The Connecticut Sun announced Friday morning that Ronyika Hodges, who was an assistant coach with the New York Liberty from 2022 to 2024, has been hired as Rashid Meziane's new assistant coach.
Meziane, the Sun's new coach, is a well-known professional basketball coach in France and is not his direct mentor. WNBA experience. But Hodges' first-hand experience at Liberty, including helping with the first-ever franchise in 2024, should help bolster the staff.
Before becoming a coach, Hodges had a long career in the WNBA. She was selected as one of the 15th He was selected overall by the Houston Comets in the 2005 WNBA Draft. Her 10-year career also includes stints with the Minnesota Lynx, San Antonio Silver Stars, Indiana Fever, Tulsa Shock and Atlanta Dream. After retiring from the WNBA, he served as a college assistant at Colgate University and Old Dominion University before returning to the WNBA.
The value of league experience for WNBA assistants
Sun's hiring continues a trend among WNBA teams of adding assistants with more direct WNBA experience to new head coaches.
For example, the Atlanta Dream officially hired Florida Golf Coast University head coach Carl Smesko in November, taking over head coaching duties from Tanisha Wright. (Wright will be an assistant head coach with the Chicago Sky next season). Smesko was considered one of the top coaches in women's college basketball, but she had no direct experience coaching in the WNBA.
His two new assistants, LaToya Sanders and Brandi Poole, have extensive WNBA experience. Sanders spent three years as an assistant coach with the Washington Mystics and before that played seven years in the WNBA, winning a championship with the Mystics in 2019. Poole served as an assistant coach with the Connecticut Sun for five years.
Other teams, such as the Los Angeles Sparks, who also hired Lynn Roberts from college coaching, may similarly move toward hiring assistant coaches with WNBA experience to augment their new coaching staffs.
In a public statement, Rashid Meziane acknowledged that Hodges brings first-hand experience.
“Having an experienced former player like Ronika on our staff will be a great asset to the Sun,” Meziane said. “She brings a passion for the game, a winning spirit, and an understanding of what it takes to be a great coach. I look forward to working with her in Connecticut and continuing to grow together.” ”
Ms. Hodges expressed her excitement for the opportunity.
“I am excited to begin this new journey with Coach Meziane and the Sun organization,” said Hodges. “I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience of the game as we continue to grow our winning culture. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to future successes.”
