Karl Smesko

Karl Wade Smesko (born October 2, 1970) is an American professional basketball coach who is the head coach of the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA. He previously served as the founding head coach of the Florida Gulf Coast women's basketball team from 2002 to 2024.

High school Born in Bath Township, Summit County, Ohio, Smesko played point guard for Revere High School. He was considered strong, but not fast. He played well enough to garner interest from a small college in Oakland, California, but he chose to attend Kent State University.

College career While at Kent State, pursuing a communications degree, Smesko attempted to walk on to the basketball team but initially was unsuccessful. He tried again as a senior, and made the team. However, he ended up leaving the team to help care for a family member. He graduated summa cum laude in 1993.

Coaching career Early coaching career Smesko started coaching boys' basketball at his alma mater, Revere High School, while still in college. He briefly worked as an intern at a local TV station, but he preferred coaching so he decided to pursue a coaching career. He had attended basketball camps run by Bob Knight and became enamored with Knight's coaching philosophy. He continued to coach at the high school, while reaching out to secure a college position. Among the coaches he contacted was Herb Sendek, the head coach at Arizona State University. Sendek didn't have a position for him, but did have some advice, urging Smesko obtain his master's degree.

Maryland (1998–1999) Smesko accepted an assistant coaching position at Maryland in 1998. He served as an assistant under Chris Weller. He remained in that position for one season.

Florida Gulf Coast University (2002–2024) Smesko's success didn't go unnoticed. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) approached him about becoming the head of the women's basketball program. At the time, the school did not have a basketball program. The school had only been founded in 1991, with classes not having started until 1997, and not only had no team, it had no real athletic facilities. The plans at the time were to start as an NAIA program, while applying for NCAA Division II status. Despite the challenges, Smesko accepted the position, and spent the next year working out of the school's trailer to build a program from scratch. He persuaded players to come to the school, even though the first workout would take place on asphalt outdoor courts, while the school built an indoor facility. In his first game, his team won by 17 points. By the time the season ended, they had but a single loss for a record of 30–1. The team continued to excel, amassing a record of 132–21 as a Division II team. In 2007, FGCU applied to become a Division I school, as part of the Atlantic Sun Conference, now known as the ASUN Conference. The Eagles have competed in that conference ever since, finishing first or second in the conference every year. In 2011, they completed the transition to full Division I status, and eligibility for postseason tournaments.

Atlanta Dream (2025–present) On November 13, 2024, Smesko was named the head coach of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream.

Head coaching record College Source:

WNBA

Personal Smesko's father, Albert, coached high school boys' basketball and is a member of the Akron Coaches Association Hall of Fame. His brother, Kyle, coaches football as the offensive coordinator for Allegheny College

Awards and honors 1998—NAIA Coach of the Year 2011—Atlantic Sun Coach of the Year 2012—Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame (as coach of the 1998 Walsh University National Champions) 2013—Coach of the Year College Sports Madness 2013 All-Mid Major Teams 2014—Atlantic Sun Coach of the Year 2015—Atlantic Sun Coach of the Year 2016—Atlantic Sun Coach of the Year 2016—espnW Mid-Major Coach of the Year 2018—Atlantic Sun Coach of the Year 2019—Atlantic Sun Coach of the Year

Footnotes