Dallas Wings head coach Latricia Trammell on Monday, January 9, announced the hiring of assistant coach April Schilling and Courtney Paris, as well as player development coach Zach Poncic. Trammell previously announced the addition of Assistant Coach Brandi Paul to its staff.
Schilling most recently served as the head coach at Bella Vista College Prep, in Scottsdale, Arizona, while also serving as an advanced scout for the Minnesota Lynx. In 2021, she was a member of the coaching staff of the Nigerian Olympic basketball team. In 2020, she made her WNBA debut as an assistant coach with the Indiana Fever.
Prior to joining the professional ranks, Schilling held various coaching and player development roles, working with high school and collegiate players and programs. She began her career as an assistant at the University of California, Santa Barbara from 2004 to 2008.
As a player, Schilling spent three seasons (1999-2002), under legendary coach Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee and helped the team advance to three Sweet 16s and two Final Fours. In her final season, Schilling transferred to UCSB where she led the program to its first Sweet 16 appearance in program history. As a professional, Schilling has spent time with three WNBA teams, namely the New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, and Washington Mystics.
“I have always admired April’s relentless drive to coach and teach the game of basketball,” Trammell said. “She has experience at all levels of basketball and is an elite coach when it comes to the Xs and Os of the game. She will bring tremendous insights to our team and I am thrilled to welcome her to Dallas.”
A 10-year WNBA veteran, Paris had stints as a player with the Tulsa Shock and Dallas Wings, and finished her career with the Seattle Storm where she won a championship in 2018. Upon retiring from the WNBA in 2020, Paris spent the 2020-21 season as an assistant coach with the basketball team. for women in oklahoma.
An OU alumnus, Paris was the first four-time Associated Press and USBWA All-American in women’s college basketball history and is Oklahoma’s all-time leader in points (2,729), rebounds (2,034) and became the first An NCAA player—regardless of gender or division—for accumulating 2,500 career points and 2,000 career rebounds. She was the seventh overall pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft and twice led the WNBA in rebounding in 2014 and 2015.
“I’m extremely fortunate to have someone like Courtney join the staff, as she brings a wealth of experience from the collegiate and professional ranks that will benefit our players tremendously,” Trammell said. “Her resume as a player speaks for itself and I can’t wait to watch her grow as a coach and educator here in Dallas. I know our team will look to her as an invaluable resource.”
Buncik returns for his second season as the Wings’ player development coach. Prior to joining Dallas, he ran a skills development business where he worked with all levels of basketball players including a number of WNBA and NBA stars. From 2008 to 2018, Poncek served on the coaching staff of UT-Arlington men’s basketball under head coach Scott Cross, as the team achieved its biggest win in program history.
“We’re excited to have Zac back in the Wings family,” Trammell stated. “He brings a fresh perspective to our staff, and I know our players trust and respect his training and developmental systems. I look forward to working with Zach to help our team take the next step in becoming a championship team.”
Strength and conditioning coach Preston Smith will also return for his second season with the team.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside Preston and having him continue his fantastic work with our players, to ensure they can always compete at their best level on and off the field,” Trammell said.
The Dallas Wings opened the 2023 season against the Atlanta Dream on May 20 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. Season tickets for the team’s 20 home games can be purchased at DallasWings.com. The 2023 Dallas Wings coaching staff includes: Coach Latricia Tramell, Assistant Coach Courtney Paris, Assistant Coach Brandi Paul, Associate Coach April Schilling, Player Development Coach Zach Poncic and Strength and Conditioning Coach Preston Smith.
– Tammy Nash