OFFICIAL RELEASE:

Las Vegas (February 22, 2018)—Las Vegas Aces President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Bill Laimbeer announced today the hiring of Vickie Johnson and Kelly (Schumacher) Raimon as the team’s assistant coaches.

“Vickie has extensive coaching and playing experience in the WNBA, which I like,” said Laimbeer. “That experience will be needed as we launch a new culture for our franchise. She also has first-hand knowledge of the players coming from San Antonio and what they need to work on to improve.

“Kelly has experience as a WNBA player and got her feet wet last year on Chicago’s staff. She is very excited about this opportunity to learn and grow as a coach, and will put in the hours necessary to make the players and the team successful.”

Vickie Johnson

Johnson was the head coach of the San Antonio Stars in 2017, after spending the previous six seasons as a Stars assistant coach.

A four-year standout at Louisiana Tech during her collegiate days, Johnson was the 12th overall pick of the inaugural WNBA Elite Draft in 1997. She played 13 years in the league—her first nine years with the New York Liberty, and her final four seasons in San Antonio with the Stars.

Johnson was named to the WNBA All-Star Team in 1999 and 2001. She finished her career with 4,243 points and 1,205 assists, which rank 30th and 14th respectively in league history.

Johnson also played overseas for 15 years, and in 2007 was inducted into the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame.

“I’m so excited to be a part of the MGM Resorts and Aces’ family,” said Johnson. “I’m honored and really looking forward to being mentored by and working alongside the great Bill Laimbeer. This is such a unique opportunity that I have been blessed with and I’m very grateful.”

Kelly Raimon

Raimon helped lead the UConn Women’s Basketball Team to the 2000 NCAA Championship, and was selected by the Indiana Fever with the 14th pick of the 2001 WNBA Draft.

During her eight-year professional basketball career, Raimon played for the Fever, the New York Liberty, the Phoenix Mercury, and the Detroit Shock, winning WNBA Championships with Phoenix (2007) and Detroit (2008).

Following the 2009 season, Raimon retired to pursue a career playing beach volleyball in the AVP.

Raimon made the transition from player to coach two years ago, serving as a volunteer assistant with the Ohio State Women’s Basketball Team. Last season, she joined the Chicago Sky as the team development coach and advance scout.

“Once I heard MGM Resorts International bought the franchise, and Bill was the GM/Head Coach, I texted him immediately and told him I wanted the job,” said Raimon. “I loved Bill’s coaching style while I was in Detroit when we won the championship in 2008, so I knew this would be a great opportunity for me as a coach. He’s building an amazing roster and staff. I can’t wait to get to work!”

VISIT THE ACES’ WEBSITE