ATL Standard

The Atlanta Dream has announced significant changes to its coaching staff and front office. LaToya Sanders and Brandi Poole have been hired as assistant coaches, while Brooklyn Cartwright has been promoted to Assistant General Manager.

"LaToya and Brandi bring invaluable WNBA experience, including deep postseason success, to our staff," stated 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."

Sanders joins the team following three years with the Washington Mystics, where she served as Associate Head Coach. Her playing career includes a championship win with the 2019 Mystics. Sanders also has international experience from her time with the Turkish national team and professional play in Turkey. At the University of North Carolina, she was recognized as the 2008 Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

"I’m excited to join the Atlanta Dream and work with such a talented team and staff," Sanders said. "This is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of the organization."

Poole brings over two decades of basketball leadership experience, having previously worked as an assistant coach for five years with the Connecticut Sun. During her tenure there, she contributed to a strong record and two WNBA Finals appearances. Poole's collegiate coaching background includes 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," Poole expressed. "His basketball acumen and character are second to none. I am grateful to both him and Dan Padover for believing in my abilities."

Cartwright’s promotion highlights her contributions since joining the Dream in 2021 as Director of Basketball Operations. She has played a key role in shaping the team's vision alongside General Manager Dan Padover.

"I am thrilled to take on this new role with the Atlanta Dream," Cartwright said. "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 development within the organization: "Brooklyn’s growth within our organization has been remarkable," he noted. "She has quickly become one of the rising leaders and basketball executives in the WNBA."

Established in 2008, the Atlanta Dream remains Georgia's only WNBA franchise.