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Boucek: 'I want to become the best coach I can become'
Jenny Boucek has a huge passion for women's basketball and hopes to see more women elevated to the highest positions in pro men's sports. But for Boucek, becoming an assistant for the Sacramento Kings is about the next step in her coaching journey.
Kings
NBA
Boucek to be NBA's 2nd active female assistant
Jenny Boucek has been hired as an assistant coach for player development for the Kings, making her the second active female full-time assistant coach in the NBA.
WNBA
Stars
WNBA
New role with Las Vegas franchise comes at right time for Laimbeer
As little as three weeks ago, Bill Laimbeer was contemplating his future with the Liberty. He knew it was Katie Smith's time to rise to head coach. But what role would be right for Laimbeer? And then he got a call from MGM Resorts International.
Stars
WNBA
How having Stars in Vegas could impact WNBA's visibility
What we know with the San Antonio Stars moving to Las Vegas is that MGM Resorts really wanted the team, and Bill Laimbeer is all-in to run it. Both things could bode well for the franchise.
Top Headlines
Recruiting
ESPNW
Semaj Smith choosing her own basketball adventure
She tagged along while her mom played professional basketball overseas. Now elite recruit Semaj Smith, aka the "Long Beach State Baby," is down to five finalists as the early signing period approaches.
Liberty
WNBA
Groomed to be a head coach, Smith takes over Liberty
Katie Smith never wanted to be a coach, but Bill Laimbeer knew better. And four seasons after becoming his assistant, Smith will succeed Laimbeer as the New York Liberty's head coach.
espnw
- ESPNW
Athletes say 'me too'
Soccer players, swimmers and basketball players come forward to join the #MeToo movement.
WNBA
- ESPNW
Inside Elena Delle Donne's dream wedding
Washington Mystics shooting guard Elena Delle Donne is marrying Amanda Clifton in early November. The couple will flip a coin to see who will walk down the aisle first.
UNC
NCAAM
How and why North Carolina escaped sanctions
North Carolina does not have to give back any basketball national championships. It was not hit with any postseason bans or reductions in scholarships. The Tar Heels, basically, walked away clean and free. It's time to explain how it happened.
USA Basketball
espnw
Team USA begins training for 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Earlier this month, coach Dawn Staley brought the USA Basketball women's national team pool together for a training camp in California.
2:32
WNBA
'Next generation' starts now for USA Basketball
A lot of new faces, including Dawn Staley taking over as coach, made for an intriguing training camp for the U.S. women's national team, which had just two former Olympians in camp last week.
espnw
- ESPNW
Brooke McCarty is engaged and gets a group hug
Texas women's basketball guard Brooke McCarty is officially off the market, and the proposal was super cute.
HoopGurlz Recruiting
espnw
- ESPNW
Samantha Brunelle: No. 1 prospect with a cause
Considered the top junior prospect in the nation, Samantha Brunelle has a calendar crammed with training, studying and visiting colleges. The standout at Virginia's William Monroe still found time to host a clinic and auction to benefit kids in Houston.
Texas
NCAAW
- ESPNW
No. 2 prospect Collier: 'I want my family to be able to watch me play'
Charli Collier shook the women's basketball recruiting world last month when she decommitted from UConn. The No. 2-ranked recruit dishes on why Texas is the right fit, what Geno Auriemma told her and how Tina Thompson can make her a better player.
Becky Hammon and the NBA
espnw
Hammon handles coaching duties in Spurs win
Spurs assistant Becky Hammon handled head-coaching duties for the first half of the team's preseason win over the Nuggets on Sunday. The former WNBA guard for the San Antonio Stars has led the Spurs' summer league team the past two seasons.
Spurs
NBA
Hammon calls coaching team 'amazing opportunity.'
Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon discusses leading the team during the first half of Sunday's game against the Nuggets and how Gregg Popovich focuses on teaching.
0:45
WNBA
WNBA
Lynx back on top, but WNBA grew in many ways in 2017
There were milestones, business and technology advancements, and the emergence of young stars. Here are the developments that stood out most this season -- and how they might impact the WNBA in 2018.
Lynx
WNBA
Fowles took last year's loss 'all the way to China.'
WNBA Finals MVP Sylvia Fowles reflects on the difference of losing Game 5 last year to hoisting the championship this season.
1:14
WNBA Finals Game 5
WNBA
Lynx regain title, but entire WNBA is a winner
Minnesota dethroned Los Angeles to win its fourth title in seven years. But with a competitive and entertaining WNBA Finals that once again went the distance, it felt as if the entire league won.
WNBA
Lynx capture 4th WNBA title in 7 years.
The Lynx feed off the Sparks in Game 5 of the WNBA finals to win 85-76 and capture their fourth title since 2011.
2:02
WNBA
Long road of success brings Lynx their fourth WNBA championship
A year after watching Los Angeles win a WNBA title on Minnesota's home court, the Lynx didn't let another Game 5 get away. Minnesota won two elimination games, beating L.A. 85-76 to join the Houston Comets as the only four-time WNBA champions. Sylvia Fowles, who had 20 rebounds, was named WNBA Finals MVP.
