Meet Kristi Toliver: Mercury’s New Associate Head Coach

Veteran WNBA guard Kristi Toliver has taken on the role of associate head coach for the Phoenix Mercury, as confirmed by the organization on Friday.

She will be working alongside new head coach Nate Tibbetts, who was appointed in October following a long career as an NBA assistant coach.

Despite the announcement, Toliver has not officially retired from playing. She suffered a torn ACL in September, capping off an injury-ridden season with the Mystics, during which she only played 11 games. Her playing time was also limited to 11 games in 2022 and 19 in 2021 due to injuries while with Los Angeles. Additionally, she did not compete in the 2020 season held in the COVID-19 bubble in Bradenton, Florida.

Turning 37 in January, Toliver has enjoyed 14 seasons in the WNBA since being chosen by the Chicago Sky as the No. 3 draft pick out of Maryland in 2009. She played a crucial role in the Terrapins’ NCAA championship team in 2006.

Over her WNBA career, Toliver has averaged 11.8 points and 3.4 assists, playing nine seasons with the Sparks, four with the Mystics, and one with the Sky.

Prior to her new role, she also served as an NBA assistant during the WNBA’s offseason, working with the Washington Wizards from 2018 to 2020 and the Dallas Mavericks from 2021 to 2023.

Following their last-place finish in the WNBA and missing the playoffs this past season, the Mercury (9-31) are now in the draft lottery and have the second-best chance at the No. 1 pick, with the lottery set to take place on Dec. 10.