This week, Seimone Augustus retired from basketball and became an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks.
“It’s an honor to continue to serve the game that has given me so much,” Augustus said in a statement announcing the news. “I’m excited to join the Sparks staff and look forward to developing in this new role.”
Augustus played her college ball at LSU from 2002-2006. While at LSU, Augustus led the Tigers to an SEC tournament title and NCAA regional final as a freshman. Augustus also led LSU to three straight Final Four appearances in 2004,2005 and 2006. The Louisiana native won Naismith Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006. while also being a three-time All-American. In her four years with the Tigers, Augustus averaged 19.3 points, 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 54.4% from the field.
Minnesota Lynx
In 2006, Augustus was the No. 1 overall draft pick for the Minnesota Lynx. In her rookie season with the Lynx, the forward won Rookie of the Year while averaging 21.9 points per game. In 2011, Augustus helped lead the Lynx to the first of four WNBA championships. The Lynx won the championship in 2011,20013,2015, and 2017. Augustus was WNBA Finals MVP in 2011.
Augustus won three gold medals for USA basketball in 2008, 2012, and 2016. She also won two European league titles in 2008 and 2009.
Later in her career, Augustus was slowed by injuries and joined the Los Angeles Sparks in 2020. Sparks head coach Derek Fisher said Seimone is one of the greatest basketball players ever.
“Seimone Augustus is one of the greatest basketball players to ever step foot on a court,” Sparks general manager and head coach Derek Fisher said in the statement. “Her impact as a pioneer in our sport can be seen through all the players and people she’s impacted in this game. It’s been an amazing honor to work with her over the past year and we’re excited to add all of her wisdom to our coaching staff.”
Augustus played 15 years in the WNBA, totaling 6,005 points. The Former LSU Tiger averaged 15.4 points per game on 48% shooting from the field and 36% shooting from beyond the arc. She was an eight-time All-Star and made six All-WNBA teams. Seimone was an outstanding player who could put the ball on the floor and hit pull-up jumpers with the best of them. The next stop for Augustus is the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Follow me on Twitter: @raiderway83 and read other amazing articles on Beyond Women’s Sports.
