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The Atlanta Dream announced on Wednesday that they have hired Karl Smesko, head coach of the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) women’s basketball team, as their new head coach. Smesko, who holds the third-highest winning percentage among active women’s basketball coaches (.843), takes over the Dream just weeks into the 2024 college basketball season. The 54-year-old has been the head coach at FGCU since 2002.
"I am humbled and honored to be the next head coach of the Atlanta Dream. I am grateful for a remarkable 23 years at FGCU and will be forever indebted to the amazing women who have played for me, the incredible professionals who have coached with me, and the passionate fan base who supported us along the way. I'm thankful to the leadership of the Atlanta Dream for their faith in me to lead this organization into the future and can't wait to get started," Smesko said in a statement.
Smesko’s hiring follows the dismissal of Tanisha Wright, who was let go by the Dream in October after three seasons with the team. Wright posted a 48-68 record, including a 15-25 mark in the 2023-24 season. The Dream were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round, losing 2-0 to the New York Liberty, before Wright's departure.
With a career winning percentage of .843, Smesko ranks third in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history, behind only Geno Auriemma and Kim Mulkey. His 672 career wins place him eighth among active Division I head coaches.
"Karl is a proven leader with a history of developing his players and creating a winning culture His fast-paced, innovative style of play will be attractive to our players and fans alike. We are excited to have Karl bring his incredible basketball IQ to the Dream," said General Manager Dan Padover.
Beyond his on-court success, Smesko has made a significant impact on the coaching community. To date, 22 of his former players have transitioned into coaching, including three on the current FGCU staff. Additionally, three of his former assistant coaches are now head coaches at the collegiate level.
“This is an exciting moment for our fans, the city of Atlanta, and the entire Dream organization, A great basketball mind is coming to our city. Karl’s passion for and commitment to women’s basketball bring out the best in everyone around him. I am confident we have found the right leader to take our organization to the next level," said Atlanta Dream Majority Owner, Larry Gottesdiener.
Smesko's grit
A native of Bath, Ohio, Smesko built the FGCU women’s basketball program from scratch. Over his 23-year tenure, his teams have accumulated a remarkable 611-110 record (.847). Under his leadership, FGCU has won 14 Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) regular-season titles, 11 ASUN tournament championships, and made 10 NCAA tournament appearances. Smesko has also led FGCU to 25 wins in 14 consecutive seasons, a feat only matched by UConn.
The Atlanta Dream will hold a press conference next week to formally introduce Smesko as the team’s new head coach, with further details to be announced soon.
