Sandy Brondello’s Return to Barclays Center

On Wednesday, Sandy Brondello will make her way back to Barclays Center for the first time this season, but this time with a new team. She’ll don a new logo on her quarter zip as she delivers a pregame speech in the visitors’ locker room, before heading towards the opposing team’s bench.

That’s definitely going to be a different experience.

However, many of her former players feel she deserves to be celebrated as a hero. The moment she arrives, an unmistakable cheer of gratitude is expected to ring out.

“It’s going to be amazing,” Brianna Stewart shared on Monday. “I think it’ll be a very welcoming experience for her. The fans obviously love her. Whenever she comes back, we will always show her the respect she deserves.”

Brondello merits recognition not just because of nostalgia or an obligation to applaud a former coach, but because she set a high standard, turning the Liberty from underperformers into championship contenders.

Her impact on the franchise is undeniable. Brondello is the first and only coach to lead the Liberty to a WNBA Championship. Arriving in New York in 2022, she took charge of a team that had managed just 14 wins in the previous two seasons. They were in desperate need of direction.

A year later, the front office responded by building a superteam, adding Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Under Brondello’s guidance, New York made consecutive WNBA Finals appearances for the first time since the presidency of Bill Clinton.

By 2024, the Liberty found success again, reaching the finals for the sixth time.

With Brondello steering the ship, the Liberty became leaders in various aspects of the league. Winning gradually transformed from a hope to an expectation.

However, some people argue that Brondello didn’t fully tap into the roster’s potential.

Her ending in New York wasn’t ideal. Last season was tough for everyone, including her. The Liberty faced a challenging year marked by injuries, falling short and being eliminated in the first round.

When asked about the prospect of Brondello receiving another chance, Stewart stood firmly in her defense.

Brondello’s record during her time in New York was 123-64, yet the Liberty decided to let her go.

“I wasn’t really looking forward to this situation,” Stewart reflected. “I wasn’t heavily involved, but while I’m sad to see her go, I’m glad she found a new opportunity.”

Brondello quickly secured a new role with the Toronto Tempo while the Liberty sought her successor. In a November episode of Sue Bird’s podcast, she mentioned a lack of “coordination” with the front office as a factor in their split.

Sometimes, tough breakups can lead to positive outcomes. Yet it’s still too early to tell if that will be the case here.

As both Brondello’s Tempo and the Liberty, now led by Chris DeMarco, head into Wednesday’s game with matching 5-4 records, anticipation is building.

Brondello will always hold a significant place in Liberty history. Stewart believes fans should acknowledge her contributions upon her return.

“Knowing she was part of the group that secured this franchise its first championship is significant. That legacy will always be remembered here, especially in Brooklyn,” Stewart noted. “I truly hope she receives a warm welcome.”

Stewart isn’t the only one eager to reunite with Brondello and her former colleagues.

Players like Nyara Sabally, Isabelle Harrison, and former assistant coaches Olaf Lange and Brian Lankton are also set to return to their old teams.

“It’s wonderful to see them again,” Jones said. “I’m sure they’ll be celebrated as they deserve. I’m looking forward not only to playing against them but also to watching them.”

“I’m just happy to see everyone,” Marin Johannes added. “Sandy accomplished great things for this organization and brought home championships.”

“They’re going to be genuinely welcomed back,” Leonie Fievich remarked. “I can’t wait to see them.”