It’s a brand new period for the Sparks as soon as once more.
Longtime collegiate head coach Lynne Roberts enters into the highlight because the Sparks’ new coach, making the leap to the WNBA with the mission of revitalizing a franchise coming off its worst season in historical past.
Over her 27-year teaching profession, Roberts has efficiently reworked school applications, attaining full turnarounds at Chico State, Pacific and Utah. Now she faces the problem of replicating that success on the subsequent degree, navigating the heightened stress that comes with teaching in Los Angeles.
“No one’s going to put more pressure on me than I put on myself,” Roberts stated. “I put a ton of pressure on myself to succeed. As a competitor and someone who thrives under pressure, being in this market, being in L.A. — it sounds like heaven to me.”
Though coming into a rebuild as soon as once more, Roberts has lofty targets for a franchise she feels ought to be the premier group in all the WNBA.
“This should be the best organization, program, [and] team in the W,” Roberts stated. “I’m here to do what I can and do my part to win as many games as you can and get that championship culture back.”
Earlier than accepting the job, Roberts confronted questions on why she would tackle such a frightening problem. Not shying away from the problem, her response was easy: “Why wouldn’t I do this?”
“Basketball is basketball, [and] I think coaching is coaching,” Roberts stated. “For me, everywhere I’ve coached, it’s about developing relationships with the players and creating a true, genuine, authentic connection with each one of them.”
Roberts inherits a group that completed final within the WNBA (8–32) however possesses an abundance of untapped potential. The group is led by a younger core that includes second-year gamers Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson, alongside veteran and WNBA All-Star Dearica Hamby.
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts, left, speaks throughout her introductory information convention whereas sitting subsequent to Sparks basic supervisor Raegan Pebley on Thursday at Crypto.com Area.
(Carlin Stiehl / For The Occasions)
“We’re going to do just fine, and I want to compete,” Roberts stated. “I want to win now. I know that’s easier said than done, but I’m up for the challenge, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Roberts got here with glowing evaluations, which basic supervisor Raegan Pebley, who has recognized Roberts for greater than a decade, learn aloud on the presser. Phrases corresponding to “caring,” “high standards,” “confident” and “helpful” have been hooked up to Roberts’ make-up.
“That’s how she’s always shown up as I’ve known her for over a decade,” Pebley stated. “I know that’s how she’s walked through this entire process.”
For Pebley and managing accomplice Eric Holoman, Roberts checked all of the containers the group outlined throughout its exhaustive teaching search, which took Pebley throughout the nation and across the globe.
Roberts possessed all of the traits Pebley was in search of in a brand new head coach: ahead thinker, developer of individuals and chief. These traits made the choice a no brainer as the selection to convey the Sparks again to relevancy.
Discovering the fitting head coach is simply one of many dedicated investments the franchise is making in its future. One other is the group’s seek for a location for its new follow facility, which has but to be introduced.
With plans to maneuver from renting area at El Camino Faculty in Torrance, Pebley says the initiative goals to create an area with one of the best sources for a profitable group and training employees.
“We want to build a home that is reflective of who they are, the direction we’re going, the excellence they strive for and model all the time,” Pebley stated. “We want to put memories in there, and we’re really thrilled that we are well on our way.”
