Building Stars and Refining Mechanics
Among her primary responsibilities in Atlanta, Sanders works individually with All-Stars Howard and Angel Reese, designing tailored training regimens and breaking down game film. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes elevating supporting teammates to make the game easier for primary scorers. One notable success of this developmental work is Reese’s free throw shooting; during the postseason, Reese shot 87.1 percent from the charity stripe, aided by a specific 10-shot routine crafted alongside Sanders. In Game 2 against the New York Liberty, those clutch free throws proved vital in securing an overtime victory for the Dream.
Howard praised Sanders’ feedback style, noting that the assistant coach provides constructive guidance rooted in shared understanding. With Howard and Reese set to make their WNBA Finals debuts, Sanders’ championship experience with the 2019 Washington Mystics has become an invaluable asset for a roster where few players previously advanced deep into the postseason. It took Sanders 12 years as a player to reach the Finals and 13 years to capture her first title, a perspective she frequently shares to keep the team grounded.
A Formidable Playing Background and Coaching Evolution
Before transitioning to the sidelines, Sanders carved out a 12-year professional career that spanned seven WNBA seasons and prominent international stints. She played alongside stars Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore in Russia, won the 2018 EuroLeague title with UMMC Ekaterinburg, and naturalized as a Turkish citizen in 2012 to represent the country at the 2014 FIBA World Championships and the 2016 Rio Olympics. As a player with the Washington Mystics, she served as the starting lineup’s defensive anchor, praised by teammates like Shatori Walker-Kimbrough for doing the necessary dirty work.
Veteran coach Mike Thibault, who coached Sanders for four seasons in Washington, noted that her meticulous study habits signaled early on that she possessed the intellect for coaching. However, initial doubts centered on whether she possessed the outgoing vocal presence required to lead. After joining Thibault’s staff in 2022 and later being promoted to associate head coach, Sanders expanded her education beyond X’s and O’s, studying front-office operations such as salary caps and roster construction. She was subsequently hired as an assistant with the Dream ahead of the 2025 season.
Looking Ahead to Head Coaching Aspirations
Now widely considered a top candidate for a future head coaching position at either the WNBA or collegiate level, Sanders has steadily found her voice while maintaining an authentic approach. Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko stated last month that Sanders is ready to take the next step immediately, highlighting her exceptional basketball IQ and interpersonal connection skills. While Sanders remains open to collegiate opportunities and future head coaching vacancies when the right fit arises, her immediate focus remains fixed on helping the Dream capture the ultimate prize.