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Happy Friday, everyone! ☕️
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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Dallas Wings Turn to Veteran Coach José Fernandez 🤠
The Dallas Wings have named longtime USF coach José Fernandez as their next head coach. (SB Nation)
WHY IT MATTERS: This is a major pivot for Dallas. After hiring first-time coach Chris Koclanes in 2024, the Wings are now following a new strategy we’ve seen with the Atlanta Dream’s Karl Smesko and the LA Sparks’ Lynne Roberts—turning to experienced college coaches with proven team-building chops.
In his 25 years at South Florida, Fernandez built the Bulls into a consistent mid-major contender, guiding them to nine of the past 12 NCAA tournaments. He also coached Courtney Williams, one of the WNBA’s most reliable guards and elite mid-range shooters, during her college career.
2. A’ja Wilson Joins South Carolina’s Hall of Fame ✨
A’ja Wilson was inducted into the University of South Carolina Lettermen’s Association Hall of Fame last night, adding to her ever-growing legacy. (The State)
WHY IT MATTERS: Wilson didn’t just star at South Carolina, she changed the program. As the nation’s top high school recruit, she opted to stay home and help Dawn Staley build a national powerhouse. She led the Gamecocks to their first Final Four in 2015 as a freshman, and delivered their first NCAA title in 2017. Today, her statue stands outside Colonial Life Arena, and her jersey was retired this past February.
3. Coaches Vote on the Nation’s 25 Best Teams 🗳️
The USA TODAY Sports D1 Coaches Poll dropped, giving an early look at how Division I coaches see the field heading into 2025-26.
WHY IT MATTERS: Unlike the AP Poll, this one is voted on by coaches, the people who scout and prepare for these teams. That insider perspective often shines a light on sleeper programs the media might miss. Still, with so many reshuffled rosters during the offseason, preseason polls are best viewed as educated guesses.
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The Game is Changing
The internet was supposed to make it easier to build and connect. Somewhere along the way, we lost the plot.
beehiiv is changing that once and for all.
On November 13, they’re unveiling what’s next at their first-ever Winter Release Event. For the people shaping the future of content, community, and media, this is an event you can’t miss.
OVERTIME ⏱️
Going Hollywood: Angel Reese makes her acting debut, starring alongside Idris Elba, in A House of Dynamite premiering today on Netflix.
Homecoming: Elizabeth Kitley is returning to Virginia Tech as Assistant to the Head Coach, focusing on community outreach, fundraising, and NIL.
Front Office Honor: Golden State Valkyries president Jess Smith earned the WNBA’s 2025 Business Executive Leadership Award.
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