The Los Angeles Sparks have chosen Lynne Roberts from the University of Utah as their next head coach.
Roberts, hailing from California and a recipient of the 2022-23 Pac-12 Coach of the Year award, brings 22 seasons of experience as a head coach in women’s college basketball to the Sparks. Under her leadership, the Utes made appearances in the NCAA Tournament for the past three seasons.
In a statement released by the team announcing her hiring, Roberts expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am honored to be named the next head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks.”
Continuing her remarks, Roberts stated, “The Sparks have a talented roster with tremendous potential. Our goal is to compete relentlessly for WNBA championships. I firmly believe that Los Angeles has the potential to be the leading market in the WNBA, and I am excited to collaborate with our players and front office to achieve this.”
The Sparks and esteemed WNBA coach Curt Miller mutually agreed to part ways in late September, prompting the team to search for a new leader. Miller has since joined the Dallas Wings as their executive vice president and general manager. The Wings secured the top pick in the WNBA Draft Lottery on Sunday.
Now, Roberts has the opportunity to elevate one of the league’s most promising young cores. The Sparks are centered around their 2024 first-round picks, center Cameron Brink and forward Rickea Jackson.
In the recent lottery, the Sparks secured the second overall pick for the 2025 WNBA Draft, providing another chance to strengthen their core.
Roberts has been guided by the most successful head coach in college basketball history and Brink’s former coach, Tara VanDerveer, who praised Roberts’ style of play as “beautiful basketball.”
As she embarks on her journey with the Sparks, Roberts’ collegiate coaching record stands at 383-290.
The WNBA presents a new challenge for Roberts to conquer.
