Kirsti Toliver always dreamt big. As a child, she wanted to be the NBA’s first female player.
The Washington Mystics star never stopped setting new goals, even as she reached the WNBA and became one of the league’s top players. Eventually, she set her sights on a new target: becoming an NBA coach.
That dream became a reality Tuesday when the Washington Wizards officially added Toliver to the coaching staff. Toliver, who had been working with the Wizards in summer league and throughout the preseason, joins as an assistant coach and will spend the season behind the bench and helping with player development.
Toliver said she “1,000 percent” plans to play in the WNBA next spring, but she opted out of playing overseas, as she usually does, to take the Wizards job.
She becomes one of a growing handful of women coaching in the NBA.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Toliver said. “So when it came about, I wanted to be involved in whatever capacity I could. … And how this landed and came about was just perfect for me.”
Coach Scott Brooks said the Wizards added Toliver because they wanted “different perspectives” on the staff. He added Toliver has a good repertoire with players and the team was excited to have her.
Brooks, too, said he has let Toliver run drills and even coach in five-on-five scrimmages. Toliver said leading the sessions were eye-opening, learning the ins-and-outs of explaining plays and connecting with players.
“She’s a special talent,” Brooks said. “She’s going to be moving through the ranks pretty quick.”
Toliver plans to reach out to Becky Hammon, a former WNBA star who is now an assistant for the San Antonio Spurs.
Wizards star Bradley Beal said Toliver’s future is in coaching. He pointed out Toliver will actually be more vocal than Brooks if he makes a mistake.
Beal likes that.
“We’re all appreciative of her and we’re happy to have her on board,” Beal said. “She’s been to the championship before, so I’m listening to whatever the hell she has to say.”
Toliver said she hopes to bring “good energy” and positivity to the Wizards.
“Coaching is about relationships,” Toliver said. “When you play it’s about the relationship you have with the coaches. So I just want to build those relationships the right way, build their trust and the skill stuff will take care of itself. These guys are pretty good.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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