DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Nicki Gross has been named an assistant coach with the Iowa Energy, making her the only female to fill that role in the NBA D-League.
The Memphis Grizzlies and Energy announced Gross’ appointment Thursday. The Grizzlies are Iowa’s NBA affiliate.
Gross, a former Seton Hall women’s soccer player, spent the 2014-15 season as a video coordinator with the Energy. She was assistant video coordinator with the Bakersfield Jam in 2013-14.
Energy coach Bob Donewald said in a statement that Gross ”is a tireless worker who has a bright future in basketball.”
The D-League’s had female coaches before.
The league’s first female coach was Stephanie Ready, who was hired as an assistant for the Greenville Groove in 2001. Nancy Lieberman was the head coach of the Texas Legends in 2011-12.
Iowa Energy hire Nicki Gross as assistant coach
