Today, we’re diving into women’s basketball coaches who achieved the rare feat of winning championships during their playing days. Players who win championships often have a unique perspective and invaluable experience that can eventually help them go on to be great coaches.
So, let’s check them out! Here are 9 women’s basketball coaches who won championships as players:
1. Sandy Brondello
New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello enjoyed an impressive 17-year professional playing career, highlighted by being selected as a WNBA All-Star in 1999 and ten national championships while playing in Germany.
She transitioned from player to coach in 2005, eventually taking on head coaching duties with the Phoenix Mercury and leading them to a WNBA Championship in 2014.
2. Dawn Staley
Dawn Staley’s illustrious playing career may not include an actual NCAA or WNBA championship. But, it does include four trips to the Final Four with the University of Virginia and three Olympic gold medals.
Now the head coach of the University of South Carolina, she has led her team to three NCAA Championships, including titles in 2017, 2022, and 2024. See our list of favorite Dawn Staley quotes.
3. Kim Mulkey
Kim Mulkey’s journey from player to coach is legendary. She led her Hammond High School team to four straight state championships. Then, she won two championships at Louisiana Tech University: an AIAW title in 1981 and the first NCAA title in 1982.
As a coach, she has established herself as one of the best in college basketball, leading her teams to four NCAA titles: Baylor in 2005, 2012, and 2019, and LSU in 2021.
4. Anne Donovan
Late legendary coach Anne Donovan was a dominant center during her playing days and was the most recruited female player in the nation coming out of high school. She went on to Old Dominion University, where she helped lead her squad to the 1979-80 AIAW championship.
She transitioned to coaching and spent several years at the college level before moving on to the USA National Team and the WNBA, where she eventually led the Seattle Storm to a championship in 2004.
5. Lindsay Whalen
Lindsay Whalen is a four-time WNBA champion with the Minnesota Lynx (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017). She transitioned to coaching at her alma mater, the University of Minnesota, while finishing her professional playing career with the Lynx. She spent five seasons as head coach of Minnesota.
6. Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
Cynthia Cooper-Dyke is one of the most dominating players in women’s basketball history. She won NCAA Championships with USC in 1983 and 1984 and WNBA titles with the Houston Comets from 1997 to 2000.
She went on to coach at the college level for over 15 years, spending time at Prairie View A&M, UNC Wilmington, USC, and Texas Southern.
7. Becky Hammon
Despite always being an underdog, Becky Hammon had a decorated playing career before becoming a coach. This includes international success like winning EuroLeague championships in 2007 and 2008 and a Spanish League championship in 2010.
She made history by becoming the first full-time female assistant coach in the NBA before taking on the role of head coach for the Las Vegas Aces. In 2022 and 2023, she led the Aces to back-to-back WNBA Championships, cementing her legacy as a groundbreaking coach. These inspiring Becky Hammon quotes offer some insight into her leadership.
8. Kelly Harper
Kellie Harper (formerly Kellie Jolly) won an astonishing three NCAA championships as a player with the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers under the legendary Pat Summitt.
As a coach, Harper has led multiple programs, including Missouri State and North Carolina State, to success before most recently spending time at Tennessee.
9. Kara Lawson
As a player, Kara Lawson came close to winning at the collegiate level. While at the University of Tennessee, she made three NCAA Final Four appearances, but fell short of winning a title. She made it happen as a professional, winning a WNBA Championship with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005.
She is now the head coach of the Duke University women’s basketball team. She also coached the USA team to a gold medal in 3×3 basketball in the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Conclusion
These 9 women’s basketball coaches achieved the rare feat of winning championships as players. This gave them valuable experience and knowledge to share with their teams.
Did we miss any? Share your favorite coaches or any other notable coaches who fit this category in the comments below.
