Florida Coach Leads Atlanta Dream to WNBA Finals in Year 2

Karl Smesko spent years building one of the best women's basketball programs in college hoops, but the championship trophy he wanted most always stayed out of reach. So in 2024, after nearly two decades at Florida Gulf Coast University, he took a leap into the unknown.

Less than two years later, Smesko has led the Atlanta Dream to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013. It's a stunning turnaround for both the coach and the franchise.

At FGCU, Smesko turned a Division II program into a Division I powerhouse. His teams won 30 games eight times, made the NCAA tournament 10 times, and became known for launching more three-pointers than anyone in the country. But in college basketball, smaller programs rarely cut down championship nets.

The Dream offered something different: a more level playing field. "As good as we were at Florida Gulf Coast, the odds were very stacked against us to make that type of championship run," Smesko explained. "In the pros, I definitely thought there was more of an opportunity."

The gamble paid off quickly. Smesko guided Atlanta to back-to-back 30-win seasons, and after a first-round playoff exit last year, the Dream swept their first two opponents this postseason. They're now preparing to face the Golden State Valkyries in the Finals starting Saturday.

His success hasn't just been about strategy. Dream star Angel Reese credits Smesko's belief in his players. "He's a coach that really believes in you and he knows what's best," Reese said. "I don't think I would be thriving as I am individually without him."

Why This Inspires

Smesko's journey reminds us that sometimes the biggest wins require the scariest leaps. After building something great at FGCU, he could have stayed comfortable. Instead, he chose growth over security, stepping into a completely new challenge in his late fifties.

He also brought his people with him. When Smesko left FGCU mid-season, he handed the program to his longtime assistant Chelsea Lyles. She won 30 games and made the NCAA tournament in his footsteps, then joined him in Atlanta the next year. Other FGCU staff followed too, creating a culture of trust and familiarity.

The championship series begins Saturday in San Francisco. Whatever happens, Smesko has already proven that it's never too late to chase a new dream.