Sandra Brondello

Sandy Brondello: The Trailblazing Coach Leading the New York Liberty

Sandra Brondello has established herself as one of the top coaches in the WNBA. She led the Phoenix Mercury to a championship in 2014 and is now tasked with rebuilding the New York Liberty franchise. Brondello’s coaching journey has taken her around the globe and resulted in championship success.

Playing Career

Sandra Brondello grew up in Mackay, Australia and showed her basketball talents from a young age. She played for the Queensland Basketball League’s Mackay Meteorettes during high school. Brondello joined the national team for Australia. She competed in four Olympic Games from 1996 to 2004, winning a bronze medal in 1996.

Brondello also played professionally in the American WNBA and in several European leagues. She had her best professional season in 1998 with the Detroit Shock, averaging 13 points per game.

A tenacious defender and rebounder, Brondello became known for her work ethic and basketball IQ as a player.

Coaching Success

Brondello’s coaching career began as an assistant with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2005. She took over as the head coach of the San Antonio Silver Stars in 2010.

In 2014, Brondello was hired as the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury. She led the Mercury to a WNBA title in 2014 and two other Finals appearances. The team made the playoffs eight straight years under her leadership.

Brondello has also coached the Russian national team and the San Antonio Stars (now the Las Vegas Aces). She holds a .595 career regular season winning percentage.

Achievements and Accolades

Some of Sandy Brondello’s top coaching achievements include:

• 2014 WNBA Championship with the Phoenix Mercury
• 2014 WNBA Coach of the Year
• 5x WNBA All-Star Game head coach (most recently in 2021)
• 8 straight playoff appearances with Mercury (2014-2021)
• 4x Gold medals as Australia’s head coach (World Cups and Olympics)
• Bronze medal as a player at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics

Brondello has quickly become one of the most accomplished coaches in women’s basketball history. She blends superb strategies with an ability to connect with players.

Taking Over the New York Liberty

In January 2022, the New York Liberty hired Brondello as their next head coach to replace interim coach Walt Hopkins. She inherited a talented but struggling team.

Early in 2023, Brondello has led the Liberty to a 2-1 start. She aims to instill an upbeat, defensive-minded culture. With young stars like Sabrina Ionescu on the roster, the future looks bright for Brondello and the Liberty franchise.

At age 53, coach Sandy Brondello remains passionate about growing the game and bringing championships to New York. Her Hall of Fame-worthy career continues ascending to greater heights.