Los Angeles Sparks Finalize 2024 Coaching And Support Staff

 

March 28, 2024

Two-time WNBA Coach of the Year Curt Miller announced the final additions to the 2024 Sparks coaching and support staff today. He will be joined on the bench by assistant coaches Camille Smith, Neil Harrow, and Nola Henry; with Steve Smith and Danielle Viglione returning in new positions.

Camille Smith (formerly Camille Little) played 13 seasons in the WNBA after being drafted 17th overall by the San Antonio Silver Stars in 2007 and played for the Atlanta Dream, Seattle Storm (2010 WNBA Champion), Connecticut Sun, and Phoenix Mercury. Smith attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and led the Tar Heels to two Final Four appearances. After retiring in 2019, she was announced to Brian Agler's coaching staff for the Dallas Wings in 2020 as a player development coach, and then went on to be named head coach at Paul Quinn College for the past two seasons.

"Camille is a decorated WNBA player that I had the pleasure of coaching in Connecticut. She has transitioned into the coaching ranks and has made an immediate impact on her players' growth on and off the court," said Miller. "With our young roster and post depth, I am excited to watch her mentor, push, and teach our talented players."

Neil Harrow joins the Sparks after spending the past two seasons as Associate Head Coach for James Madison University women's basketball, where he helped guide the team to the regular season conference championship and its first ever Sun Belt Tournament Championship title last season. Harrow also served as an advanced scout for the Connecticut Sun under coach Miller from 2021-2022 and for the Sparks in 2023. Prior to joining the Dukes staff, he served as an assistant coach at Troy University from 2015-2022 where he helped guide the Trojans to five Sun Belt Conference Championship titles, three NCAA tournament appearances and two WNIT appearances. Harrow graduated from University of the West of Scotland in 2010 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2020.

"Neil joins us from the collegiate ranks where he is widely respected and considered one of the bright stars of our profession," said Miller. "He's a passionate leader and relationship builder who impacts winning with his contagious positive energy."

Nola Henry enters her fourth season in the WNBA and second with Los Angeles, where she served as the player development coach last year. Prior to her time at the Sparks, she was a part of coach Miller's staff at the Connecticut Sun as the assistant basketball operations manager, and was a graduate assistant at the University of Hartford for the women's basketball program. Henry played collegiately at Charleston College and University of Massachusetts.

"Nola is an excellent young coach who has tremendous basketball instincts and feel for the game. I am excited for her expanded role in the upcoming season and appreciate the continuity that she brings to our staff," said Miller. "Nola has formed great relationships with our players and will play a major role in helping our guard core continue to develop."

Steve Smith rejoins the Sparks staff in a new position this season as the special assistant to the head coach and general manager. With over 26 years of experience in professional women's basketball, Smith has served as an assistant and scout for five WNBA organizations, including the Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, Detroit Shock, Connecticut Sun, and Indiana Fever. This will be Smith's fifth season working alongside Miller.

"I am excited for Steve's new role within the Sparks organization. Steve is a legend in LA and widely respected assistant coach in the WNBA, who will continue to provide veteran coaching leadership to our staff and players," said Miller. "In addition, Steve will help our front office with support in draft and free agent preparation along with special initiatives."

Another returner from Miller's staff last year is Danielle Viglione, who will now serve as the director of player development. Viglione was one of the original members of the Sacramento Monarchs, playing in the league's inaugural season in 1997 and played 10 seasons overseas. She also founded the Sacramento Skills Academy in 2009, which she still operates, helping players of all ages and levels improve their game. Viglione also serves as the director of player development at Athletes Unlimited, where she has worked with Lexie Brown, Rae Burrell, Zia Cooke and Layshia Clarendon over the past two seasons.

"Danielle is a tireless worker, a servant leader to our game and is passionate about developing players," said Miller. "She continues to impact players lives on and off the court with her knowledge and positive spirit, so it is exciting to have her move into the player development role."

 

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