The Atlanta Dream has been on a truly dreamy run this season. While the team struggled initially, they quickly turned things around to clinch the second spot and qualify for the playoffs. With 29 wins to their kitty, the team has been looking like one of the strongest contenders for a possible title run. Adding to that, Dream’s historic win against Liberty recently fueled a major award race. And that award race is for the Coach of the Year. Courtesy, Karl Smesko.
Smesko is currently in his debut year as head coach, but his grit and determination have awed the fans significantly. Now, as the team is bracing for the playoff challenge, Smesko has some honest words to share.
Karl Smesko Puts Stress On Mutual Trust Among Teammates
Smesko is surely a happy man. However, with his team turning things around quickly, the Dream head coach was bound to face some obvious questions. When asked about what the biggest improvement for the team was this year, Smesko immediately emphasized mutual trust. He stated that having a bond of trust between the coach and the players helps a team go a long way.
“I think there just needed to be some trust developed between coaches and players. They’re always wanting to know, are you going to be consistent, are you going to follow through with this? Is this really what you want?” said Smesko.
HISTORY MADE!! 🔥
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) September 9, 2025
Karl Smesko has earned his 29th win of the season — the most ever by a first-year head coach in WNBA history.#DoItForTheDream | #COY pic.twitter.com/dI78ShDGE6
The Dream’s head coach further pointed out that his team knows how to play and make the shots. And much to his pleasure, Smesko’s boys are trying hard to strive towards the goal. Meanwhile, ahead of playoff qualifying, Smesko delivered a strong message that might have motivated his team.
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Karl Smesko Urged His Team To Show Consistency
Dream had been quite inconsistent throughout the early phase of the league. Back in early August, Smesko saw his team shrug off a mid-season slump and dominate the hardwood. And looking at such a situation, the head coach looked quite happy. Smesko praised the likes of Brittney Griner after her return to form. However, even in the face of happiness, Smesko never forgot to stay grounded.
The 54-year-old head coach sent a strong message to his team, saying, “Well, hopefully the fan base sounds like they’re enjoying themselves. So, you know, hopefully we can keep it going and keep getting better. I think most people can see that, when we have it really going, we’re a top-level team in the league. But the thing is, to be able to do that consistently is the next step. Like, and that’s really the challenge because these games come up so fast.”
Thus, with the Atlanta Dream playing sublime basketball, things are looking extremely exciting. However, whether they can keep up with the good work in the playoffs will be an interesting prospect.