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Utah's Lynne Roberts Thanks Salt Lake City After Landing Los Angeles Sparks Job

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Elijah Grayson Murray | Last updated Nov 20, 2024 1:55 PM ET

After a bombshell announcement that shook the Utah athletics world, new Los Angeles Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts has released her farewell statement to the Utah faithful in what is sure to be a bittersweet moment after ten years of legendary success.

"Thank you, Salt Lake City!," Roberts began.

"Coaching Utah Women's Basketball for the past 10 years has been incredible. As a California native, I knew of the rich athletic tradition here at the University of Utah but did not know what to expect. What I quickly learned is that Salt Lake City is not only the most beautiful place in the country, but it's filled with kind, accepting, and very supportive people," she continued.

Roberts went on to thank the leadership and the players before finishing her address with a simple statement, "I love you all, Go Utes!"

Now with a chance to go back home and coach at the highest level of the women's game, Roberts will get to work with last year's number two overall pick Cameron Brink, while also being able to select her first every lottery player, getting the chance to shape the future of her tenure early on as the Sparks landed the second overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

One of the many strengths of Roberts' illustrious coaching abilities is her knack for developing talent, which is most notably seen in Minnesota Lynx forward Alissa Pili who solidified herself as a Utah legend under Roberts, and taking the Sparks job allows her to develop something great in Los Angeles, putting her stamp on a franchise that is longing to return as WNBA royalty.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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