Karl Smesko Takes on New Challenge with WNBA’s Atlanta Dream
Karl Smesko made quite a name for himself while coaching the women’s basketball team at Florida Gulf Coast University. He built a successful program there, but instead of staying in the college world where he had seen so much achievement, Smesko opted to chase a new challenge in the WNBA.
When Smesko joined FGCU, the team was competing in Division II. Fast forward to his departure to lead the Atlanta Dream, and the Eagles had established themselves as a dominant force in Division I women’s basketball.
During his tenure at FGCU, Smesko’s teams consistently ranked among the best in the nation for three-pointers made. Under his guidance, they achieved eight seasons with 30 or more wins and made ten appearances in the NCAA tournament. However, he never managed to secure that elusive NCAA Division I championship. Perhaps it was a fortunate moment that led him to Atlanta; maybe he had accomplished all he could at FGCU and was ready for a new venture.
Taking the leap to the professional level seems to be paying off for Smesko. He has led the Dream to back-to-back 30-win seasons, and after a disappointing first-round exit last year, his team has swept their first two playoff opponents this postseason and advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013.
He might have realized that to achieve his long-standing dream of winning a championship, he needed to step outside his comfort zone — and that meant pursuing the Dream at a higher level.
The championship he could never clinch at FGCU is now tantalizingly close, as just four victories stand between him and the title series against the Golden State Valkyries, who are seen as the favorites and will kick off the series on Saturday.
“As good as we were at Florida Gulf Coast, the odds were very stacked against us to make that type of championship run,” Smesko commented. “In the pros, I definitely thought there was more of an opportunity. It’s a more equal playing field to win the whole thing and that was appealing to me.”
The upcoming Finals will showcase a duel between two relatively new coaches: Smesko with Atlanta and Natalie Nakase of the Golden State Valkyries, who are only in their second season. The Valkyries have managed to dominate Atlanta during the regular season, winning all three matchups, becoming just the second team to sweep Smesko’s squad during his tenure.
But despite any past challenges, there’s a strong sense of trust in Smesko from his players. “He’s a coach that really believes in you and he knows what’s best,” remarked Dream star Angel Reese. “I’m really thankful for him, for being able to help me with my career and help me be better for the team — because I don’t think I would be in this situation and thriving as I am individually without him.”
Smesko, known for his quiet demeanor and loyalty, made the decision to join the Dream right as FGCU was beginning its 2024-25 season. Although tempted to juggle both coaching roles for a brief period, he ultimately handed over the responsibilities at FGCU to longtime assistant Chelsea Lyles. She has continued the success, leading the Eagles to 30 wins and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Lyles later followed Smesko to Atlanta, bringing additional familiarity to the team. “It’s been huge,” Smesko stated, referring to the shared background. “We think about the game a little differently.”
The stage is set for Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco, scheduled for October 17.
