Young Mystics relying on strong bonds to improve while making push toward postseason
Sydney Johnson remembers the camaraderie he felt as a player at Princeton, and the respect he had for coach Pete Carril and the Tigers’ coaching staff. The growth is showing in Washington. The Mystics are one of the hottest teams in the WNBA, and despite having their seven-game winning streak snapped Tuesday by the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, they're in the thick of the playoff race.
Sydney Johnson, the new coach of the Washington Mystics, is bringing a strong foundation of camaraderie and trust to the team. He has been working to create a strong locker room culture since being hired just before Christmas in 2024. Johnson emphasizes humility, direct communication, and hard work, both from the coaching staff and the players.
The Mystics have bounced back from a seven-game winning streak, currently sitting 11-4 and in sixth place in the standings. This success is attributed to the team's relationships, trust, and a competitive spirit. The addition of veteran Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has strengthened the team, with Laney-Hamilton praising the youth, energy, and support from her teammates.
Led by Shakira Austin, the Mystics have improved defensively, ranking second in the league, and have won at least one game against every team currently in playoff position. The team's chemistry and focus on daily improvement, rather than past results, are key to their success.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
