WASHINGTON, DC – Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger announced today that Jamila Wideman will take on the role of general manager for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, while Sydney Johnson will serve as the team’s new head coach.
Wideman brings extensive experience from her six-year tenure at the NBA league office, where she served as Senior Vice President of Player Development. In that role, she led initiatives focused on player development, managed relationships with external organizations, and oversaw the league’s mental health and wellness platform, Mind Health.
“Jamila’s depth of experience, diverse skill set, and passion for developing the whole athlete make her the perfect leader for this new chapter of Mystics Basketball,” said Winger. “Her ability to connect with players, her strategic vision, and her understanding of the global game will serve as a foundation for our athletes, coaches, and staff as we work toward another championship for the DMV. Similarly, Sydney’s sharp basketball intellect, determination, and empathy will elevate our team on the court and align us with the new direction of this franchise. His love for the game and commitment to lifting others make him an ideal fit for the Monumental Basketball ecosystem.”
A member of the inaugural WNBA draft class, Wideman was selected third overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 1997. During her career, she also played for the Portland Fire and Cleveland Rockers, as well as internationally in Israel and Spain. A Stanford University graduate, Wideman helped her team reach three consecutive NCAA Final Fours (1995-1997).
“I have deep roots in the WNBA and have had the honor of playing alongside, working with, and learning from the incredible individuals who define this league,” said Wideman. “The best athletes I’ve encountered share qualities like curiosity, humility, and imagination. I look forward to collaborating with our players, coaches, and staff to build a Mystics team that reflects these values. Together, we’ll create a space where player voices and aspirations are at the forefront of everything we do, both on and off the court. We will build with intention, humanity, and joy.”
After retiring as a player, Wideman earned a law degree from New York University and worked as a criminal defense and civil rights attorney for over a decade. She served with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) in Montgomery, Alabama, and the Legal Aid Society in New York City’s Civil Division.
Johnson brings 25 years of basketball experience to the Mystics, including his recent role as head coach of Team USA’s 3×3 Women’s AmeriCup team, which earned a silver medal at the 2024 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup in Puerto Rico. Over the past five years, Johnson has been an integral part of USA Basketball, coaching the 3×3 U23 Men’s World Cup Team to its first gold medal in 2023 and serving as an assistant coach and scout for the 2023 5×5 AmeriCup Qualifying Team.
“After speaking extensively with Jamila, Michael, and the leadership team, it’s clear how dedicated they are to building a championship-caliber Mystics team,” said Johnson. “We will embody the core values of this franchise—excellence, togetherness, joy, competitiveness, and accountability—in everything we do, from how we train and compete to how we connect with the community and engage our incredible fanbase.”
In 2024, Johnson served as an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky. Prior to that, he spent eight years as the head coach of Fairfield University’s men’s basketball team (2011-2019), leading the program to a school-record four postseason appearances. Johnson’s coaching career began as an assistant at Georgetown University before becoming head coach at his alma mater, Princeton University, where he earned back-to-back Ivy League Coach of the Year honors (2008-09, 2009-10). A Baltimore native, he attended Towson Catholic High School.
Alongside his coaching career, Johnson serves as Vice President of Client Success at HD Intelligence, where he provides analytics and scouting insights for Team USA and top collegiate programs, including the 2024 NCAA champions, University of South Carolina and University of Connecticut.
As a player, Johnson captained Princeton’s basketball team to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (1995-96, 1996-97) and remains the only three-time captain in the program’s history.
“Jamila and Sydney embody tenacity, integrity, and excellence—the values that set them apart as leaders,” said Monumental Sports & Entertainment Partner Sheila C. Johnson. “These accomplished, world-class individuals will empower and inspire our players while fostering a championship culture rooted in purpose and compassion.”
“Today marks a pivotal moment for the Mystics and our dedicated fanbase—the best in the WNBA,” added Mystics Owner and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis. “As I prepare to celebrate 20 years as the team’s owner in 2025, I’m energized by the vision Michael, Jamila, and Sydney have for building a culture of performance, achievement, empathy, and innovation that will define the Mystics for years to come.”
The Mystics will introduce Wideman and Johnson to the media and the DMV community in the coming weeks.
