WASHINGTON MYSTICS NAME SHELLEY PATTERSON ASSISTANT COACH

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Mystics announced today that the team has hired Shelley Patterson as an assistant coach on General Manager and Head Coach Mike Thibault’s staff.

“Shelley is an exciting hire for our Mystics coaching staff. She has more than 20 years of experience in the WNBA and has been a part of five championships,” said Thibault. “She knows the league inside and out and her scouting preparation and player development experience will make us a better staff and team. I can’t wait to have her in D.C.!”

Patterson brings over 30 years of basketball experience to the Mystics, having last served as an assistant coach for the New York Liberty (2020-2021) and the Minnesota Lynx (2010-2019) where she helped the team win four WNBA Championships (2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017).

“I am very excited about spending the summer in the DMV and to have the opportunity to work with this Mystics organization,” said Patterson. “I have nothing but respect for Mike and Eric and the style of play they have incorporated with the Mystics. They are two of the hardest working coaches in the business and I will do whatever is needed of me to help bring another championship to DC.”

Prior to her stints with New York and Minnesota, Patterson spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Seattle Storm and has worked in numerous capacities for five additional WNBA franchises. In 2005, she was named the head coach of the Chicago Blaze of the National Women’s Basketball League. Patterson also served as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Mercury in 2004 and spent four seasons (2000-2003) with the Indiana Fever.

Patterson started her WNBA career in 1999 with the Houston Comets where she served as Director of Basketball Operations and helped guide the team to a WNBA Championship. Prior to joining the WNBA, she served as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Rage of the ABL (1998-99). The San Jose, California, native began her coaching career as a recruiting coordinator in 1989 at Indiana State University.

Shelley Announcement