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New York Liberty hire Cal associate head coach Charmin Smith as assistant coach

10 Jan 1997: Charmin Smith of the Stanford Cardinal stretches out before a game against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Stanford won the game, 74-62. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport
10 Jan 1997: Charmin Smith of the Stanford Cardinal stretches out before a game against the UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Stanford won the game, 74-62. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport

Former WNBA player returns to the league as an assistant coach

The New York Liberty have had a busy off-season. From the sale of the team to hiring new front office leadership, the business side of basketball has set the organization up to move forward.

Today, the club announced a move meant to shore up the competitive side of the operation. The Liberty has hired retired WNBA player and, most recently, University of California associate head coach Charmin Smith as an assistant coach.

“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,” 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.”

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Smith already has ties with Liberty head coach Katie Smith. The two were teammates on the 1999 Minnesota Lynx team that went 15-17.

PHOENIX – MAY 16: Charmin Smith #2 of the Charlotte Sting is defended by Gergana Slavtcheva #12 of the Phoenix Mercury during the WNBA game at America West Arena on May 16, 2003 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury won 72-61. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Licence Agreement. (Photo by Barry Gossage/WNBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX – MAY 16: Charmin Smith #2 of the Charlotte Sting is defended by Gergana Slavtcheva #12 of the Phoenix Mercury during the WNBA game at America West Arena on May 16, 2003 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury won 72-61. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Licence Agreement. (Photo by Barry Gossage/WNBAE via Getty Images)

“Charmin knows the game and has first-hand experience as a successful player and coach,” Katie Smith said. “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.”

The former Stanford Cardinal (1993-97) and member of three WNBA teams transitioned to coaching in 2003 when she took a position with Boston College. For the past 12 years, she has been on staff at Berkeley. At Cal, she recruited 10 McDonald’s All-Americans and helped develop seven players who went on to be drafted by WNBA franchises.

In New York, she will join a staff that includes four-year assistant coach Herb Williams, video coordinator Barbara Farris and director of player and franchise development Teresa Weatherspoon. The team is looking to rebound from a 7-27 season.

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