Woolridge Loses ‘Interim’ as Coach of WNBA Sparks

Former Laker Orlando Woolridge, who guided the Sparks as interim coach for their final 10 games last summer, was named permanent coach of the WNBA team Tuesday.

“It has always been my dream to be a head coach, and to have the opportunity is really exciting,” said Woolridge, the third coach of a team that has played only two seasons. “We’ve got some great players here.”

Woolridge, who turns 40 on Dec. 16, took over the team on July 31 after Julie Rousseau was fired. Inheriting an injury-raked team that was 7-13, the former assistant led the Sparks to a 5-5 finish.

A 13-year NBA veteran who played for the Lakers in the 1988-89 and ‘89-90 seasons, Woolridge is the first former NBA player to coach in the WNBA.

“We like what he did last year,” said General Manager Rhonda Windham, who promoted Woolridge from scout to assistant after firing the Sparks’ original coach, Linda Sharp, during the 1997 season. “He gives the players some good insight into professional basketball. The thing that players are learning is, this is a job. It’s not just about playing a game.”

Woolridge said his ultimate goal is to coach in the NBA.

“But for right now, I’m coaching in the WNBA,” he said. “And I’m proud to have the position.”