A Coach's Journey from College to the WNBA

Roberts' Decision and the Sparks' Opportunity

Lynne Roberts expressed her deep affection for coaching at the University of Utah. She said, "Being the women's basketball coach at the University of Utah has been my absolute joy and honor. I was very happy at the U and had no intentions of leaving to go anywhere else. I believe in Mark Harlan and I believe in what we were building." However, the allure of coaching a professional team in her home state proved too strong. The Sparks, coming off an 8-32 season and with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, presented an irresistible opportunity.

Roberts' tenure with the Utes was marked by success. She entered her 10th season and had led the team to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, with the latest in 2023-24 reaching the second round. In 2022-23, she was named the Pac-12 Coach of the Year as the Utes made it to the Sweet Sixteen for the third time in program history.

Petersen's Ascent as the New Head Coach

With Roberts' departure, Gavin Petersen takes on the role of full-time head coach. He brings 23 years of coaching experience, with 10 of those years as an assistant with the Utes. In a news release, Roberts had high praise for Petersen's coaching ability, saying, "Gavin Petersen will do incredible things here as the head coach. He is an unbelievable coach and person. He has passed up several chances in the past to be a head coach elsewhere, but he believes in the University of Utah, its leadership, and what we have built. He is more than ready to take this program over and I cannot wait to be a huge support for him and be the team's loudest cheerleader in the Huntsman Center."

Petersen is focused on leading the team through this transition. He said, "All my attention is now going to be focused on, and poured into, our players. The basketball part of things is the fun part, and we are still going to play Utah Basketball. Even though 'change' has occurred, everything that we set out to accomplish this season is still right in front of us, and I am extremely excited about this group, this team. Our core principles and foundation are intact, and we will rely on each other this season as we continue this journey together. I am humbled and honored to be given the responsibility to lead this special group of young women, and I can't wait to attack each day with them."

Utah will now face a quick turnaround as it prepares to take on Saint Joseph's at 7 p.m. MT on Friday at the Huntsman Center.