The Washington Mystics have made bold moves to redefine their future, announcing the hires of Jamila Wideman as general manager and Sydney Johnson as head coach. The appointments, revealed by Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger, signal a fresh direction for the franchise.
Wideman, the NBA’s former senior vice president and head of player development, and Johnson, a seasoned coach with USA Basketball experience, are expected to bring dynamic leadership to the organization.
Monumental Basketball’s Vision
“Jamila’s breadth of experience, range of core competencies, and passion for developing the whole athlete make her the ideal person to usher in the new era of Mystics Basketball,” Winger said in a statement via Mystics PR. “Her player connectivity, big-picture vision, and deep understanding of the global game will be invaluable as we aim to deliver another championship to the DMV.”
The Mystics, who claimed their only WNBA title in 2019 under former GM and head coach Mike Thibault, have struggled to find postseason success since. With Wideman at the helm, the team hopes to recapture its championship form.
Jamila Wideman’s Multifaceted Background
Wideman brings a wealth of experience across various aspects of basketball and beyond. Drafted third overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the inaugural 1997 WNBA Draft, she led Stanford to three consecutive Final Four appearances. Her professional career extended to Israel and Spain before she transitioned into law, serving as a criminal defense and civil rights attorney with the Equal Justice Initiative.
In her NBA role, Wideman spearheaded Mind Health, the league’s mental health and wellness platform, showcasing her commitment to holistic athlete development.
Sydney Johnson’s Coaching Pedigree
Sydney Johnson, 50, also boasts a diverse and impressive résumé. A standout at Princeton, he transitioned to coaching, holding positions at Georgetown, Princeton, Fairfield, Air Force, and the Chicago Sky. He has been instrumental with USA Basketball, recently leading the 3×3 Women’s AmeriCup team to a silver medal in 2024.
“Similarly, Sydney brings an exceptional combination of acumen, tenacity, and empathy that will elevate our play and galvanize the team,” Winger added. “His passion for basketball and uplifting others aligns perfectly with our goals.”
Building Blocks for the New Regime
The Mystics’ new leadership inherits a mix of seasoned veterans, emerging stars, and valuable draft capital. Ariel Atkins, a two-time All-Star and member of the 2019 championship team, is in the final year of her contract, as are Brittney Sykes, a two-time All-Defensive First Teamer, and Stefanie Dolson, a two-time All-Star. Last season, Atkins led the team with 14.9 points per game, while Sykes and Dolson added 12.2 and 9.5 points, respectively.
Rising star Aaliyah Edwards, 22, drafted sixth overall in 2024, has already shown promise, leading the team with 5.6 rebounds per game and a 49% field goal percentage.
Adding to their assets, the Mystics hold the fourth and sixth overall picks in the 2025 draft. Potential targets include Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles, a 2023 second-team All-American, and TCU center Sedona Prince, a former McDonald’s All-American.
Ghallenges and Opportunities
Wideman faces the dual challenge of nailing the draft and addressing expiring contracts, while Johnson must balance developing young talent with leveraging veteran experience. Immediate improvement will be crucial to convincing key players to stay and returning the team to playoff contention.
Despite finishing 14-26 last season, the Mystics’ blend of experienced players, rising talent, and fresh leadership provides a solid foundation for a turnaround. With Wideman and Johnson steering the ship, Washington’s future looks promising.
