Florida Gulf Coast Eagles head coach Karl Smesko talks with guard Sofia Persson (2) in the course of the first quarter of the ASUN convention match semifinal in opposition to the Austin Peay Woman Governors at Alico Enviornment in Fort Myers on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. The Atlanta Dream have turned to the school ranks for his or her subsequent head coach. hiring longtime Florida Gulf Coast ladies’s coach Karl Smesko.
He’s leaving Florida Gulf Coast instantly, two video games into the brand new season.
“Karl is a confirmed chief with a historical past of creating his gamers and making a successful tradition,” Dream basic supervisor Dan Padover mentioned. “His fast-paced, modern model of play will probably be enticing to our gamers and followers alike. We’re excited to have Karl convey his unbelievable basketball IQ to the Dream.”
Smesko’s offenses are designed round 3-point taking pictures, and Florida Gulf Coast set the report for threes on a season with 431 in 2017-18.
Smesko, 54, spent 23 years on the faculty and oversaw its rise from Division II. With the Eagles, his report was 611-110 (.847), and he led the workforce to 14 Atlantic Solar Convention regular-season titles and 10 NCAA Tournaments. His program posted 25 wins in 14 consecutive seasons, a feat matched solely by the UConn ladies.
“I’m humbled and honored to be the top coach of the Atlanta Dream,” Smesko mentioned. “I’m grateful for a exceptional 23 years at FGCU and will probably be eternally indebted to the superb ladies who’ve performed for me, the unbelievable professionals who’ve coached with me, and the passionate fanbase who supported us alongside the best way. I am grateful to the management of the Atlanta Dream for his or her religion in me to guide this group into the long run and might’t wait to get began.”
In Atlanta, he replaces Tanisha Wright, who was fired final month after three seasons.
The Dream posted a 15-25 report in 2024 and had been swept within the first spherical of the playoffs for the second straight 12 months, this time by eventual WNBA champion New York Liberty. Wright was 48-68 total with the Dream.
Florida Gulf Coast didn’t instantly announcement a alternative for Smesko. The workforce is off to an 0-2 begin.
–Subject Degree Media
