In a plot twist straight out of a sports movie, Karl Smesko — the man who turned an improbable 1998 NAIA Division II championship into a legendary coaching career — is taking his talents to the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. Yes, you read that right. The same Karl Smesko who made Walsh University a national champion in the most unlikely of ways, and who spent the last 23 years working NCAA magic at Florida Gulf Coast, is now headed to the big leagues.
The Atlanta Dream, probably tired of living up to their name only in theory, decided to roll the dice on Smesko, officially announcing his hiring on Wednesday. And if Smesko’s track record is anything to go by, this could be the spark the Dream have been waiting for. With a resume boasting 672 career wins, including a staggering 611-110 record at FGCU (yes, you counted right, that’s an .847 winning percentage), Atlanta may just have found their secret weapon.
“I’m just over here pinching myself,” Smesko said, in a way that surely didn’t involve any actual pinching. “I’m humbled and honored to lead the Atlanta Dream.” You know, just another day at the office for a guy who casually walked into FGCU and treated the ASUN Conference like his personal playground, collecting 14 regular season championships and 11 tournament titles. Modesty, thy name is Smesko.
One of the crowning moments of his FGCU tenure came courtesy of Kierstan Bell, a former McKinley High star and FGCU’s first-ever WNBA first-round draft pick in 2022. Together, they upset Virginia Tech in the 2022 NCAA Tournament, which should’ve been a sign that Smesko was ready for WNBA prime time. But really, his career at FGCU reads like a highlight reel of dominant seasons, sprinkled with NCAA appearances and a casual upset here and there.
And lest we forget the man’s humble beginnings. Smesko’s coaching career kicked off with a bang at Walsh University when he did the unthinkable — leading the unseeded 1997-98 Cavaliers to the NAIA Division II title. Seriously, they were the last team invited to the dance, and they left with the crown. If that doesn’t scream “miracle worker,” what does?
So, what’s next for Smesko in the pro ranks? Will he perform some coaching alchemy and turn Atlanta into perennial contenders? The Dream’s leadership clearly believes he’s the right person to guide them into a bright future. And why not? If you can win with a Cinderella team from Ohio, what can’t you do?
One thing’s for sure — with Smesko at the helm, Atlanta might just start dreaming of something more than participation.
