The Sparks continued their offseason overhaul with the addition of Ilene Hauser as vice president of basketball operations and player relations.
The sports manager, who has previously worked with Phoenix Mercury and Nike, will oversee team operations, including travel, facilities, player accommodation and scheduling, in a new role for a franchise looking to stabilize operations after years of inconsistency.
“Two areas of focus for our off-season were our overall operational efficiency and the experience of the Sparks players,” general manager Karen Bryant said in a statement. “Ilene is uniquely qualified to lead these areas for us as she has been in women’s basketball for over 20 years, most of them years specifically at the professional level. Their experience, leadership, reputation and passion for the game are of great value for the Sparks.”
Hauser, who currently serves as director of basketball at Athletes Unlimited, will join the Sparks this week after the league’s five-week season concludes. Athletes Unlimited — a triennial women’s sports league that also includes lacrosse, softball and volleyball — is entering its second basketball season, and Hauser is working to expand the basketball league’s operations and connect AU with the women’s basketball community.
Previously, Hauser served as manager of women’s basketball marketing at Nike for 15 years and at Mercury for eight years, where she worked in scouting and basketball operations and led the community relations department.
The Sparks also finalized their coaching staff earlier this month, hiring Danielle Viglione as the team’s third assistant coach. Viglione, an early member of the now-defunct Sacramento Monarchs, played professionally abroad for 10 years.
Hiring a former WNBA player allowed head coach Curt Miller to have Viglione as a third assistant coach alongside Chris Koclanes and Steve Smith. The Sparks also have player development coach Nola Henry.
Before the season begins on May 19 at home to the Phoenix Mercury, the Sparks will face Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi in a preseason game in Phoenix on May 12 and Seattle Storm in a close game on May 14.
Source: LA Times