Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (left) and center Chiney Ogwumike (Amanda Scurlock/L.A. Sentinel)
The Los Angeles Sparks prepare for their first season with veteran head coach Curt Miller. Although the squad is in the early stages of training camp, they are eager to buy into his system.
“It’s really nice to be surrounded by great people who share the same vision of wanting to be great,” said Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike. “And also really comprehending and understanding what it means to play in this league.”
While bringing strong, competitive energy during practices, the Sparks squad have a strong chemistry on and off the court.
(L-R) Guards Rae Burrell, Lexie Brown, and Jordin Canada (Amanda Scurlock/L.A. Sentinel)
“It feels fun … everyone is just enjoying each other whether it’s during practice or after practice,” center Chiney Ogwumike said. “The vibes are right.”
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Forward Dearica Hamby recently gave birth to her second child; there is no timetable as to when she will return to gameplay. Guard Jasmine Thomas has fully recovered from her ACL tear and is participating in practice.
“You’re getting everything done, you see how well the team is coming together, picking up new concepts, learning everything,” Thomas said. “It feels good, it makes you excited, it makes you interested in getting back and playing.”
Forward Katie Lou Samuelson will miss the 2023 season due to pregnancy; she is expected to give birth in August. Forward Stephanie Talbot tore her ACL in February and is also out for the season.
Monica Czinano (left) and Zia Cooke interviews teammates at Media Day (Amanda Scurlock/L.A. Sentinel)
Guards like Lexie Brown and Jordin Canada have been mentoring rookie Zia Cooke, they recognized her confidence and development on the defensive end.
“She’s not afraid to be herself … I’ve been talking to her a lot, trying to be that vet for her,” Canada said. “Just to see her confidence coming in as a rookie is amazing and she’s been doing really well at training camp.”
The Sparks gave training camp contracts to Washington Prep alum Reshanda Gray along with Southern California natives Layshia Clarendon and Karlie Samuelson. Crystal Bradford and Joyner Holmes also have training camp contracts.
(L-R) Forward Crystal Bradford and guard Layshia Clarendon (Amanda Scurlock/L.A. Sentinel)
When it comes to being on a team, Clarendon noted how she wants to enjoy the people around her. Her relationships with Miller and Nneka along with her knowledge of general manager Karen Bryant played a factor in signing with the Sparks.
“I put so much time and energy and sweat and blood and tears and my life into this game of basketball,” Clarendon said. “I have my family, my wife, and my kid, for us to move and uproot ourselves, it has to be the right place and the right fit.”
The Sparks will have their season opener at home on May 19 against the Phoenix Mercury. The match up will mark the return of eight-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner.
“I’m so happy to be able to join the League at a time when she’s back safely,” said rookie forward Monika Czinano. “We’re excited to welcome her to [Crypto.com Arena].”
