Recent Signings
Great news for the defending WNBA Champions out of DC this week with a successful signing, coaching changes, and surgery.
Reports indicate that the Washington Mystics have re-signed their 2019 regular-season MVP Elena Delle Donne and Finals MVP Emma Meesseman.
There were rumors that Meesseman may not be playing in the 2020 season and instead, playing with Belgium if they qualify for the Olympics.
However, Head Coach Mike Thibault cleared the air in recent interviews, stating that even if Belgium qualifies, Meesseman will not be skipping the 2020 WNBA season.
More signing details are expected soon around other players such as Kristi Toliver.
Like Father, Like Son
Mike Thibault also announced coaching changes this week. He plans to stay on as General Manager while his son Eric assumes the position of Associate Head Coach. Although the changes may come as a surprise to some, Thibault is laying out a plan for the future.
Eric Thibault has served as an assistant coach for the Mystics for the last six years. He has been actively involved in game planning, player development, scouting, salary management, and many of the team’s operations on and off the court. During his tenure, the Mystics have made five postseason appearances, first finals appearance in 2018, and the first championship this past year.
Eric has been interviewed for head coaching positions with the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty over the last two years and is highly regarded around the league.
Elena Delle Donne has Successful Surgery
Also this week, Mystics’ superstar Elena Delle Donne had successful back surgery on Friday, January 24. Delle Donne has been sidelined since she suffered herniated disks last fall during the 2019 playoffs. She has not played in any of the exhibition games with the USWNT and is not participating in the qualifying games.
Delle Donne had minor surgery to repair the injury in Dallas by spinal orthopedist Dr. Andrew Dossett. The Mystics forward is expected to be ready to start back with the team at the start of the 2020 season.
Renee is a reporter and analyst with ESPN covering college athletics. She also hosts a daily show called "Locked on Wizards" with the Locked on Podcast network.