April 5, 2002
Stanley
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Marianne Stanley, the recently named head coach of the Washington Mystics, joined washingtonmystics.com for a live chat on Friday, April 5.
Stanley steps into the role of head coach with over 20 years of experience
and takes on this new position less than a month before the legendary
coach will be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame on April
27 as part of the Class of 2002.
As both a coach and a player, her career has been nothing short of
exemplary. Prior to joining the Mystics as an assistant coach in 2001,
Stanley was an assistant for the Los Angeles Sparks under head coach
Michael Cooper. There she helped lead the Sparks to the playoffs during
the 2000 season.
Stanley's coaching career can be described as successful and
groundbreaking. Overall, she compiled an impressive 415-224 (.649)
collegiate record, earning four Conference Coach of the Year and two
National Coach of the Year honors. Stanley took her teams to 13
post-season appearances, competed in six Final Fours and won three
National Championships (AIAW Championships-1979, 1980 and NCAA
Championship-1985). She also guided her teams to nine NCAA tournament
appearances (20-8) and recruited some of today's outstanding basketball
stars including Lisa Leslie of the Los Angeles Sparks (USC) and Adrienne
Goodson of the Utah Starzz (ODU). Stanley also served as a member of the
U.S. National Team coaching staff from 1981-1993, earning three gold and two
silver medals in the World Championships and Pan Am Games.
Here is what Stanley had to say in her chat with fans:
Christina: How do you feel about being the head coach of the Mystics?
Marianne Stanley: I'm just really excited about the opportunity to help Washington develop a championship level basketball team in the WNBA.
Tracy: What is the most important thing for the Mystics to do NOW, so that we can have a winning season in 2002?
Marianne Stanley: I think for everybody on our team -- the staff and the players -- to work hard every day in training camp, to utilize our draft picks to enhance an already solid core and just to develop the winning attitude that all championship teams have.
Kim, San Francisco: First, congratulations. The Mystics could not have made a better choice. Second, what do you think is the biggest ingredient missing to make this team a contender for the title? They definitely have the talent, but seem to be lacking putting it all together.
Marianne Stanley: Again, I'll go back to the previous question. Winning is something that is a calculated decision. To pay the price to be great, it requires dedication, tremendous work ethic, heart and team play.
Christine (Lancaster): Hey Coach! Congrats on the coaching job. What do you hope to bring to the Mystics?
Marianne Stanley: I've always been a competitive person and I hope my competitiveness is a contagious thing for our players. They see you can achieve goals that you set for yourself and realize those goals through hard work together with a unified group.
Todd, Honolulu: With the 3rd and 4th picks overall in the 2002 draft, what two players are you looking to get?
Marianne Stanley: We want two extremely competitive people who will help take our team toward the championship level we're looking for. We think there are a number of good players out there and it's too early to say exactly who we'll select. But we believe we'll get two great people.
Visalia: I was wondering if you had decided who your assistant coaches are going to be? Good luck this year.
Marianne Stanley: The good news is that there has been a tremendous amount of interest so I think there are some talented individuals out there. I'm trying to get a short list together. Mystics fans can be assured that we'll have the best staff possible.
Ami Forney & Janet Franey, Berkeley,: I just wanted to congratulate you on being hired as the new head coach. Having played for you for two years I truly understand what a great coach as well as person the Mystics orginization is hiring. We are all proud of you out here in California and good luck this season.
Marianne Stanley: Thanks Ami and Janet. I really appreciate the support and I tried to follow your season this year and wish you both all the success in the world as you go forth.
Buckfifty98 (Springfield, MO): Will you have a day-to-day working relationship with Pat Summitt or is she just going to be helping with the draft and trades? Good luck!
Marianne Stanley: The last time I checked, Coach Summitt was staying in Knoxville! But seriously, I've talked to Pat by phone and we'll work hard to make the best of the draft and any trades that might come about. But her role will be as a consultant and I feel fortunate to have her expertise close at hand.
LaShondra (Charlotte): Who do you think will step up as the vocal leader for the Mystics this year, with Nikki McCray gone?
Marianne Stanley: I'm a coach that expects leadership skills from everyone. I think each person will have a vital role to play and I think there are a lot of ways to lead. I'll expect that from our veteran players and I don't want them to be bashful in leading. I also think a point guard is a leadership position and we look forward to acquiring an outstanding point guard in this draft.
Ngario: Candi Harvey and Maura McHugh took over last year from other coaches and seemed to have motivated their teams to higher levels. How will you motivate the Mystics to be better?
Marianne Stanley: I think we have to have a group that really wants to win. I think establishing the daily work habits necessary to be a winner is important and that will be job one. Also just getting people to be willing to compete every time they step on the floor. I expect people to vy for playing time and starting positions and I'll have a practice environment that's very challenging to prepare for game time.
Erica (Oyster Bay, NY): Congratulations on becoming head coach.
My question for you is what do you like most about being a coach?
Marianne Stanley: That's a good question. I feel like I'm a teacher. I love practice because that's were you really get to teach and help people improve. That's really exciting to me. I'll never tire of that.
Of course, playing the game is about competing to win and that's always exciting to know that you've worked hard to prepare and then come out and be successful. That's the icing on the cake.
Eileen (Alexandria, VA): Coach, CONGRATULATIONS! I remember your playing days when the AIAW tournament had the teams playing two games in the same day. We were tough back then! How 'bout adding some double-headers to the Mystics schedule?
Marianne Stanley: Thank God times have changed! Two a day practices and training camps are tough enough without adding two games a day! When we play back-to-back games sometimes it feels like doubleheaders!
Brian, Philly: Congrats coach. Growing up in Philly, who or what would you say were your early influences, etc.?
Marianne Stanley: Good job Brian, knowing that I'm from Philly, the cradle of basketball. My family was always interested in sports. I started playing basketball when I was six. It's been a passion of mine for a long long time. I think my biggest influence was my parents, my family. In a strictly basketball sense, I grew up watching the 76ers and I loved Hal Greer, Archie Clark and Wilt Chamberlain. A lot of good basketball players in Philly.
I don't want to neglect the coaches that coached me. In terms of my own personal playing development, I had good coaches from grammar school on up. Everyone in Philadelphia will know the name Cathy Rush. I feel fortunate to have played for her at Immaculata.
Clay, San Franciso: Coach, how would you evaluate the Mystics' prior seasons?
Marianne Stanley: I worked with the Mystics last year so that was pretty good working knowledge. We have a good group of people and I'm excited to have them come back in good shape and ready to go. I'm excited about our ability to be successful in this league.
I want to thank everyone for their questions and to tell Mystics fans to get fired up! We're going to have a great season!
