The Connecticut Sun announced Friday morning that Roneeka Hodges, who served as an assistant coach on the New York Liberty from 2022 to 2024, has been hired as Rachid Meziane’s new assistant coach.
Meziane, the Sun’s new coach, is a renowned French professional basketball coach who doesn’t have direct WNBA experience. But, Hodges’s direct experience with the Liberty — including helping the franchise to its first-ever franchise in 2024 — should help augment the staff.
Before coaching, Hodges enjoyed a long career in the WNBA. She was selected 15th overall in the 2005 WNBA Draft by the Houston Comets. Her 10-year career also included stints with the Minnesota Lynx, San Antonio Silver Stars, Indiana Fever, Tulsa Shock, and Atlanta Dream. After retiring from the WNBA, she also served as a collegiate assistant with Colgate University and Old Dominion University before transitioning back to the WNBA.
The value of WNBA assistants having league experience
The Sun hire continues a trend among WNBA teams to augment a new head coach with an assistant who has more direct WNBA experience.
For example, in November, the Atlanta Dream officially hired Florida Golf Coast University’s head coach, Karl Smesko, to take over head coaching duties from Tanisha Wright. (Wright will be an assistant head coach on the Chicago Sky next season). Smesko was considered one of women’s college basketball’s top coaches, but he didn’t have direct WNBA coaching experience.
His two new assistants — LaToya Sanders and Brandi Poole — do have extensive WNBA experience. Sanders was an assistant coach on the Washington Mystics for three years, and before that she played in the WNBA for 7 years, winning a championship with the Mystics in 2019. Poole was an assistant coach on the Connecticut Sun for five years.
Other teams — like the Los Angeles Sparks, who similarly hired Lynne Roberts out of collegiate coaching — may similarly go in the direction of hiring assistant coaches with WNBA experience to bolster a new coaching staff.
In an official statement, Rachid Meziane acknowledged the direct experience that Hodges could bring to the table.
“Having an experienced former player like Roneeka on staff will be a great asset to the Sun,” said Meziane. “She brings passion for the game, a winning spirit, and an understanding of what it takes to be a great coach. I’m looking forward to working alongside her in Connecticut and continuing to grow together.”
Hodges expressed her excitement for the opportunity.
“I’m excited to begin this new journey with Coach Meziane and the Sun organization,” said Hodges. “I look forward to sharing my knowledge of the game and experiences as we continue to grow a winning culture. I’m grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to continued success.”
