that Los Angeles Sparks We have a new manager.
sparks named Utah women’s basketball coach Lynne Roberts has been named the next head coach, succeeding Curt Miller, who parted ways with the franchise in September after leading Los Angeles to a 25-55 record in two seasons.
“I am honored to be named the next head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks,” Roberts said in a statement Tuesday. “The Sparks have a talented roster with tremendous potential, and we will continue to compete for a WNBA championship. “I believe Los Angeles should be the best market in the WNBA, and I want to work with our players and front office to make that happen.”
Roberts boasts decades of experience as a college women’s basketball coach. She led the Utah basketball program for the past nine seasons. utes She has qualified for three consecutive NCAA Tournaments, including an appearance in the 2023 Sweet 16, where she was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year. Roberts also served as head coach at Chico State (2002-06) and Pacific (2006-15) and has an overall collegiate head coaching record of 383-290.
“Lynne is an outstanding coach and leader,” Sparks governor and managing partner Eric Holoman said in a statement. “We are thrilled to have her bring decades of successful coaching experience to our organization. “After a comprehensive international search, Lynne’s modern perspective on basketball, communication skills, and relationship-building abilities made her the right choice for the role.”
The Sparks are relying on Roberts to get the team back to the postseason. Los Angeles last won a WNBA championship in 2016 and has gone 38-78 over the past three seasons, missing the playoffs.
The Sparks have the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Los Angeles has been drafted before. Cameron Brink (Stanford) and WNBA All-Rookie Rickea Jackson (Tennessee) were selected 2nd and 4th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, respectively. Brink suffered a torn ACL last June, but is expected to return for the 2025 WNBA season.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY. LA Sparks name Utah native Lynn Roberts as new head coach