Chamique Holdsclaw
espnw
- ESPNW
WNBA great Chamique Holdsclaw on when the game ends
Chamique Holdsclaw's All-Star basketball career allowed her to mask her mental illness. Until it didn't. After hitting her lowest point, she walked away from the court and found a higher purpose.
WNBA
- ESPNW
Holdsclaw shares struggles with mental illness
The women's basketball legend shines a light on her family history, the separation from her parents, her bipolar diagnosis and coping mechanisms at the espnW: Women + Sports Summit.
The Undefeated
The Undefeated
On this day in Latinx history: Diana Taurasi becomes first Latina to earn WNBA Finals MVP honors
Former UConn star leads Mercury to the title in five games in 2009.
- The Undefeated
On this day in Latinx history: Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo is born
Forward dominated at UConn before six-year WNBA career.
Lynx
WNBA
WNBA
Lynx's Whalen right at home with fourth WNBA title
One year after a heartbreaking loss to the Sparks at home in Game 5, Lindsay Whalen and the Lynx got one back, led by a gritty point guard who refused to let it happen again -- especially on the same court she starred on in college.
WNBA
Whalen credits joy of the game for victory.
Lindsay Whalen discuses what the team did all season and how they won the game tonight to win the WNBA title.
2:02
WNBA
Whalen's behind- the -back pass leads to Moore's jumper.
Lindsay Whalen uses the fancy pass and it leads to a Maya Moore jump shot.
0:20
Sparks
WNBA
Sparks somber after losing their title
It started with a rush for Chelsea Gray and the Sparks, but the WNBA Finals ended in disappointment after a Game 5 loss in Minnesota.
Recruiting
NCAAW
- ESPNW
No. 1 prospect shares 'complicated' recruiting update
She's deciding between UCLA, Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas and UConn. No. 1 prospect Christyn Williams discusses the players and coaches who have made an impact during her final days before declaring her destination. Let's just say it's complicated.
ESPNW: Women + Sports Summit
- ESPNW
The next steps in athlete activism after the espnW: Women + Sports Summit
The eighth annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit was filled wtih moments of awe from panels and speeches, and from unplanned interactions and conversations. How can we use those moments to move forward the conversation on athlete activism?
Free Cookies: Bird and Rapinoe
- ESPNW
Megan Rapinoe can't figure out why fans don't flock to NWSL
U.S. Soccer star Megan Rapinoe and four-time Olympic gold medalist Sue Bird spoke about their influence on each other and more at the eighth annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit.
WNBA
Lynx-Sparks has grown into one of best rivalries in women's basketball history
For years, dominant teams at the college, pro and Olympic level took some of the drama out of women's basketball's biggest moments. The sharply played, bone-crushing, heavyweight bouts between Minnesota and Los Angeles are just what the game needed.
WNBA Finals Game 4
WNBA
Brunson, Lynx rebound to force WNBA Finals to decisive Game 5
For the second year in a row, the Lynx staved off elimination and prevented the Sparks from winning a title on their home court. This time, Rebekkah Brunson and Minnesota's rebounding -- the Lynx outrebounded the Sparks 48-28 -- were the difference.
WNBA
Lynx force Game 5 with road win in LA.
Sylvia Fowles scores 22 points and grabs 14 rebounds as the Lynx beat the Sparks 80-69 to force a decisive Game 5 in the WNBA Finals.
1:17
WNBA
Lynx beat Sparks on road to extend WNBA Finals
Just as they did last year at Staples Center, the Lynx prevented the Sparks from celebrating a WNBA title on their home floor. Now, after Sunday's 80-69 Lynx victory, the series heads back to Minnesota for Wednesday's decisive Game 5.
Texas
NCAAW
- ESPNW
Rising stars Pugh, Kent and Collier shine at espnW: Women + Sports Summit
High school basketball player Charli Collier, U.S. women's soccer star Mallory Pugh and two-sport Boston College senior Kenzie Kent discussed their young careers at Monday's Voices of the Future panel at the espnW: Women + Sports Summit.
WNBA Finals Game 3
WNBA
Unburdened Parker has Sparks nearing repeat
Last year, Candace Parker got a text from Kobe Bryant that helped her get over the hump of winning her first WNBA title. Now, she and the Sparks are in command again in search of a repeat.
Sparks
WNBA
Parker credits defense for Sparks' Game 3 win.
After filling the stat sheet for Los Angeles in Game 3, Candace Parker joins SC with her daughter, Lailaa, to talk about the Sparks' win over the Lynx in the WNBA Finals.
1:21
WNBA
WNBA
- ESPNW
The sports world is catching up to the women who were there first
After a wave of team-wide anthem demonstrations engulfed the NFL last weekend, the WNBA was notably absent from the conversation -- not a surprise to anyone who's studied the historical disregard of women's contributions to social movements.
NFL
How national anthem rules differ across sports leagues
The NFL's national anthem saga has sparked renewed interest about the anthem and how it's observed at sporting events. Here's what's on the books for all the major domestic sports leagues.
