AP source: Liberty not renewing Katie Smith’s contract

NEW YORK (AP) — Katie Smith’s coaching career with the New York Liberty is over as the team has decided not to renew her contract according to a person familiar with the decision.

Smith’s current contract ends this month. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the move hasn’t been publicly announced.

She was elevated to the team’s head coaching position in 2018 after serving as an assistant and associate head coach since 2014.

The team went 10-24 this past season, following up a 7-27 record in Smith’s first year as head coach.

The future is bright for the team with New York holding the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft. The Liberty had the No. 2 pick last season and selected Asia Durr, who was injured for half of the season. Smith walked into a difficult situation last year with the Liberty up for sale and the team’s home games moved to Westchester where they were played in a roughly 2,500-seat arena.

The 45-year-old Hall of Fame player finished her playing career with New York in 2013.