The Atlanta Dream has bolstered its leadership team with the addition of LaToya Sanders and Brandi Poole as assistant coaches and the promotion of Brooklyn Cartwright to Assistant General Manager. These moves signal the organization’s continued commitment to building a winning culture and strengthening its position as a WNBA contender.
“LaToya and Brandi bring invaluable WNBA experience, including deep postseason success, to our staff,” said Dream Head Coach Karl Smesko. “Their leadership, knowledge, and passion for the game will be instrumental as we continue to build a winning culture in Atlanta. We are fortunate to have them join the Dream.”
LaToya Sanders: Championship Pedigree and Defensive Expertise
Sanders arrives in Atlanta after serving three years on the Washington Mystics’ coaching staff, most recently as Associate Head Coach. Her coaching tenure follows a distinguished seven-year WNBA playing career, capped by winning a championship with the Mystics in 2019. Sanders also boasts international experience, having played for the Turkish national team and professionally in Turkey.
During her collegiate career at the University of North Carolina, Sanders made a lasting impact, earning the 2008 Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year award and setting all-time school records in field goal percentage and blocked shots.
“I’m excited to join the Atlanta Dream and work with such a talented team and staff,” said Sanders. “This is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of the organization.”
Brandi Poole: A Proven Leader with Postseason Success
Poole brings over 20 years of basketball expertise to the Dream. Her WNBA coaching experience includes a five-year stint with the Connecticut Sun, where she helped lead the team to a 105-53 record and two WNBA Finals appearances. Under her guidance, the Sun became a perennial playoff team, making the postseason in each of her five seasons. Poole also has extensive collegiate coaching experience, having held assistant roles at Texas Tech, Indiana, Bowling Green, and West Virginia.
“Karl Smesko is a highly respected coach, and I look forward to learning from and working beside him,” said Poole. “His basketball acumen and character are second to none. I am grateful to both him and Dan Padover for believing in my abilities to contribute positively to the future of the Atlanta Dream and compete for a WNBA Championship.”
Brooklyn Cartwright: Rising Leadership in the Front Office
Since joining the Dream in 2021 as Director of Basketball Operations, Brooklyn Cartwright has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s vision. Her promotion to Assistant General Manager reflects the Dream’s commitment to developing leadership within its ranks. Cartwright’s adaptability and strategic contributions have been pivotal to the team’s success during a critical period of growth.
“I am thrilled to take on this new role with the Atlanta Dream and deeply grateful to our ownership, General Manager Dan Padover, and the entire organization for their unwavering support and belief in me,” said Cartwright. “This promotion is a testament to the incredible culture we’ve built—a culture that champions hard work, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
General Manager Dan Padover praised Cartwright’s rise within the organization: “Brooklyn’s growth within our organization has been remarkable. She has quickly become one of the rising leaders and basketball executives in the WNBA. Her ability to organize, communicate, and collaborate across all levels of our team has been invaluable, and I’m thrilled to see her step into this new role.”
Building a Bright Future
With the addition of Sanders and Poole to the coaching staff and Cartwright’s promotion, the Atlanta Dream continues to strengthen its foundation for sustained success. These moves underscore the organization’s dedication to fostering excellence both on and off the court, as the Dream looks ahead to competing for a WNBA championship.
