News Summary
The Atlanta Dream has revamped its basketball operations and staff to emphasize player health, development, and innovation. With new leadership in athletic training and performance analytics, the organization is dedicated to creating a world-class infrastructure supporting athlete well-being. Key appointments include Katie Buria as Head Athletic Trainer and Shannon Jackson as Strength and Conditioning Coach. The Dream aims to enhance team performance as they prepare for the upcoming season in a commitment to optimizing player opportunities.
Atlanta Dream Revamps Staff and Operations, Focusing on Player Development and Health Innovations
In an exciting move for basketball enthusiasts in Atlanta, the Atlanta Dream has made significant enhancements to their basketball operations and performance staff. These strategic upgrades indicate the organization’s commitment to promoting player health, development, and innovation as they head into the upcoming season.
Commitment to Infrastructure and Athlete Well-being
The Atlanta Dream is dedicated to building a world-class infrastructure that supports both on-court success and the long-term well-being of its athletes. Such efforts underscore the franchise’s focus on fostering an environment conducive to growth and performance.
New Leadership in Athletic Training
Katie Buria has been promoted to Head Athletic Trainer, taking on the role of leading the team’s medical operations. With her tenure at the Dream beginning in 2019, Buria brings a wealth of knowledge in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and performance training. Her multiple certifications in strength training, movement science, and manual therapy make her well-equipped for this leadership role.
Expanding the Athletic Training Team
Joining the training staff is Taylor Javey, appointed as the Assistant Athletic Trainer. Javey previously supported elite high school and pre-professional athletes with Overtime Elite and has experience with the Austin Spurs, where she performed injury assessments and rehabilitation.
Strength and Conditioning Leadership
The Dream has also appointed Shannon Jackson as the new Strength and Conditioning Coach. Coming from Georgia Tech, where she led performance for the women’s basketball team, Jackson has an extensive background in strength and conditioning. Her expertise helped various teams achieve postseason success at Jackson State and Alabama State.
Advancements in Performance Analytics
Parker Sizemore has taken on the role of Data Analyst and Performance Coordinator. After a successful internship, Sizemore now specializes in performance analytics and employs advanced technologies like GPS tracking and force plate testing to improve athlete performance.
Integrating Technology into Operations
The Dream has also promoted Sydney Durrah to Senior Manager of Basketball Systems and Player Content Operations. Her previous experience as a video coordinator and creative content director at respected institutions like Georgia Tech and Ohio State positions her well to integrate technology seamlessly into basketball operations.
Supporting Coaching Operations
To further bolster the coaching team, Sheahen Dowling has been hired as a Special Assistant to the Head Coach. With a background in coaching at Florida Gulf Coast University and having played under Head Coach Karl Smesko, Dowling is poised to provide valuable support in coaching operations.
Focus on Player Care and Development
General Manager Dan Padover emphasizes that investing in staff improves player care and development. The Dream aims to optimize performance strategies and offer athletes the best opportunities to succeed as they prepare for the new season.
Season Start and Franchise Background
Established in 2008, the Atlanta Dream stands as the only WNBA team in the Southeast and hosts its games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park. Excitement is building for the Dream’s 2025 season, which kicks off against the Washington Mystics on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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Additional Resources
- WNBA: Atlanta Dream Bolster Basketball Operations
- Wikipedia: Women’s National Basketball Association
- USA Today: Atlanta Dream Draft Picks 2025
- Google Search: Atlanta Dream 2025 WNBA draft
- Ohio State Buckeyes: Taylor Thierry Selected by Atlanta Dream
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Swish Appeal: WNBA Draft Picks
- Google News: Atlanta Dream 2025
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
