Former WNBA player and Cal-Berkeley associate Charmin Smith has the New York Liberty as an assistant coach, the team announced.
The name “Coach Smith” will turn a couple of heads at New York Liberty practices next season.
The team has announced that Charmin Smith will be added to head coach Katie Smith‘s coaching staff. It marks a reunion between the unrelated Smiths, as they both partook in the Minnesota Lynx’s inaugural season in 1999 as players.
Join us in welcoming new assistant coach @21Charmin to the Liberty fam! pic.twitter.com/e3OjavpnrV
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) April 2, 2019
“It truly is an honor to join one of the most storied franchises in WNBA history and work alongside one of the best to ever play our game,” Charmin Smith said. “I’m thrilled about the new ownership and the direction the Liberty is headed under their leadership. I know this fan base is extremely loyal. I look forward to doing all I can to help win games and further develop our players, on and off the court.”
Charmin Smith spent three seasons in the WNBA after a successful college career at Stanford, reaching a trio of Final Fours. In addition to her single season with the Lynx, she played two seasons with the Seattle Storm (2000-01) and one more with the Phoenix Mercury (2003).
Since 2004, Charmin Smith has made a name for herself in the coaching circles of the Pac-12. Her journey began with Boston College in 2002-03, but she went back west She began with four seasons at her alma mater of Stanford before transitioning to Cal in 2007. In 2012, she was promoted to associate head coach by Lindsey Gottlieb. In the ensuing season, Cal reached the Final Four.
Overall, Charmin Smith brings over 15 years of coaching experience to the team.
“Charmin knows the game and has first-hand experience as a successful player and coach,” Katie Smith said in the same statement. “I know Charmin will bring the work ethic, knowledge and dedication to help the Liberty succeed. We are excited to welcome her to the Liberty family.”
Also on the Liberty coaching staff is veteran assistant Herb Williams, who returns for his fourth season. Barbara Farris will be back as video coordinator, while recently elected Naismith Hall of Fame nominee Teresa Weatherspoon will be Director of Player and Franchise Development once more.
The Liberty will open their 2019 season at Westchester County Center on May 24 against the Indiana Fever.
