ARLINGTON, TX – The Dallas Wings announced the finalization of the team’s 2019 coaching and basketball operations staff today, adding Crystal Robinson as an Assistant Coach and Bryce Agler as Director of Player Development. Erin Phillips, Danny Wardell, Travis Charles, Nick Reick and Allison Russell return to the staff as well.
“I’m excited not only about the experience of our staff, but also the quality of each individual, their unique skill set and their professionalism,” said Head Coach Brian Agler. “I am excited to work with each of these team members.”
Robinson comes to the Wings after winning the 2018 WNBA Championship as an assistant coach with the Seattle Storm. Before joining the coaching ranks, Robinson played for the Colorado Xplosion of the ABL and was then drafted by the WNBA’s New York Liberty in 1999. The Atoka, Oklahoma native played eight seasons in the WNBA, ending her playing career with the Washington Mystics during the 2007 season.
Robinson’s first coaching experience came immediately after retiring, spending the 2007 and 2008 campaigns on the Mystics’ sideline. She would continue her coaching career at the high school and collegiate levels before returning to the WNBA with the Storm.
“Crystal knows the game and she knows how to transfer her knowledge of the game to the players,” Agler said “She understands the intangibles that make great players and great teams. She also has a great work ethic and I’m excited to add her to the staff.”
Agler, the son of Head Coach Brian Agler, will fill the role of Director of Player Development. Agler had previously served as a Development Coach for Los Angeles Sparks, helping the Sparks to a WNBA Championship in 2016. Additionally, Agler was an assistant coach at Eastern Illinois University and a student coach for the men’s basketball team at Wittenburg University.
“Bryce will bring a strong understanding of the system, culture andintangible traits that we will try to implement into our team setting,” Agler said. “He is a tireless worker and will solidify our preparation for competition.”
Phillips enters her second year as an assistant for the Wings and her third on Dallas sideline, previously serving as the Director of Player and Franchise Development. Phillips helped guide the Wings to the playoffs in2017 and 2018. The nine-year WNBA veteran brought home WNBA Championships in 2012 with the Indiana Fever and 2014 with the Phoenix Mercury and finished her playing career in Dallas, retiring after the 2016 season. Born in Melbourne, Phillips was also a two-time member of the Australian Olympic Team, including the squad that won Silver at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
“Erin brings a wealth of experience to the organization through being a coach and former player in the Wings organization,” Agler said. “She has a great mind for the game, she is familiar with culture we want to establish and understands the competition.”
Wardell will begin his third season as the Strength and Conditioning Coach. He also works with the women’s basketball team at the University of Texas at Arlington, filling the same role with the Mavericks.
“He has implemented a successful strength program and he has the ability to tailor an individual program to each player,” Agler said. “He also has developed a great relationship with each athlete.”
Charles is going into his sixth season overall with the team, his first as the Director of Basketball Operations. Charles had previously been the squad’s Manager of Basketball Logistics, aiding the team’s coaching staff by overseeing all logistics and strategy for basketball operations in video, scouting and travel.
“I’ve been so impressed Travis’ knowledge of the team, league and the competition during my initial days here in Dallas,” Agler said. “He has a great ability to evaluate prospective talent. He will be the heart and soul of all our basketball operations. He will also be the strong tie between the team and the front office.”
Reick, on the cusp of his third season in Dallas, has been promoted to Assistant Director of Basketball Operations, taking over the responsibilities of the promoted Charles. A native of Bremen, Germany, Reick will continue to create advanced statistical metrics for the coaching staff and front office while also expanding his role relative to video work and scouting.
“Nick brings a unique skill set, as he brings a strong analytic background and understanding to the organization,” Agler said. “This will give us many ways to critique and evaluate our team. Nick also has a great reputation within the professional basketball world.”
Russell, heading into her sixth season as Director of Sports Medicine, has been with the team in a full-time capacity since 2014. The Tulsa, Oklahoma native is charged with the overall health and well-being of the Wings roster and directing the medical team that works with the organization on a daily basis. Russell had previously worked as the Director of Sports Medicine at Oral Roberts University.
“Allison adds continuity as well and she is a highly skilled athletic trainer,” Agler said. “She has the confidence of each member of the team. Allison has great communication skills, which is so important in a successful team dynamic.”
The Dallas Wings are entering its fourth season in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Playing games at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, the Wings are coming off back-to-back playoff appearances and look to push further during the 2019 season with Head Coach Brian Agler at the helm.