Karl Smesko Leads Atlanta Dream to First WNBA Finals Since 2013

Karl Smesko's transition from coaching college basketball at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) to the WNBA with the Atlanta Dream has culminated in the franchise's first Finals appearance since 2013. Smesko, who previously built a Division I powerhouse at FGCU, embarked on a new challenge in the professional league less than two years ago.

During his tenure at FGCU, Smesko achieved considerable success, transforming the program from Division II status to a nationally recognized Division I team. Under his guidance, the Eagles consistently led the nation in three-pointers made, secured eight 30-win seasons, and reached the NCAA tournament 10 times. However, a Division I championship remained elusive.

The opportunity with the Atlanta Dream presented a chance to pursue the ultimate prize in professional basketball. Smesko cited the more equal playing field in the WNBA as appealing, believing it offered a greater opportunity to win a championship compared to the collegiate level. "As good as we were at Florida Gulf Coast, the odds were very stacked against us to make that type of championship run," Smesko said. "In the pros, I definitely thought there was more of an opportunity. It’s a more equal playing field to win the whole thing and that was appealing to me."

Smesko's move has yielded immediate results. He has led the Dream to back-to-back 30-win seasons. After a first-round playoff exit in his inaugural season, Atlanta swept its first two opponents in the 2026 postseason to reach the WNBA Finals.

The Finals pit Smesko against Natalie Nakase, the second-year coach of the Golden State Valkyries, a franchise also in its second year of existence. The Valkyries had a successful regular season against the Dream, winning all three matchups. This season's sweep by the Valkyries mirrors last season's sweep of the Dream by the Las Vegas Aces, who went on to win the WNBA title.

Dream star Angel Reese expressed her gratitude for Smesko's leadership. "He’s a coach that really believes in you and he knows what’s best," Reese said. "And I’m really thankful for him, for being able to help me with my career and help me be better for the team — because I don’t think I would be in this situation and thriving as I am individually without him."

Smesko's departure from FGCU occurred early in the 2024-25 season. He left behind a program that continued to thrive under longtime top assistant Chelsea Lyles, who also won 30 games and reached the NCAA Tournament. Several individuals with FGCU ties followed Smesko to Atlanta, contributing to a sense of familiarity that he believes has eased the transition. "It’s been huge," Smesko said, "because we think about the game a little differently."

The 2026 WNBA Finals are set to begin on October 17 at Chase Center in San Francisco, with Game 1 featuring the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream.