The New York Liberty officially introduced Sandy Brondello as their new head coach on Friday.
“It’s an honor to join the historic New York Liberty franchise and to coach and lead such a talented roster of players,” she said. “I owe immense gratitude to the team’s ownership and front office for entrusting me with this important role during such an integral time in the history of the organization. I’m excited to move to New York City and begin preparations for our upcoming season.”
Brondello, 53, coached the Phoenix Mercury for the past eight seasons, winning a WNBA title and earning Coach of the Year honors in her first season in 2014. The two sides mutually parted ways in December after the Mercury lost to the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals.
Brondello replaces Walt Hopkins, who compiled a 14-40 record in two seasons with the Liberty.
She compiled a 150-108 record in eight seasons with the Mercury. The Australia native has a 164-128 overall mark, including a 14-20 record for the San Antonio Silver Stars in 2010.
Brondello, a guard, played five seasons in the WNBA with the Detroit Shock (1998-99), Miami Sol (2001-02) and Seattle Storm (2003). She was an All-Star in 1999.
“Sandy brings a wealth of coaching experience and is a proven winner with a championship pedigree, both as a player and coach in the WNBA and internationally,” Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said.
“Throughout her longstanding professional coaching career, she has demonstrated her ability to build consistent and sustained success as a skilled leader and mentor on and off the court. We are thrilled to welcome her to New York as we move forward in our pursuit of winning a WNBA championship.”
The Liberty haven’t had a winning season since 2017. New York was 12-20 last season and lost 83-82 to Brondello and the Mercury in the first round of the playoffs.
–Field Level Media
