This is great!
Former WNBA player Lisa Willis makes history as the first female coach for the NY Knicks’ G League affiliate team, the Westchester Knicks, Black Enterprise reports.
Willis attended UCLA where she was regarded as the nation’s best defender by ESPN’s Nancy Lieberman. She graduated, leading as a three-point shooter and ranking ninth in all-time scoring. In 2006, she was drafted to the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, playing with them for two seasons before moving to the New York Liberty. Over a decade later, she is now an assistant coach for the Westchester Knicks, becoming the first female coach in the history of New York’s basketball franchise.
Steve Mills, president of the New York Knicks issued a press release saying, “The Westchester Knicks continue to be a vital part of our player development program at the New York Knicks. Today, we’ve added two talented coaches who will improve our players’ skills both on and off the court.”
The head coach, Derrick Alston, said, “I am very excited to welcome Lisa to our Westchester Knicks family. Lisa has had the benefit of playing professionally and winning at the highest levels. Given Lisa’s acumen for the game, there is no doubt in my mind that her transition to the sideline will be seamless.”
Willis was a member of the NBA’s Assistant Coaches Program (ACP), developed as a way for former NBA, WNBA and NBA G League players to receive the education necessary to transition into coaching and front office positions. The NY native took to Instagram to share her excitement about her new position saying, “Suuuuuuper happy to be back in NY with my Madison Square Garden family. From the NY Liberty to the Knicks… 10 years later. Super excited to be able to share my knowledge and experiences with guys striving to get to the next level!! New York or Nowhere!”
Congratulations Coach Willis!
Photo Courtesy of Lisa Willis/Black Enterprise