Karl Smesko built Florida Gulf Coast into one of the most consistent mid-major women’s basketball teams in the country over the past 22 years. During that time, one question periodically came up: Would he move to a major conference?
Instead, Smesko has left FGCU for the WNBA. The Atlanta Dream named him their new coach Wednesday. Six weeks ago, the Dream parted with Tanisha Wright after three seasons and started a hiring process that included a large candidate pool, Atlanta general manager Dan Padover told ESPN.
Padover said Smesko, 54, stood out particularly because of his strategic acumen, and in the end the Dream were able to lure him away from Fort Myers, Florida.
Atlanta finished eighth at 15-25 in the 2024 season, losing to the eventual champion New York Liberty in the first round of the WNBA playoffs. Led by a core that includes 2022 No. 1 draft pick Rhyne Howard, the Dream want to rise back into the WNBA’s top tier. The franchise has been to the WNBA Finals three times, in 2010, 2011 and 2013.
Can Smesko help put the pieces together to elevate the Dream? ESPN’s Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel look at Smesko’s credentials and how this move impacts the Dream and FGCU.
What does Smesko bring to the Dream?
Creme: With Smesko’s hiring,…
