Brian Agler '80 Leads Los Angeles Sparks to 2016 WNBA Championship

Wittenberg Athletics Hall of Famer Brian Agler ‘80 won his second WNBA Championship as head coach on Thursday night, as his L.A. Sparks downed the Minnesota Lynx 77-76 in dramatic fashion.

Brian Agler '80 Leads Los Angeles Sparks to 2016 WNBA Championship
October 20, 2016

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – Wittenberg Athletics Hall of Famer Brian Agler '80 won his second WNBA Championship as head coach on Thursday night, as his L.A. Sparks downed the Minnesota Lynx 77-76 in dramatic fashion. The championship title makes Agler the first coach in WNBA history to lead two franchises to league titles, and the former Tiger hardwood standout holds the most victories in the history of American Women's Professional Basketball.

Agler led the Seattle Storm to an WNBA title in 2010, as well as the Columbus Quest to two championships in the defunct American Basketball League. The Sparks' win tonight not only adds to Agler's achievements, but also brings L.A. an WNBA title after nearly 14 years.

A 1995 Wittenberg Athletics Hall of Honor inductee and the men's basketball program's career assists leader for more than 15 years, ranked second with 481 assists, Agler's collegiate playing career included 112 straight starts for the Tigers. He led Wittenberg to a four-year record of 91-21, highlighted by a run to the NCAA Division III tournament championship in 1977. 

"Brian exemplifies what it means to 'Tiger Up' and is an example of how the right combination of heart, passion, and technical knowledge can lead an organization and its people to accomplish great things," said Gary Williams, director of athletics.

"Personally and professionally, Brian has become a mentor and friend to me and many of our coaches and we could not be prouder of him for what he has accomplished on the court and what he means to our university."

The 2010 WNBA Coach of the year and 2016 AP Coach of the year is no stranger to the campus he once called home; Agler has been a regular in Springfield long after his playing days. During the 2015-16 academic school year, Agler made recurring trips back to campus to spend time with the athletic staff and share his philosophies, struggles, and experiences with other Tigers.

"Seeing the success that Brian has pursued and achieved is exciting for our athletic department and university as a whole. To see him at the highest level of our sport as a recognized leader in the WNBA provides great inspiration. Even better is how Brian has come back to his alma mater to share his experiences with our coaches and students; I appreciate how he identifies the value of his Wittenberg education as a core part of success," said head women's basketball coach, Sarah Jurewicz.

 "His model example of pushing through failures and striving to be one's best is an important message that he has provided us. A big Tiger congratulations to Brian on his 2016 WNBA Championship and Coach of the Year honor."
 
A 2014 inductee to the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame, Agler's L.A. Sparks started off the 2016 campaign at 11-0 behind Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver. Parker has garnished career accolades that range from; NCAA Title, NCAA National Player of the Year, WNBA MVP, Rookie of the Year and an Olympic Gold Medal. Now in her 9th season in L.A, a WNBA title has alluded the all-time great, but under Agler's tutelage the Phenom can now add a WNBA ring to her career accolades list.
 
"I am extremely happy for Brian and all his success on the court this season. He has proven time and time again to be one of the best in the country and what he does for such a long time. It's an even better sight to see one of our own climb the coaching ladder and reap the benefits of tireless dedication," said head men's basketball coach Matt Croci.
 
"Brian getting recognized and winning another WNBA championship is another staple in our history and rich tradition with our basketball programs."