Becky Hammon continues to make NBA history. She became the first full-time female assistant coach, with the San Antonio Spurs, in NBA history last summer, and now she will be the head coach of the Spurs' Summer League team in Las Vegas. The San Antonio Express-News broke the news about Hammon coaching the team. Hammon is also a legend in the San Antonio area as she played seven of her 16 total WNBA seasons with the San Antonio Silver Stars.
The Spurs will kick off their Summer League play on July 10th as they take on the New York Knicks. Hammond is excited for this opportunity and was ready for this challenge since last summer.
"Nothing in my life has really ever been easy. I've always been someone who did it uphill. I'm up for challenges. I'm up for being outside the box, making tough decisions and challenges. I'm a little bit of an adrenaline junkie. Throw those all in there and this was the perfect challenge and opportunity."
The Spurs have been in the headlines for a myriad of reasons this summer. The team was able to ink long term deals with Danny Green and Kawai Leonard. San Antonio was also able to acquire the biggest name in the 2015 free agent class, LaMarcus Aldridge. This move placed the Spurs towards the top of the list as contenders to not only come out of the Western Conference but compete for an NBA championship next season. Tim Duncan also announced that he would be back for his 19th season.
Becky Hammon's contributions to the Spurs will pave the way for more female assistant coaches in professional sports, and possibly open the door for head coaching opportunities. Natalie Nakase also made an impact for women in the NBA last season as she was an asssitant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers. Hammon's ties to the San Antonio community, along with the Spurs' winning culture, will be a feel good story for the NBA and female athletes with head coaching aspirations.