We all have followed how Becky Hammon has managed to climb the coaching ranks with the San Antonio Spurs. Under coach Gregg Popovich, Hammon is continuing to dispel the notion that a woman could not be a successful coach in a men’s sport.
The Washington Mystics’ Kristi Toliver may not be that far behind as the Wizards have hired the Mystics’ sharpshooter as an assistant coach for player development.
What makes the Toliver hire different from Hammon or Nancy Lieberman is the two latter players were not active within the WNBA upon their ascent into the coaching ranks. Toliver is being hired while active and while still in her prime.
This is the opportunity of a lifetime
–Kristi Toliver
When it came about, I wanted to be involved in any capacity that I could.
To me, you get everything that you earn, everything that you work for. I want young ladies to know – dream big, anything is possible as long as you put in the work and have a passion for what you do.
Toliver participated with the Wizards while Summer League was going on at the same time as a 2018 Mystics season which saw the team advance to the WNBA Finals. The more she showed her dedication to the team, it further impressed Scott Brooks, leading the organization to give Toliver the full-time nod.
"When you're passionate about something, you find time."
As @KristiToliver officially becomes a part of the Wizards coaching staff, relive her @WashMystics off-day, where she joined the @WashWizards at summer league! pic.twitter.com/RKzgvz9z9l
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 16, 2018
Really cool move. @KristiToliver told me in August that her career goal is to be a coach in the NBA. Asked if that meant head coach or assistant, and she replied that she just wants to be an NBA coach anywhere on the bench https://t.co/ITx7ewIF8g https://t.co/8hhMZQd0Pd
— Kelyn Soong (@KelynSoong) October 16, 2018
