When Becky Hammon was hired by the Las Vegas Aces to be their head coach at the end of 2021, it was historic. Since then, she’s had a huge influence on the WNBA. With an impressive record of 87-29 over three seasons, Hammon has quickly established herself as one of the league’s leading coaches. At 48 years old, she is not only recognized for her coaching prowess but for her extensive playing career across multiple leagues.
Hammon’s path to coaching began in the NBA. She was an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich from 2014-2021. She made history this summer by becoming the first woman to coach an NBA summer league team. In 2020, she upped the ante when she took over as acting head coach after Popovich was thrown out of a game. This year in particular prepared her for a smooth transition to the WNBA. In the end, she indeed made history as the first rookie coach to ever guide her team to a WNBA championship.
In her first year at the helm, Hammon led the Aces to the franchise’s first title. She topped that success with a second title in 2022. Her success on the pitch has garnered significant media attention. She has even been looked at for head coaching gigs in the NBA, such as the open post with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021. Yet, for Hammon, she chose to lean into her newfound place, sharing her excitement to coach in the women’s game.
“This opportunity for me, I couldn’t pass on it. … I bet on myself instead of maybe waiting it out for a maybe [in the NBA]. I’ve enjoyed being back on the women’s side,” said Hammon, highlighting her passion for her team and the women’s game.
With a powerful coaching style molded from her years under Popovich, Hammon credits much of her success to him. “He’s been a huge reason why I’m a head coach,” she stated. For one, they have worked together in tight synchrony for thousands of hours. This joint venture has provided Kelsey with some invaluable perspectives on coaching, especially at the top level.
Hammon’s time with the Aces has been characterized by personal fulfillment and professional success. You get the impression that she is very happy in her new job, though. “I’m really, really excited,” she said of coaching the Aces, underscoring her enthusiasm for the role and the new league.
As she continues to build on her already impressive record, Hammon remains open to future opportunities but knows that any potential transition will require careful consideration. “If I were to ever make that jump again, you know it just has to be the right fit, right time, in front of the right people, with the right team,” she noted.
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