Veteran WNBA coach Latricia Trammell has returned to the Los Angeles Sparks as particular assistant to move coach Lynne Roberts, the staff introduced Tuesday. The transfer reunites Trammell with the franchise the place she beforehand served as a prime defensive assistant from 2019 to 2022.
“I’m extremely honored and grateful to return to the Los Angeles Sparks— a corporation that holds a particular place in my coronary heart,” Trammell stated. “This franchise has a wealthy legacy, a passionate fanbase and a dedication to excellence that aligns with every thing I imagine in as a coach. I need to thank Head Coach Lynne Roberts for the chance to be a part of this thrilling new chapter. I’m excited to get again to work with this proficient group of gamers and training workers.”
Trammell brings almost 30 years of teaching expertise throughout highschool, faculty and the skilled degree. Most just lately, she served as head coach of the Dallas Wings from 2023 to 2024, guiding the staff to a playoff berth in her first yr earlier than being dismissed after a 9-31 season in 2024. She completed her Dallas tenure with a 31-49 general report.
Trammell Brings Defensive Experience
Recognized league-wide for her defensive experience, Trammell beforehand helped information Candace Parker to the 2020 WNBA Defensive Participant of the Yr award throughout her first stint with the Sparks. Beneath her watch, Nneka Ogwumike and Brittney Sykes additionally earned a number of All-Defensive Staff honors.
Her WNBA teaching profession started in 2017 as an assistant with the San Antonio Stars, the place she labored with then-rookie Kelsey Plum and ahead Dearica Hamby — each of whom now play key roles for the Sparks.
Earlier than coming into the WNBA, Trammell had a profitable collegiate profession, most notably at Oklahoma Metropolis College, the place she led this system to back-to-back NAIA nationwide championships in 2014 and 2015. She was named NAIA Coach of the Yr each seasons.
Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts praised the rent, calling Trammell a useful addition at a crucial level within the season.
“We’re excited and lucky to have LT formally be part of our workers,” Roberts stated. “She’s an skilled coach and a large particular person. I’m trying ahead to working intently together with her as we make a push for the playoffs.”
Sparks Nonetheless Battling for Playoffs
The Sparks maintain an 8-14 report, inserting them sixth within the Western Convention. Whereas the staff has already matched its win whole from the 2024 season, inconsistency continues to plague Los Angeles. The Sparks have struggled to shut video games, and several other slim losses have stalled their momentum within the standings.
The addition of Plum within the offseason introduced much-needed expertise and improved backcourt play. Hamby stays a cornerstone, main the staff in factors and rebounds, whereas Azurá Stevens is having a career-best season with regular offensive manufacturing and rebounding.
The Sparks have leaned closely on a small group of high-usage gamers, and restricted bench contributions have made it tough to maintain robust performances throughout 4 quarters.
Roberts has emphasised the necessity for a extra aggressive and constant strategy, however the staff has but to seek out its rhythm for a full 40-minute effort. Wins over groups just like the Washington Mystics and Connecticut Solar have proven flashes of the group’s potential, however the Sparks will want a stronger second half to maintain playoff hopes alive.
