Seattle Storm promotes Jenny Boucek to head coach
From a Storm release:
The Seattle Storm today announced that Jenny Boucek has been named head coach.
“Jenny has a tremendous energy, tenacity and passion for this franchise,” said Storm President & General Manager, Alisha Valavanis. “Her work ethic, basketball IQ and innovative approach are the right combination as we look to reshape our team. Jenny, myself and Force 10 Hoops are aligned in our vision and strategy to return the Storm to an elite team in the WNBA and look forward to getting started.”
Boucek assumes head coaching responsibilities following a 2014 stint as associate head coach and three seasons (2011-2013), as the top assistant under former Storm head coach and general manager, Brian Agler. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“It’s an honor to be part of a world-class sports franchise,” said Boucek. “Seattle has a great championship legacy and I am excited to team up with Alisha and our ownership group as we enter the next era of Storm Basketball.”
Boucek has been involved in the WNBA since its inaugural season, suiting up for the Cleveland Rockers in 1997. Following a career-ending injury in 1998, she began her WNBA coaching career as an assistant with the Washington Mystics in 1999. She then spent three seasons, 2000-02, in the same capacity with the Miami Sol. Boucek enjoyed her first stint in Seattle on Anne Donovan’s staff from 2003-05, a span which included the franchise’s first WNBA Championship in 2004. Her first stop as a WNBA head coach came in Sacramento, leading the now-defunct Sacramento Monarchs to a 40-41 clip over two-plus seasons, spanning 2007-09.
“We will build a high energy and synergistic system that the players will enjoy,” added Boucek.
Notably respected as one of the top assistants in the league, Boucek has spent much of her career as a student of the game. She served as an advanced scout with the Seattle SuperSonics, and more recently, had full access to Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Rick Carlisle’s training camp in September and October of 2014. She was involved in all coaches meetings, film and practice sessions and player meetings.
“Jenny was part of my training camp staff this past fall with the Dallas Mavericks,” said Carlisle. “Along with being a great communicator, I consider her one of the brightest and most innovative minds we have in our game today. Seattle scored a major victory with this hire.”
A four-year starter at the University of Virginia (1992-96), Boucek helped lead the Cavaliers to four regular-season ACC Championships and three NCAA Elite Eight appearances. She was a two-time GTE Academic All-America team member and two-time ACC selection. Boucek twice earned team Defensive Player of the Year honors and finished her career at Virginia as a member of the 1,000-point club.
