Curt Miller Adds to 2023 Coaching Staff
LOS ANGELES (January 4, 2023) – Los Angeles Sparks coach Curt Miller today announced his first additions to his 2023 coaching staff, hiring Chris Koclanes and Steve Smith as assistant coaches and Nola Henry as development coach. the players.
Koclanes enters her eighth season in the WNBA, all with coach Miller. Koclanes was originally brought on to coach Miller’s staff with the Connecticut Sun as the team’s video and operations coordinator before being promoted to assistant coach prior to the 2019 season. The past two seasons, Koclanes served as the Defensive Coordinator, leading the Sun to a in the first two years of protection. Prior to his time as an assistant coach at Connecticut, the Pelham, New York native spent four seasons as the video coordinator for the USC women’s basketball program.
“Chris is an elite coach and teacher of the game,” Miller said. “He is widely respected around the league as one of the best and brightest in the WNBA. He is a great addition to our staff and I am excited for our players to experience his passion and servant leadership.”
Smith, who brings over 25 years of professional women’s basketball experience, rejoins the Sparks after previously coaching six seasons with LA under coaches Orlando Woolridge (1998), Michael Cooper (2008-2009), Jen Gillom (2010) , Penny Toler (2014), and Brian Agler (2015).
Smith has served as an assistant and scout for five WNBA organizations, including the Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, Detroit Shock, Connecticut Sun and most recently, the Indiana Fever. Smith served on the Sparks’ 2015 staff alongside coach Miller, and was then hired by Miller at Connecticut, where he was an assistant coach from 2016-2018.
“I am excited to reconnect and add Steve to our coaching staff,” Miller said. “As a veteran and respected assistant coach in our league, his experience and knowledge will be a great asset to the Sparks. Steve has experienced success at all levels of basketball, but his heart and care for his players make him truly special in building successful cultures.”
Henry, enters her third season in the WNBA, having spent her previous two seasons at Connecticut as the Assistant Manager of Basketball Operations. Prior to her time with the Sun, she spent three years as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Hartford, assisting with all aspects of the women’s basketball program.
“Coaches often talk about a factor, and that’s how I feel about Nola Henry,” Miller said. “She is a young and talented coach with a unique ability to connect with players on and off the court. A true student of the pro game, Nola will be a vital part of our staff.”
ABOUT LOS ANGELES SPARKS
Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks are one of the three original franchises in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Sparks have won three WNBA championships (2001, 2002, 2016), qualified for the playoffs in 20 of their 26 seasons, and remain the only active team in the league to win back-to-back titles. The Los Angeles Sparks are dedicated to ensuring that every home game at Crypto.com Arena is a championship-level entertainment experience while showcasing the best female athletes from around the world on the court. LA Sparks 2023 season tickets are available here for purchase.
