WNBA: JUN 30 Minnesota Lynx at Chicago Sky - Source: Getty — WNBA Coach of the Year 2024: Top 5 candidates ft. Cheryl Reeve (Week 12) (image credit: getty)

WNBA Coach of the Year 2024: Top 5 candidates ft. Cheryl Reeve (Week 12)

Modified Aug 27, 2024 16:33 GMT

With the WNBA Playoffs inching closer each day, positioning in the Coach of the Year race continues. Each candidate has done a tremendous job setting the standard for elite coaching in the league, especially with how their teams have performed this season. Aside from that, they have also been effective in setting themselves apart from their competition.

Candidates such as Sandy Brondello, Stephanie White and Cheryl Reeve have made sure that their ball clubs remained in top shape throughout the season. It wasn't enough for the coaches to win games consistently but it was important as well for them to set a winning culture leading to the playoffs.

Top 5 candidates for WNBA COTY 2024 (Week 12)

#5; Noelle Quinn - Seattle Storm

Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn - Source: Imagn

Offensive struggles aside, Noelle Quinn has effectively fortified the Seattle Storm's defense with how she utilizes matchups and schemes. They rank fourth defensively (94.5) and have been one of the most imposing defenses in the league.

With how connected the Storm have looked this season, Quinn deserves a lot of the credit despite only being a first-year head coach.

#4; Becky Hammon - Las Vegas Aces

Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon - Source: Imagn

When it comes to the stature of Becky Hammon in the WNBA, people usually refer to her as a "winner." Winning in the professional league is not easy, especially in back-to-back years, but that's what Hammon has done with her team.

The Las Vegas Aces have not played at the same caliber as last year's championship team. To win a third straight title would require more than what the players have done in previous seasons. Amid all the injuries and defensive shortcomings, they are still in fourth place in the WNBA standings.

#3; Stephanie White - Connecticut Sun

Connecticut Sun coach Stephanie White - Source: Getty

Last year's WNBA COTY Stephanie White picked up where her team left off in the 2023 season to become one of the most dominant teams this year. Starting a season 9-0 has never looked more electric than how the Connecticut Sun did it and White has instilled confidence and trust in her squad.

The Sun rank second defensively (93.9) in the league and are in second place in the team standings.

#2; Cheryl Reeve - Minnesota Lynx

Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve - Source: Getty

Fresh from helping Team USA Women's Basketball bring home their eighth Olympic gold medal, Cheryl Reeve has made sure that her Lynx squad remains focused on finishing the 2024 season strong.

Minnesota has remained the top team defensively in the WNBA, continuing to cause headaches to their opponents with how effective they are at winning their matchups.

#1; Sandy Brondello - New York Liberty

New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello - Source: Getty

Amid all the dominant showings of teams this season, Sandy Brondello and the New York Liberty have stood tall through it all. She has been excellent in bringing the best out of the Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart tandem as well as the team's defensive schemes.

They are one of the most dominant two-way teams in the league, ranking first offensively (106.5) and defensively (93.8).