BROOKLYN – January 28, 2020 – The New York Liberty today announced the hiring of 30-year coaching veteran, Shelley Patterson as assistant to the team’s new head coach Walt Hopkins.
“I am overjoyed to welcome Shelley to New York as a part of the Liberty coaching staff,” said Hopkins. “The value of her steady demeanor, her ability to create and maintain genuine relationships, and her nearly unparalleled experience and knowledge cannot possibly be overstated.
After working alongside her for three seasons, I can say with absolute certainty that we are not only getting a fantastic coach, but also an exceptional human being who exemplifies many of the qualities that are necessary to build a sustainable, championship-level culture. We are extremely fortunate to have her with us.”
Shelley Patterson’s 30-year coaching resume includes ten seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, where she provided support in scout preparation and game planning as well as individual player development.
“I could not be more thrilled to join the New York Liberty organization,” said Patterson. “I look forward to working alongside Walt Hopkins and a Liberty team that has great potential and a promising future.
Walt and I shared many days and nights in the office together planning and strategizing for upcoming opponents, so I know all about his work ethic. His positive attitude will be contagious and very important when creating a new culture for future champions.”
Prior to joining the Lynx, Patterson, a coaching veteran in both the professional and collegiate ranks, spent the previous three WNBA seasons (2006-2009) alongside Brian Agler in Seattle. Patterson also spent several segments of eight years with five additional WNBA franchises working in different capacities.
Patterson’s WNBA coaching career began in Houston during the 1999 WNBA season, where she served as Director of Basketball Operations and won a WNBA Championship with the legendary Comets. She then spent four years (2000-2003) working as an assistant coach with the Indiana Fever before joining the coaching staff of the Phoenix Mercury in 2004.
Additionally, Patterson served as head coach for the National Women’s Basketball League’s Chicago Blaze in 2005 and worked as an assistant coach with the late Anne Donovan and the Philadelphia Rage of the ABL during the 1998-99 season.
Her coaching career began in 1989 when she served as recruiting coordinator at Indiana State University. Patterson has also held positions at Ohio University, the University of Arizona, Wake Forest and Dayton.
Patterson is from San Jose, California and is a graduate of Washington State University.