Lynne Roberts Named New Head Coach of Los Angeles Sparks
Lynne Roberts was announced as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks on November 21, 2024. She previously coached the Utah women’s basketball team. Roberts received a call from Sparks general manager Reagan Pebley that changed her mind about leaving Utah.
Roberts is excited about this new opportunity. She praised the chance to coach top-level talent. “It’s a golden opportunity,” she stated. She takes over after Curt Miller was let go in September.
Roberts inherits a young, talented team, including players Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink, and Dearica Hamby. The Sparks also hold the No. 2 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. Despite finishing last season with a record of 8-32, Roberts is focused on rebuilding the team. “I want to compete, I want to win now,” she emphasized.
Roberts has strong connections in the women’s basketball community. She is friends with USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb and UCLA coach Cori Close. Pebley noted that they wanted someone with these relationships to foster a collaborative environment.
What strategies does Lynne Roberts plan to implement for team development with the Los Angeles Sparks?
Interview with Lynne Roberts: New Head Coach of the Los Angeles Sparks
Published on November 22, 2024 by News Directory 3
ND3: Lynne, congratulations on being named the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks! What was your initial reaction when you got the call from general manager Reagan Pebley?
Lynne Roberts: Thank you! It was an incredible moment for me. When Reagan called, it was a surprising yet exciting opportunity. I wasn’t initially looking to leave Utah, but the chance to lead a franchise with such a rich history and potential was hard to ignore.
ND3: You’ve had great success coaching at Utah. What are some things you’re bringing with you to the Sparks?
Lynne Roberts: My focus will always be on building a strong team culture and developing talent. I want to maximize the potential of our players and create an environment where they can thrive. I’ve learned a lot during my time at Utah, and I’m looking forward to applying those lessons here.
ND3: The Sparks are in a rebuilding phase after a tough season last year. What will be your approach to turning things around?
Lynne Roberts: I believe in the talent we have, including young stars like Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink, and Dearica Hamby. We have the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, which is a great opportunity to add another key player. My goal is to compete and win now while laying a strong foundation for the future.
ND3: You’ve mentioned being excited about coaching top-level talent in the WNBA. How do you view this opportunity?
Lynne Roberts: It’s a golden opportunity, honestly. Being in this market, coaching in L.A., it feels like heaven to me. The prospect of working with elite athletes and competing at the highest level is incredibly motivating.
ND3: You have strong connections in the women’s basketball community. How do you think these relationships will benefit the Sparks?
Lynne Roberts: Those connections are essential for creating a collaborative environment. I’m friends with coaches like Lindsay Gottlieb and Cori Close, and I believe that building strong networks can help us recruit talent and enhance overall team performance.
ND3: You spent a decade at Utah. What are your reflections on that time?
Lynne Roberts: I’m immensely proud of what we achieved there. We built a program that consistently competed at a high level, and I saw tremendous growth. Leaving that behind was a tough decision, but the chance to take on this new challenge was something I couldn’t pass up.
ND3: Is there anything you want to say to Sparks fans as you embark on this new journey?
Lynne Roberts: Yes! I want the fans to know that I am committed to bringing a competitive spirit to this team. I appreciate your support and am eager to build something special together. Let’s get to work and make the Sparks proud!
Roberts is from Redding, California. She played college basketball at Seattle Pacific and has a rich coaching history, including stints at Chico State and Pacific. At Utah, she achieved a record of 165-116 and led the team to three NCAA tournament appearances. She recently signed a six-year extension with Utah before deciding to leave.
She remains proud of her time at Utah, stating she poured ten years into the program and saw it grow significantly. However, she clarified that her move had nothing to do with recent changes in college basketball.
Roberts is eager for this new chapter in Los Angeles. “Being in this market, being in L.A., it sounds like heaven to me,” she said, expressing her enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.