FORT MYERS, Fla. – In a significant shift within collegiate athletics, Florida Gulf Coast University’s Karl Smesko has officially announced his resignation as head women’s basketball coach to embrace the role of head coach for the Atlanta Dream in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
“Coach Smesko’s legacy at FGCU extends far beyond the game itself,” remarked FGCU president Aysegul Timur. “He has profoundly influenced the lives of countless students and staff, instilling in them opportunities for personal and professional development both on and off the court. Now, it’s his turn to spread his wings, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
“There is joy and sadness intermingled with the departure of Karl Smesko,” expressed FGCU director of athletics Colin Hargis. “As the founding Head Coach of our Women’s Basketball program, he has elevated this team into the national spotlight. Karl has expertly transformed a fledgling program into a recognized powerhouse in collegiate basketball. I am both excited for Karl’s new journey and immensely grateful for his impactful contributions to our department and university. We eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for him and the positive influence he will have in the WNBA.”
“I had a great experience at FGCU,” Smesko expressed with gratitude. “I owe thanks to all of the former players, assistants, and administrators who have been pivotal in making my time here so memorable over the years.”
Smesko arrived in Fort Myers in 2002, embarking on the ambitious task of building the FGCU women’s basketball program from the very foundation. In his inaugural season, he led the then-Division II FGCU to an impressive 30-1 record. Smesko remained at the helm to guide FGCU through its transition to a fully-fledged NCAA Division I program, joining the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2007. Under his leadership, the Eagles experienced unparalleled success, winning 84 of their first 85 conference home games.
Smesko’s tenure was marked by extraordinary achievement, winning 20 or more games each season and recording a remarkable seven 30-win campaigns with the Eagles. Over 23 years, FGCU garnered the distinction of being the winningest Division I program in the history of college basketball, boasting an exceptional .845 all-time winning percentage.
Smesko’s extensive 26-year coaching resume stands among the elite in women’s college basketball history. He spent the initial year of his coaching career at Walsh before moving to Purdue Fort Wayne for two seasons, ultimately arriving at FGCU. He leaves FGCU ranked eighth overall in total wins (672-139, .829) in NCAA Division I and ranks fourth in winning percentage among all active Division I women’s basketball coaches.
Smesko is credited with transforming FGCU into a formidable mid-major powerhouse through an innovative long-range offensive strategy. The Eagles captured national attention, leading the country in made three-pointers per game for five out of the last seven years. Since 2012, FGCU achieved the remarkable feat of leading the nation in this category six times and finishing no lower than sixth. In a record-setting season, the Eagles shattered the NCAA record by sinking 431 three-pointers during the 2017-18 season. This offensive style has brought 14 ASUN regular-season titles, 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, and four NCAA Tournament victories to Fort Myers.
FGCU’s dominance under Smesko witnessed seven victories over Associated Press Top 25 ranked opponents and a stunning record of seven undefeated seasons in the ASUN. The team has clinched 14 out of 17 ASUN regular-season championships since joining the conference, and has consistently ranked no lower than second in the final standings. During his tenure, FGCU became the winningest 12-seed in NCAA Tournament history, notably defeating Missouri in 2018, Virginia Tech in 2022, and Washington State in 2023. Smesko also guided the program to a runner-up finish in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) in 2016. FGCU achieved its highest ranking in the Associated Press Poll during the 2014-15 season, finishing at No. 21 overall.
Throughout his career, Smesko has garnered accolades, being named ASUN Coach of the Year on 13 separate occasions and mentoring 10 ASUN Player of the Year winners. His tenure also saw the hiring of 24 former players through a successful player-to-coach pipeline he established. Notably, Smesko developed two WNBA draft picks, including Kierstan Bell, who was selected as the 11th overall pick by the Las Vegas Aces in 2022, marking her as the first Eagle to be taken in the First Round and the highest draft pick in program history. Bell has since secured two WNBA Championships with the Aces.
Success on the court parallels the academic achievements of FGCU women’s basketball under Smesko’s direction. Nine student-athletes earned spots on the Division I-AAA Athletic Directors Association Scholar-Athlete team, with several receiving prestigious post-graduate scholarships. Smesko guided 16 student-athletes to ASUN All-Academic Team honors since the award’s inception in the 2011-12 season, with seven players recognized as ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year on multiple occasions.
Long-time associate head coach Chelsea Lyles has been named the second head coach in the history of the FGCU program. A proud 2010 alumna of FGCU, Lyles, who played under Smesko, has advanced through the ranks on the FGCU coaching staff, transitioning from student assistant to her new role as the program’s head coach.
“It is with great enthusiasm that I announce Chelsea Lyles as the second head coach of the FGCU women’s basketball program,” Hargis emphasized. “Her unwavering commitment to FGCU and the women’s basketball program over the last 16 years is evident. She is poised to lead the Eagles into the next exciting chapter of our women’s basketball program, and I am eager for our student-athletes to benefit from Coach Lyles’ leadership.”
“Chelsea will undoubtedly excel in this role,” Smesko praised. “There is truly no one more prepared for this opportunity.”
**Interview with Karl Smesko, Former Head Coach of FGCU Women’s Basketball and New Head Coach of the Atlanta Dream**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Smesko. First off, congratulations on your new role with the Atlanta Dream! How are you feeling about this significant transition?
**Karl Smesko:** Thank you! It’s a mixture of excitement and nostalgia for me. I’m looking forward to this new challenge in the WNBA, but leaving FGCU after so many incredible years is definitely bittersweet.
**Editor:** You’ve had an outstanding 23 years at FGCU, building the women’s basketball program from the ground up. Can you talk about some of your most memorable moments there?
**Karl Smesko:** Absolutely! There are countless highlights – winning those 30 games in my first year, guiding the team through our transition to Division I, and those remarkable NCAA Tournament victories. But more than wins and losses, the relationships I’ve built with my players, staff, and the community have been truly unforgettable.
**Editor:** You’ve been recognized for your innovative play style and offensive strategies, particularly your emphasis on the three-point shot. How do you envision translating that success to coaching in the WNBA?
**Karl Smesko:** The principles I’ve used at FGCU—like emphasizing skill development and creating a strong team chemistry—will definitely carry over. In the WNBA, the game is even quicker, and the talent level is incredibly high. I’m eager to implement an adaptable style that can evolve with the pros while still maintaining that offensive firepower.
**Editor:** Both FGCU’s president and director of athletics have spoken highly of your impact on the university. What does that legacy mean to you?
**Karl Smesko:** It reinforces why I love coaching. Knowing that I’ve had a positive impact on the lives of my players and the community means everything. Building a successful program isn’t just about the games; it’s about developing young women and preparing them for life beyond basketball.
**Editor:** As you transition to professional coaching, what’s one lesson from your collegiate experience that you will carry with you to the Atlanta Dream?
**Karl Smesko:** The importance of resilience. Every team faces challenges, whether it’s injuries or tough losses. Teaching players to bounce back is essential at any level, and I’m excited to instill that mental toughness in my players at the Dream.
**Editor:** any words of wisdom for the new coach who will take over at FGCU?
**Karl Smesko:** Embrace the culture and the foundation we’ve built. The support from the community and the dedication of the program make it a great place to coach. Focus on the players—they are what make the program special, and success will follow.
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Smesko. Best of luck in your new role with the Atlanta Dream. We look forward to seeing you make an impact there!
**Karl Smesko:** Thank you! I appreciate the support and am excited for what lies ahead.
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