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NEW YORK, NY – May 6, 2018 – Following the first week of Training Camp, first-year head coach Katie Smith shared her take on the New York Liberty’s progression as well as insight to the team’s approach for its preseason competition.

Smith’s overall thoughts on the first week…
“Our group has had great energy and are particularly locked in. We as a staff try to outline our approach on each given day but we often tweak things and make the necessary adjustments on the fly as we analyze our practices. Sometimes, that extra breaking down and dissecting key areas is crucial.”

Smith on what has most impressed her…
“What has impressed me most this year, as well as in previous years’ experience, is that every single player shows up eager to work and learn. Even understanding that we have players overseas that will be returning and subsequently others will be cut, it’s refreshing to see these young ladies still have and benefit from this experience to continue and heighten their basketball journey.”

Smith on point of emphasis…
“Defense is our foundation. We have put the emphasis on that area particularly. As a group, we’re learning how to guard certain actions that many teams run so that we’ll be up to speed for the preseason games. We are also focusing on finishing shots and forcing everyone to be a threat, so we can be more dynamic and have more offensive success.”

Smith on Tina Charles’ production…
“Tina has been very solid for us as expected. She continues to set the tone for the young players we have in camp. She also enjoys showing the young players the lay of the land and taking that extra time to help develop them. She always works extremely hard in the offseason whether she’s adding to her skillset or honing on areas she feels are most important. We are all looking forward to her having a great year.”

Smith on the rookies’ contributions…
“Kia Nurse has met expectations and exceeded them. She is a really solid basketball player with a high basketball IQ and she has some jets! All of the rookies have come in eager to play. The biggest trait they all have is that they are competitors and that is seen every day. They are not intimidated by participating in a WNBA camp and as a coach, you love to see that.”

Smith on dynamics seen in practice…
“Our team has all come in ready to play with no hesitation to perform how we need them to. We have some really good veterans on the roster. That leadership is seen in how well they are able to connect with the group as a whole. Our veterans are willing to help foster the younger group and this will help them as they continue their basketball career in the WNBA or overseas.”

Smith on what she hopes the preseason will bring…
“In the preseason games, we as a staff will be watching how the rookies and the new players we haven’t yet seen, handle the learning curve of what is speed and physicality. We are interested to see how quickly they learn and adjust. We’re also excited to see how Shoni Schimmel does following a year off as well as our new veteran Marissa Coleman. This will also be a learning experience for me as this is my first game as a head coach.”

Smith on the team’s approach for the preseason games…
“Our approach is to compete and get after it on the defensive end. We won’t be familiar with all of their sets but we can still communicate and give the effort needed. On offense, I hope we can be patient and handle the pressure these teams will put on us. I know a lot of our players will be pumped so I hope we can take care of the ball and get shots on goal. It’s nice to see two teams because they will have different styles and that need to adapt quickly makes for experience we’ll need. This will only provide a great learning experience for the young players.”

The Liberty will play a pair of preseason games at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 7-8. New York will face the Dallas Wings on Monday, May 7, at 5 p.m., and Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday, May 8, at 5 p.m. The contests are part of a preseason round robin tournament that also features the host Connecticut Sun, who will take on the Sparks on May 7, and the Wings on May 8.

The Liberty 2018 season tips off on May 20 against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill. For the 2018 home opener at Westchester County Center, the Liberty welcome the defending champion Minnesota Lynx on Friday, May 25, at 7:30 p.m.

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