Atlanta Dream hires Karl Smesko as head coach

ATLANTA (November 13, 2024) – The Atlanta Dream has hired Karl Smesko as the team’s new head coach, the organization announced today.

With the third-highest winning percentage (.843) among active coaches in NCAA Division I (DI) women’s basketball history (behind only Geno Auriemma and Kim Mulkey), Smesko brings over two decades of head coaching experience to the Atlanta Dream. With a total of 672 wins, he ranks eighth among active head coaches.

“Karl is a proven leader with a history of developing his players and creating a winning culture,” said general manager Dan Padover. “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.”

Off the court, Smesko’s influence impacts the entire basketball universe, particularly as it relates to coaching development. Currently, 22 of his former players have entered the coaching ranks – including three on the current staff at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) – and 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,” said Larry Gottesdiener, majority owner of the Atlanta Dream. “A great basketball spirit is coming to our city. Karl’s passion and commitment to women’s basketball brings out the best in everyone around him. I am confident that we have found the right leader to take our organization to the next level.”

A native of Bath, Ohio, Smesko developed and built FGCU’s women’s basketball program from the ground up. During his 23 years as head coach, Smesko’s teams have compiled a remarkable overall record of 611-110 (.8.47). His teams have won 14 Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) regular season titles and 11 ASUN Tournament championships and have advanced to the NCAA Tournament 10 times. Smesko has led FGCU to 25 wins in 14 consecutive seasons, a feat matched only by UConn.

“I am humbled and humbled to be the head coach of the Atlanta Dream,” said Karl Smesko. “I am grateful for a remarkable 23 years at FGCU and will forever be indebted to the amazing women who played for me, the incredible professionals who trained with me and the passionate fan base that supported us along the way be. I’m grateful to the leadership of the Atlanta Dream for their trust in me to lead this organization into the future and I can’t wait to get started.”

Atlanta Dream will host a press conference early next week to introduce Karl Smesko as the franchise’s new head coach, accompanied by general manager Dan Padover. Details will follow.

Founded in Atlanta in 2008, the Atlanta Dream is the only WNBA franchise in the Southeast to play its home games at Gateway Center Arena @ College Park. Dream Games will be broadcast locally on Peachtree TV and simultaneously on Peachtree Sports Network throughout the state of Georgia. Since 2009, Dream Teams have produced 11 WNBA All-Stars, earned three first-place finishes in the regular season, received nine playoff bids and made three WNBA Finals appearances. For more information about the Dream, visit dream.wnba.com and follow @AtlantaDream on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.