 15-25 and were swept by the eventual world champion New York Liberty in the first round of the playoffs.
