Utah Women's Coach Lynne Roberts Takes on a New Role with the LA Sparks

A New Chapter Begins for Coach Roberts

After eight successful seasons as the head coach of the Utah Utes women's basketball team, Lynne Roberts has accepted a new role as the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks. Roberts, a two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year and a 2021 NCAA Tournament participant, will be tasked with leading the Sparks back to their former glory days. The Sparks, who have won three WNBA championships, have struggled in recent years, finishing with a losing record in each of the past two seasons.

Roberts' Impact on Utah

During her time at Utah, Roberts compiled a record of 162-95 and led the Utes to five NCAA Tournament appearances. She was named the Pac-12 Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2019, and her teams were known for their up-tempo style of play and their ability to develop young talent. Roberts also played a key role in the development of Utah's home arena, the Jon M. Huntsman Center, which opened in 2015.

The Challenge Ahead

Roberts will face a significant challenge in turning around the Sparks. The team has not made the playoffs since 2020, and their roster has been in a state of flux in recent years. However, Roberts is known for her ability to get the most out of her players, and she will be eager to prove herself in the WNBA. The Sparks are hoping that Roberts can bring the same success to Los Angeles that she did to Utah.

The news of Roberts' departure from Utah was met with mixed reactions. Some fans were disappointed to see her leave, while others were excited about the opportunity for a new coach to take over the program. However, there is no doubt that Roberts will be a tough act to follow. She has established herself as one of the top coaches in women's college basketball, and she will be looking to make her mark in the WNBA.