Players have the chance to get to know coaches during the recruiting process, and sometimes again if they transfer. But players also keep an eye on other teams and their competitors’ experiences. One of the most significant factors in an athlete’s college experience is her coach.
So we wondered, hypothetically, if players think about what it would be like to play for another coach. And, specifically, for which one they’d want to compete.
During the Seattle and Greenville Super Regionals, The Athletic reporters took advantage of the open locker rooms to ask Sweet 16 players this question and a few others. We granted the players anonymity so they could openly speak, and they shared some fascinating and candid insights. Check back Thursday for more anonymous player surveys.
If you couldn’t play for your current coach, which other coach would you pick?
| Rank | Coach | Team | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Dawn Staley |
49 |
|
|
2 |
Kim Mulkey |
8 |
|
|
3 |
Geno Auriemma |
6 |
|
|
3 |
Yolett McPhee-McCuin |
6 |
|
|
5 |
Niele Ivey |
4 |
|
|
6 |
Kenny Brooks |
2 |
|
|
6 |
Kara Lawson |
2 |
|
|
6 |
Tara VanDerveer |
2 |
Also receiving votes: Courtney Banghart, Mark Campbell, Denise Dillon, Lindsay Gottlieb, Kellie Harper, Teri Moren, Sam Purcell, Tami Reiss, Vic Schaefer, Joni Taylor
Not a big surprise to see Staley atop the list, though the landslide by which she won is…
