ARLINGTON, Texas — Dallas Wings head coach Jose Fernandez, veteran forward Alysha Clark, and forward Maddy Siegrist spoke with the media this week as training camp progressed under the first-year head coach. The Wings are working through a condensed 15-practice install before their exhibition opener against the Indiana Fever, with several players, including Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard, Awak Kuier, Costanza Verona, and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu, still to arrive.
Full interviews are embedded below.
Jose Fernandez
Fernandez detailed the team’s condensed training camp timeline, the work done in the first days of camp, and what stands out about No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd, and described second-year guard Paige Bueckers as a critical leader.
“Paige stands out,” Fernandez said. “Every day she does the right things in everything she does, and she has a voice. You also have veterans like Maddy, Alysha Clark, and Odyssey Sims who bring experience and help guide the group.”
Alysha Clark
Clark, who was cut twice earlier in her WNBA career, spoke about the emotional weight of the Wings’ first roster cuts, her familiarity with Li Yueru, and what has stood out about Bueckers’ leadership and Fudd’s game in her first impressions of the team.
“This is the first time I’ve been around her, but she leads by example, which I always appreciate,” Clark said of Bueckers. “She does a great job pulling the best out of everyone.”
Maddy Siegrist
Siegrist discussed Thursday’s practice, her chemistry with Bueckers after playing together last season, the growth of second-year guard Aziaha James and Li Yueru, and what she’s looking forward to once Ogunbowale and the rest of the veterans arrive in camp.
“I’ve been playing with her for what feels like forever, three years, so she’s a tremendous shot maker,” Siegrist said of Ogunbowale. “I think that brings an exciting element, and with all the different movement and sets, it’ll be really fun to watch.”
