The Atlanta Dream has announced significant changes to its basketball operations and performance staff, reflecting the organization’s commitment to player health, development, and innovation. The enhancements aim to support on-court success and long-term athlete well-being.
Katie Buria has been promoted to Head Athletic Trainer. Buria has been with the Dream since 2019, contributing significantly to player health and recovery. Her professional experience includes roles at Arkansas State and Texas A&M, and she holds several certifications in strength training, movement science, and manual therapy.
Joining Buria is Taylor Javey as Assistant Athletic Trainer. Javey previously worked with Overtime Elite and the Austin Spurs, focusing on athlete health with a foundation in player care and sports science. She holds a master’s degree in Athletic Training and a bachelor’s in Kinesiology from Youngstown State University.
The Dream has also appointed Shannon Jackson as Strength and Conditioning Coach. Jackson comes from Georgia Tech, where she led women’s basketball performance. Her expertise is in sport-specific training, speed development, and injury prevention.
Parker Sizemore has been promoted to Data Analyst and Performance Coordinator. Sizemore specializes in performance analytics and sports science, utilizing technologies like GPS tracking and force plate testing to enhance player workload and recovery strategies. Her prior experiences include roles in collegiate athletics at Mississippi State and Texas.
“Investing in our medical and performance staff is ultimately an investment in our players,” said General Manager Dan Padover. He highlighted the appointments of Buria, Javey, Jackson, and Sizemore as important steps in optimizing player performance and readiness.
Sydney Durrah has been promoted to Senior Manager of Basketball Systems and Player Content Operations. Durrah brings her background from Georgia Tech and Ohio State, focusing on integrating technology and multimedia into operations.
Sheahen Dowling has joined as Special Assistant to the Head Coach, Karl Smesko. Dowling, who played under Smesko at Florida Gulf Coast University, brings expertise in coaching operations and strategic planning.
“Having the right people around this team is essential to our success,” said Smesko. He praised Durrah and Dowling’s roles in raising the team’s game planning and operations.
The Atlanta Dream established in 2008, remains the Southeast’s only WNBA franchise, playing at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park.
