New York Liberty: Assistant coach Charmin Smith leaves team

The New York Liberty lost more than a game this past week with assistant coach Charmin Smith accepting the head coaching job offer at the University of California, Berkeley.

It’s been a tough few games for the New York Liberty after losing their second straight game to the Minnesota Lynx this past Saturday. The loss dropped the team to 3-7 on the season halting the initial momentum built up over a week ago with the big road win over the Los Angeles Sparks.

The latest loss for the team comes from within the coaching staff as assistant coach Charmin Smith has elected to leave the team and accept the head coaching job at the University of California, Berkley. The move is surprising considering Smith had just taken the assistant coach role with New York back in April, but the recent opening at the school enticed her return. Smith had served as an associate head coach for the Cal women’s basketball team under then-head coach  Lindsay Gottlieb since 2007.

Gottlieb accepting the coaching position with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers created an unexpected vacancy that Smith has decided to secure. Smith spent several years in the WNBA as a player before entering a career in coaching, and this offer will be her first opportunity to be a head coach in any capacity. Smith shared in a statement following her official hiring the connection she has with the school.

"“I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead this program and the amazing young women in it,… Berkeley has been my home for the last 12 years and has made a lasting mark on my life. I am incredibly proud of what this program has already accomplished under the direction of both Joanne and Lindsay, and I am thrilled to continue the work of preparing our student-athletes for success both on the court and beyond.”"

Smith was shown support by Liberty head coach Katie Smith wishing her well on the new journey as the team will look to increase their current staff’s roles to supplement the change. Liberty players Brittany Boyd and Reshanda Gray were briefly reunited with Smith as both spent time learning from her at Cal as well.

The Liberty will look to rebound back home this Friday against the Dallas Wings in need of a big win to keep hope alive in the season. Only a month until the WNBA All-Star break which is viewed often as the halfway point of the regular season.