Teresa Weatherspoon named Director of Franchise Development
NEW YORK, NY – April 21, 2017 –New York Liberty Team President Isiah Thomas announced today, that former WNBA legend Teresa Weatherspoon has been named Director of Franchise Development. In addition to this new appointment, she will continue to serve as the team’s Director of Player Development, a role she has held since 2015.
Weatherspoon joins former Liberty player Swin Cash as a Director of Franchise Development, providing New York with two of the WNBA’s Top-20 Greatest and Most Influential Players of all-time weighing in on business and basketball operations.
As Director of Player Development, Weatherspoon has been critical to one-on-one instructional work with all Liberty players, in addition to scouting, and player personnel moves. In her new position, she will add an increased presence in the franchise’s off court and team business initiatives.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to expand my role with the New York Liberty as a Director of Franchise Development, and I want to thank Team President Isiah Thomas for putting me in this position,” said Weatherspoon.” “I love working closely with our players, helping them enhance their game on the court, and am excited to be given the opportunity to work with our front office and team business staff at Madison Square Garden.”
“Teresa Weatherspoon is synonymous with the New York Liberty, she is one of the brightest stars to ever play in the WNBA, and it’s invaluable to be able to have her impact our franchise in a significant way on and off the court,” said Thomas. “Spoon’s efforts as Director of Player Development have transformed our play on the court, and bringing her unprecedented experience and expertise to our front office decision making will only serve to help our team grow and reach new heights.”
Weatherspoon was an inaugural member of the New York Liberty, and starred for the franchise from 1997-2003, leading New York to the 1st-ever WNBA Championship game and three Eastern Conference Championships (1999, 2000, 2002).
She is the Liberty’s all-time leader in assists (1,306) and steals (453), and was the 1st-ever WNBA player to eclipse 1,000-career points and 1,000-career assists. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010, the New York Liberty Ring of Honor in 2011, and the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame in 2006.
Weatherspoon has served as the Liberty’s Director of Player Development since 2015, following a stint as a team consultant in 2014.
Training camp for the 2017 season opens on Sunday, April 23, at MSG Training Center. The 2017 Season Opener presented by Kia Motors will be on Saturday, May 13, when the Liberty hosts the San Antonio Stars at Madison Square Garden at 3 PM. The 1st 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a rally towel courtesy of Kia.
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