🔥 Trending Sandy Brondello: Who is the WNBA Coach at the Center of the Angel Reese Controve

Sandy Brondello is an Australian professional basketball coach and former professional player, widely recognized for her significant contributions to women's basketball both on the court and from the sidelines ¹⁶. She is currently the head coach of the Australian women's national team, known as the Opals, and has recently been appointed as the inaugural head coach of the Toronto Tempo of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) ¹⁴.

Early Life and Playing Career

Born Sandra Anne Brondello on August 20, 1968, Brondello established herself as a formidable guard during her playing career ¹. She represented the Australian Opals in three Olympic Games: 1996, 2000, and 2004, where she earned two silver medals and one bronze medal ³. Her WNBA playing career included stints with the Detroit Shock, Miami Sol, and Seattle Storm.

Coaching Career Highlights

Brondello transitioned into coaching after a successful playing career, quickly making an impact in various leagues and international competitions ⁶.

WNBA Coaching

Brondello's WNBA coaching career is marked by significant achievements:

• Phoenix Mercury: She led the Phoenix Mercury to a WNBA championship in 2014.
• New York Liberty: She became the winningest coach in the New York Liberty's franchise history ². However, her tenure with the Liberty ended on September 23, 2025, when the team announced they would not be renewing her contract, a year after their championship defense fell short of expectations ²⁷.
• Toronto Tempo: In a historic move, Brondello was named the inaugural head coach of the Toronto Tempo, a new WNBA expansion team, in 2026 ¹⁴. This appointment makes her a pivotal figure in the expansion of women's basketball into Canada.

She currently ranks sixth all-time in career wins and games coached in the WNBA, and second all-time in playoff victories ⁴.

International Coaching

Beyond the WNBA, Brondello has continued to lead the Australian women's national team, the Opals, maintaining her strong connection to Australian basketball ¹.

Personal Life

Sandy Brondello is married to Olaf Lange, who is also a basketball coach. They have two children, a son and a daughter ⁵⁸.