Atlanta Dream Hires Karl Smesko as head coach

One of women’s basketball’s winningest coaches, Smesko brings a dynamic new style to the Atlanta Dream

ATLANTA (November 13, 2024) – The Atlanta Dream 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. His 672 total wins ranks eighth overall 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, innovative style of play will be attractive to both our players and fans. We are excited to have Karl bring his incredible basketball IQ to the Dream.”

Off the court, Smesko’s influence ripples throughout the basketball universe, especially when it comes to developing coaches. Currently, 22 of his former players have entered the coaching ranks – including three on the current Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) staff – 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 Atlanta Dream Majority Owner, Larry Gottesdiener. “A great basketball mind is coming to our city. Karl’s passion for 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 created and built the FGCU 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, 11 ASUN tournament championships and advanced to the NCAA Tournament 10 times. Smesko has led FGCU to 25 wins in 14 straight seasons, a feat matched only by UConn.

“I am humbled and honored to be the head coach of the Atlanta Dream,” said Karl Smesko. “I am grateful for 23 remarkable years at FGCU and will forever be indebted to the amazing women who have played for me, the incredible professionals who have coached with me and the passionate fan base that has supported us along the way. I am grateful 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.”

The Atlanta Dream will host a press conference introducing Karl Smesko as the franchise’s new head coach, accompanied by General Manager Dan Padover, early next week with details to follow.

Established in Atlanta in 2008, the Atlanta Dream is the Southeast’s only WNBA franchise that plays its home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park. Dream games are broadcast locally on Peachtree TV and simulcast on the Peachtree Sports Network across the state of Georgia. Since 2009, Dream teams have produced 11 WNBA All-Stars, earned 3 regular season first place finishes, earned 9 playoff bids and played in 3 WNBA Finals. For more information on the Dream, visit dream.wnba.com and follow @AtlantaDream on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.