Atlanta Dream Sign Two-Time WNBA Champion Renee Montgomery


ATLANTA – Atlanta Dream head coach Nicki Collen announced the signing of two-time WNBA Champion and former UConn standout Renee Montgomery to a multi-year contract Thursday.

“Leaving the Minnesota Lynx was difficult but I’m excited to bring that championship experience to the Atlanta Dream,” Montgomery said. “I live in Atlanta so I’m excited to come back east where I’m closer to family and friends and start a new journey with the Dream.”

“When I got the job I immediately targeted Renee Montgomery,” Collen said. “I could not be happier that she has decided to call Atlanta her WNBA home. I know she will help build something special here.

Montgomery, a 10-year WNBA veteran, averaged 8.0 points and 3.4 assists in 21.8 minutes for the eventual champions. After an injury to starting guard Lindsay Whalen, Montgomery started the final 12 games of the 2017 season and helped the Lynx to the No. 1 seed entering the Playoffs.

“Renee is a guard who can run a team as well as really stretch the defense with her 3-point shooting ability,” Collen said. “Beyond her skill on the court, I believe her championship pedigree will help lend leadership in the locker room.  Fans will love her tenacity defensively and her ability to light it up from deep. I could not be happier that she has decided to call Atlanta her WNBA home and help build something special here.”

A 5’7” guard from the University of Connecticut, Montgomery was selected in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Lynx after leading the Huskies to the 2008-09 National Championship. Following her rookie season, she was traded to the Connecticut Sun where she played 5 ½ seasons before returning to Minnesota. She has compiled career averages of 9.7 points per game and 3.1 assists per game, while connecting on 34.6% of her 3-point attempts.

“I spoke with Coach Collen for a long time and was very excited with the direction she wanted to take the franchise,” Montgomery added. “I could feel her passion over the phone so I’m excited to see what’s in store. I think this is an exciting time for Atlanta. With Chris Sienko and Coach Collen leading the way, I think the future looks good. Really really good.”

2018 Atlanta Dream season and group tickets are on sale now by calling 877-977-7729 or by visiting www.AtlantaDream.net.

The Atlanta Dream, who is celebrating its 11th season in the WNBA in 2018, will play its home games in McCamish Pavilion on the Georgia Tech campus. Atlanta has qualified for the playoffs seven times, winning conference titles in 2013, 2011 and 2010.