Around the Rim
Dunn, Ogwumike and Gray guest on Around the Rim
Lin Dunn, legendary coach and Women's Basketball Hall of Famer, breaks down the WNBA Finals so far, plus Nneka Ogwumike and Allisha Gray chat with LaChina Robinson.
Lynx
WNBA
Pierson turns out to be the perfect addition to Lynx
Signing Plenette Pierson might have seemed risky for a franchise that seemed to have all the puzzle pieces in place. But as she nears retirement, the 14-year pro has been a solid backup at forward and has provided Minnesota veteran leadership.
Recruiting
- ESPNW
Identical twins take aim at Colorado title
Camilla Emsbo and Kira Emsbo have been dominant since they turned their attention to basketball. Now, in what could be their final season on the same team, they're hoping to win a state title.
WNBA
WNBPA names charities to receive grants raised from league fines
The Women's National Basketball Players Association on Wednesday announced the charitable organizations that will receive grants raised from fines levied by the WNBA.
- The Undefeated
Former WNBA player Greeba Gamble has a new invention
While balancing a blossoming sales career and family life, the mother and entrepreneur said she works hard to be No. 1.
WNBA
WNBA salaries in focus as Finals tip off
An article earlier this week suggested the WNBA is underpaying its players, and members of the Lynx and Sparks were on the same side Saturday ahead of Game 1, agreeing they deserve a bigger cut of revenue.
'Battle of the Sexes'
- ESPNW
WNBA players can find inspiration in 'Battle of the Sexes'
The "Battle of the Sexes" occurred seven years before the oldest current WNBA player was born. But the new film is important for WNBA players to see as they continue to grow their league and face some of the same sexism that remains 44 years later.
UConn
NCAAW
Auriemma showing commitment to state education.
Kate Fagan is impressed by Geno Auriemma's offer to forgo his salary to help the state of Connecticut.
1:14
South Carolina
NCAAW
- ESPNW
The treadmill took down A'ja Wilson
Everyone has off days, and A'ja Wilson had hers on Thursday. Unfortunately for the South Carolina women's basketball star, the treadmill was on.
Lynx
WNBA
Lynx veteran Brunson reinvents her game
Long regarded as a defensive and rebounding specialist, Rebekkah Brunson made more 3-pointers in 2017 than in her 12 previous seasons combined. For her to win her fifth WNBA title, and fourth with the Lynx, Brunson must keep shooting from beyond the arc.
Recruiting
- ESPNW
Morning or night, top New York prospect is up for a game
St. Francis Prep senior Emily Engstler honed her game against the guys on her neighborhood courts. After she put up gaudy numbers as a junior, college coaches are hoping they have next.
Most valuable Player
Lynx
WNBA
MVP award means 'everything' to Fowles.
After winning the WNBA MVP award, Sylvia Fowles joins SC6 to explain how this compares to all the other feats in her storied career.
2:21
Lynx
WNBA
Fowles' extremely emotional MVP speech.
Sylvia Fowles of the Minnesota Lynx breaks down into tears and she accepts the 2017 WNBA MVP award.
1:16
Naismith Hall of Fame
NCAAW
Pursuit of perfection leads McGraw to Naismith Hall of Fame
Muffet McGraw succeeded on the court and as a coach when the world didn't make either easy for women. Now, after 853 wins and a national title, McGraw's career has taken her to the Naismith Hall of Fame.
UConn
NCAAW
From UConn legend to leading analyst, Lobo gets Hall call
Rebecca Lobo thought she was a typical college kid, but she turned out to be exceptional. And now, Lobo enters the Naismith Hall of Fame as a UConn legend, a women's basketball icon and one of the leading voices in the sport.
Sparks
WNBA
Ogwumike, Sparks inspired after D.C. museum visit.
LA Sparks players discuss the powerful impact their visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C. had on their lives.
0:55
Liberty
WNBA
Liberty's Charles meets man who says she saved his life
In July, a defibrillator donated by Tina Charles' foundation helped save the life of a man in Texas. On Friday, the Liberty united the two with a surprise meeting. "I wouldn't be here, standing here talking right now" if it weren't for Charles, he said.
Storm
WNBA
Storm
WNBA
Bird has always been consummate point guard
With a personality perfectly suited to play point guard, Sue Bird has always excelled at feeding her teammates the ball. After the Storm star became the WNBA career assists leader Friday, we can officially say no one in league history has done it better.
WNBA
Bird breaks the WNBA all-time assist record.
Sue Bird collects her 2,600th career assist against Washington, passing Ticha Penicheiro, who previously held the record with 2,599 assists.
1:22
Top Headlines
Customize ESPN
Tracking UConn's Winning Streak
- Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
UConn Huskies' NCAA-record win streak snapped at 111 games
UConn hadn't lost since November 2014, winning an NCAA-record 111 straight games that included two NCAA titles and a 38-0 season in 2015-16. Mississippi State snapped the historic run Friday.
Women's Basketball Recruiting
- Phil Ellsworth | ESPN Images
Signing Week
Stay up-to-date with the latest recruiting news from HoopGurlz.
