The Los Angeles Sparks have announced the appointment of Lynne Roberts as their new head coach, as revealed Tuesday evening. Roberts, who has been at the helm of the Utah program for over nine seasons, has achieved notable success with three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Additionally, she was recognized as the Pac-12 Coach of the Year in 2023, with her team currently boasting a record of 3-1 this season.

Eric Holoman, the Governor and Managing Partner of the Sparks, expressed enthusiasm about bringing Roberts on board, stating, “Lynne is an outstanding coach and leader. We are thrilled to welcome her extensive coaching experience to our organization. Throughout our thorough international search for a new coach, Lynne’s innovative perspective on the sport, excellent communication abilities, and her knack for fostering strong relationships made her the ideal candidate for this position.”

Roberts takes over a team that features a promising young core, including players such as Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink, and Dearica Hamby. Additionally, the Sparks hold the second overall pick in the forthcoming WNBA draft, presenting the opportunity to further enhance their roster.

Roberts steps in to replace Curt Miller, who was released from his coaching duties in September. Notably, Roberts is the second college coach to transition to a WNBA team this month, following Karl Smesko from Florida Gulf Coast, who was hired by the Atlanta Dream last week.

Currently, there are still three coaching vacancies remaining in the WNBA, with teams including Washington, Connecticut, and Dallas actively seeking new head coaches.