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Washington Mystics Hire New Leadership with Sydney Johnson and Jamila Wideman
In a significant move for the Washington Mystics, the franchise has appointed former Chicago Sky assistant coach Sydney Johnson as their new head coach and tapped former WNBA player Jamila Wideman as the team’s new general manager. The announcement, made on Monday, December 23, 2024, marks a new chapter for the Mystics following a challenging 2024 season, in which the team parted ways with long-time general manager Mike Thibault and head coach Eric Thibault after a 14-26 campaign. The Mystics were the last WNBA team to fill their leadership vacancies this offseason, and the hiring of Johnson and Wideman is expected to bring a fresh, dynamic direction to the organization.
The Mystics’ new leadership pair represents a blend of extensive basketball experience, leadership skills, and a shared commitment to developing a championship-caliber team. Michael Winger, President of Monumental Basketball, expressed his confidence in the appointments, emphasizing the qualities both Johnson and Wideman bring to the franchise.
“Jamila’s breadth of experience, range of core competencies, and passion for developing the whole athlete, make her the ideal person to usher in the new era of Mystics Basketball,” Winger said in a statement. “Similarly, Sydney brings an exceptional combination of acumen, tenacity, and empathy that will elevate our play and galvanize the team around the new direction for this championship franchise.”
Sydney Johnson: A 25-Year Coaching Veteran
Sydney Johnson, the Mystics’ new head coach, comes to the team with an impressive 25-year coaching career, including stints in both men’s and women’s basketball. A former assistant coach for the Chicago Sky, Johnson’s background spans college and professional basketball, including successful tenures with Princeton and Fairfield men’s basketball teams. He most recently led Team USA’s women’s three-on-three squad to a second-place finish at the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup in San Juan, Puerto Rico, showcasing his ability to guide teams to high-level success in competitive international play.
Johnson’s coaching philosophy is rooted in core values of excellence, togetherness, joy, competitiveness, and accountability. As he begins his tenure with the Mystics, he emphasized that these values will define the team’s approach both on and off the court.
“As a team, we will carry the core values that drive this franchise — excellence, togetherness, joy, competitiveness, and accountability through everything we do,” Johnson said. “From the way we practice and play to how we show up in the community and engage and inspire our fanbase.”
A native of the Baltimore area, Johnson’s return to the Washington D.C. area represents something of a homecoming. He started his coaching career in 2004 as an assistant coach on John Thompson III’s staff at Georgetown University. His deep roots in the area, along with his vast coaching experience, position him as a well-equipped leader for a franchise looking to return to championship contention.
Johnson’s leadership will be crucial for the Mystics, who have made the playoffs in seven of the past nine seasons but have faced inconsistent performance in recent years. With a blend of on-court acumen, emotional intelligence, and a track record of success, Johnson’s appointment signals the team’s commitment to both long-term growth and immediate improvement.
Jamila Wideman: A Former WNBA Star with a Vision for the Future
Alongside Johnson, Jamila Wideman will take the reins as the Mystics’ general manager. Wideman, who was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks with the third overall pick in the inaugural WNBA Draft of 1997, brings a wealth of experience and insight into the inner workings of professional basketball. Though her playing career was short-lived, averaging just 2.2 points per game over her career, it was her post-playing journey that has shaped her as a leader in the sports world.
After her time in the WNBA, Wideman pursued a law degree from New York University and worked for over a decade as a criminal rights lawyer. This background in law, coupled with her deep understanding of the game, will be instrumental in shaping the Mystics’ front office. In her role as GM, Wideman is committed to building a team that is not only talented but also reflective of the values of the franchise, prioritizing player voices and fostering a sense of community.
“I hope to create a space where player voices and aspirations are centered in all we do on and off the court,” Wideman said. “We will build with intention, humanity, and joy.” Her approach underscores her commitment to creating a positive and inclusive culture that elevates the Mystics both as an organization and as a part of the larger WNBA ecosystem.
In addition to her legal and basketball background, Wideman’s work in advocacy and player development gives her a unique perspective on team building. The Mystics are entering a pivotal phase, and Wideman’s approach will likely include a focus on both long-term sustainability and short-term competitive success. Wideman will be tasked with navigating a competitive free agency period, which begins in February, and preparing for the 2025 WNBA Draft in April. The Mystics hold the fourth and sixth picks in the first round, making this offseason particularly critical as they look to improve their roster and make a push for the playoffs.
A New Era for the Mystics
The hiring of Sydney Johnson and Jamila Wideman signals a new era for the Washington Mystics. The franchise’s leadership under the previous regime, led by Mike and Eric Thibault, brought success, including a WNBA championship in 2019. However, after the team’s struggles in 2024, which saw them miss the playoffs with a 14-26 record, a change was necessary to reignite the team’s championship aspirations.
Mystics owner Ted Leonsis shared his excitement for the future, praising the vision that both Johnson and Wideman bring to the organization. “I am energized by the vision Michael, Jamila, and Sydney have for instilling and driving a culture of performance, achievement, empathy, and innovation for many years to come,” Leonsis said. “Today’s appointments of Jamila and Sydney represent a pivotal moment for the Mystics and our fans.”
The team will be looking to build not only a competitive roster but a strong team culture, one that prioritizes excellence while supporting the growth of its players both on and off the court. The upcoming free agency period and the 2025 draft will be key moments in shaping the team’s future.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
The 2025 WNBA season for the Mystics will begin on May 16, 2025, at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast D.C., where they will face the Atlanta Dream. The team’s new leadership will have plenty of time to assess their roster and make decisions during the offseason that could set the stage for a promising campaign.
With a new coach in Sydney Johnson, an experienced GM in Jamila Wideman, and a roster that is poised for improvement, the Mystics are looking to build a team that is both competitive and aligned with the values of community, empathy, and growth. The road to rebuilding the Mystics into a title contender begins now, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how the new leadership will transform the team in the coming months.
