Atlanta, GA – May 21, 2024

In women’s basketball, Tanisha Lovely Wright stands tall as a figure of inspiration and leadership. She seamlessly transitioned from a stellar playing career to a coaching role that has seen her ascend to the helm of the Atlanta Dream in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1983, Wright’s journey to basketball prominence began early, honing her skills on the hardwood of West Mifflin High School in Pennsylvania. Her exceptional talent saw her amass an impressive 2,477 points and 1,100 rebounds during high school, culminating in a remarkable 51-point performance in a Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) title game. Such feats earned her a well-deserved induction into the WPIAL Hall of Fame in 2018.

Wright’s prowess on the court flourished further during her collegiate days at Penn State University from 2001 to 2005. A standout player for the Lady Lions, she etched her name in school history, earning U. S. Basketball Writers Association All-America First Team honors and finishing her career with 1,995 points, placing her sixth among all-time Lady Lions. Her defensive skills were equally noteworthy, earning her three consecutive Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year accolades, a feat unmatched in conference history.

Wright’s professional career started with her selection in the 2005 WNBA Draft, where she was chosen 12th overall by the Seattle Storm. Throughout a distinguished 14-year career in the league, Wright showcased her versatility and tenacity. She contributed significantly to the Storm’s 2010 WNBA title triumph and amassed 1,423 career assists, ranking her 10th in WNBA history.

Wright seamlessly transitioned into coaching, beginning her tenure as an assistant coach with the Charlotte 49ers in 2017, while still playing professionally. Her coaching acumen quickly garnered attention, leading to her appointment as an assistant coach with the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces in 2020, where she worked closely with renowned coach Bill Laimbeer.

In October 2021, Wright’s journey came full circle as she assumed the role of head coach for the Atlanta Dream, marking a new chapter in her basketball career. Under her guidance, the Dream experienced a resurgence, achieving their most wins in a season since 2018, and earning Wright accolades such as the Associated Press Coach of the Year award. Her leadership and coaching acumen have been instrumental in the team’s success, a testament to her ability to inspire and guide her players.

As head coach, Wright has endeavored to instill a culture of integrity and accountability within the Dream, fostering the growth and development of her players both on and off the court. Her tenure has seen the team’s performance steadily improve, with a record of 34 wins and 44 losses since her appointment.

Tonight, as the Dream prepares to face off against the Dallas Wings in their 2024 home opener at the Gateway Center Arena, all eyes are on Wright and her squad. With each team having one win and one loss, the stakes are high, with victory promising an early winning season record for the triumphant team.