Seimone Augustus ready for next step in basketball career as coach

FILE – In this June 9, 2018, file photo, Minnesota Lynx guard Seimone Augustus (33) uses a screen from teammate Sylvia Fowles (34) to get a clear drive to the basket against the Connecticut Sun during the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Uncasville, Conn. Seimone Augustus has retired from playing and will be an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks, the team announced Thursday, May 13, 2021. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day via AP, File)

by: Brian Holland

Posted: May 20, 2021 / 02:37 PM EDT

Updated: May 20, 2021 / 02:57 PM EDT

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LOS ANGELES— Seimone Augustus knew it was time to retire from playing when during a tough preseason workout session she could barely finish it. Her trainer had asked her to run 48 sprints and her body said when she finished that “it couldn’t go anymore.”

Nipsey Hussle said it the best: ‘The greatest human act is to inspire,’ so to be able to inspire whoever…really touched me in a way I didn’t know it would.”@seimoneaugustus on her proudest moment after 15 seasons in the WNBA. 🧡

*Warning: Prepare your tissues. pic.twitter.com/BaQId099n8
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) May 20, 2021

Augustus also felt that it wouldn’t be right to take up a roster spot on the Sparks with so many talented players trying to be part of this league.

The four-time WNBA champion with Minnesota told Sparks coach Derek Fisher that she wanted to stop playing. He offered the three-time Olympic gold medalist a spot on the coaching staff.

Story via DOUG FEINBERG/The Associated Press