The world of women's basketball is abuzz with the news that Opal coach Sandy Brondello is embracing a new coaching style in her quest to challenge the USA's dominance. Brondello, a two-time WNBA champion and Coach of the Year, has been a mentor to some of the biggest stars in the women's game. Her dual role as head coach of the Opals and WNBA teams has allowed her to experiment and adapt her strategies, and now she's turning her attention to a different approach with her national team.
The Opals have been on a remarkable run, reaching the podium at the last two World Cups and breaking a 12-year medal drought at the Olympics in Paris. However, their knockout exits have often been attributed to an inability to score consistently. Brondello is now aiming to unlock the team's offensive potential by embracing a more positionless style of play, where guards can both give and receive screens.
This new approach is not without its challenges. Brondello acknowledges the limited time she has with the players, but she believes in the importance of continuity and adaptability. She wants to keep the team's identity intact while exploiting their strengths. The dual role she plays in the WNBA and with the Opals allows her to experiment with different plays and strategies, drawing from her experiences with various teams.
The recent shock wave in the WNBA when Brondello was let go by the New York Liberty after just one year highlights her impact and success. She then took on a new challenge as the inaugural head coach of the Toronto Tempo, a team in its first season. This role allows her to build something from the ground up, which she compares to taking over the Opals program in 2017.
Brondello's leadership and collaboration style, along with her ability to work with other female leaders, are key aspects of her appeal. The Tempo's ownership group includes tennis icon Serena Williams, Teresa Resch, and two-time WNBA champion Monica Wright. Brondello's role extends beyond coaching, as she is involved in building the team's business operations, game presentations, and health and performance staff.
Despite the Tempo's current status as a team without immediate title aspirations, Brondello is optimistic about their future. She aims to push for a playoff spot in their inaugural season and then focus on continuous improvement. Her passion for building a successful team and her commitment to the sport's growth make her a force to be reckoned with in women's basketball.
