Sandy Brondello returns to the Sparks as an assistant coach for a third year

The Los Angeles Sparks announced that Sandy Brondello will return as an assistant coach for the 2013 season. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Brondello returns for her third season with the Sparks and second as an assistant coach under 2012 WNBA Coach of the Year, Carol Ross. Last season, Ross, Brondello and assistant coach Jim Lewis led the Sparks to a 24-10 record and a return to the WNBA Playoffs after not qualifying for the postseason in 2011.

A WNBA veteran, she joined Los Angeles in 2011 from the San Antonio Silver Stars where she served as head coach during the 2010 season, and prior to that, an assistant coach for five seasons (2005-2009). During her six seasons with the Silver Stars, she helped lead the team to its first Western Conference Championship and trip to the WNBA Finals in 2008.

As a player, Brondello played five seasons with the Seattle Storm (2003), Miami Sol (2001-02) and the Detroit Shock (1998-99), averaging 11.4 points and 2.3 assists in 155 career games. She played in the inaugural WNBA All-Star Game in 1999, and ranks fourth in league history with her 41.0% career three-point percentage. She has also represented her native Australia at the highest level, winning silver medals at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics as well as a bronze in 1996.

Los Angeles will open its 2013 regular season schedule against Seattle on Sunday, May 26 at the Staples Center.