After 23 years of unparalleled success at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), head coach Karl Smesko is stepping down to take on a new challenge at the professional level. The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA's) Atlanta Dream officially announced Smesko’s hiring on Wednesday, marking the end of an era at FGCU and the beginning of a new chapter for the legendary coach.
A storied career at FGCU
Smesko, 54, has been the architect of FGCU’s women’s basketball program since its inception, transforming the Eagles into one of the most successful teams in NCAA Division I history. Under his leadership, FGCU has become a powerhouse in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) and a consistent contender in the NCAA Tournament.
“I had a great experience at FGCU,” Smesko said in a statement. “I’m very thankful for all of the former players, assistants, and administrators who have helped make it a great experience for so many years.”
During Smesko's tenure, FGCU not only became a dominant force in the ASUN but also carved out a place on the national stage. The Eagles have participated in the NCAA Tournament nine times, including a remarkable stretch where they made it to the second round four times. Smesko’s overall record of 672-139 gives him a .829 win percentage, ranking third in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history and eighth overall in total wins.
A legacy of excellence
Smesko’s impact on the FGCU program is undeniable. Since joining the ASUN Conference in 2007, his teams have finished in the top two every year. In 2011, when FGCU became a full Division I program, Smesko led the team to an 18-0 perfect conference record and their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
His tenure has been marked by consistent success, including 13 ASUN Coach of the Year awards and coaching 10 ASUN Player of the Year honorees. FGCU has also been a dominant force from beyond the arc, setting the NCAA record for most three-pointers in a season with 431 in 2018. Under Smesko, the Eagles have led the nation in made threes five times in the past seven seasons.
Moreover, FGCU has enjoyed 14 consecutive 25-win seasons, a feat only matched by UConn, and finished in the top 25 of the national rankings five times in the past seven years. Most recently, in 2023, the Eagles finished No. 24 overall, clinching their 13th ASUN regular season title and their ninth ASUN Tournament championship.
The next chapter: Atlanta Dream
Now, Smesko is headed to the professional ranks to take the reins of the Atlanta Dream, a team that finished 15-25 this season. The Dream have struggled in recent years, failing to post a winning record since 2018.
However, with a young core led by Rhyne Howard and Alisha Gray, Smesko inherits a promising foundation and will look to bring the same level of success to the WNBA that he cultivated at FGCU.
“I'm excited to take on this new challenge,” Smesko said. “The Dream have a lot of potential, and I’m eager to help guide them to success.”
FGCU's next head coach: Chelsea Lyles
As Smesko moves on to the WNBA, FGCU has already found its next leader in long-time associate head coach Chelsea Lyles. Lyles, who was a player under Smesko and graduated from FGCU in 2010, has been with the program for 16 years and will become just the second head coach in its history.
“Chelsea will do an outstanding job,” Smesko praised. “There couldn’t be anybody more ready for this opportunity.”
Lyles, who has played a key role in the Eagles’ sustained success, will look to continue the winning tradition Smesko built while adding her touch to the program’s future.
Karl Smesko’s departure marks the end of a historic chapter for FGCU women’s basketball, but his legacy is firmly etched in the annals of NCAA basketball history. As he embarks on a new challenge with the Atlanta Dream, the Eagles will look to continue their dominance under the leadership of Chelsea Lyles. Smesko’s departure may be the end of an era at FGCU, but his influence on the program will remain for years to come.
