It is common for basketball teams to take an international trip in the summer and play against unfamiliar opponents. Doing so enhances team bonding and hones the players’ ability to play outside their comfort zones. DeLisha Milton-Jones, head women’s basketball coach at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Virginia, chose something a little different for her team. The players, coaches, and staff traveled to Los Angeles, where Milton-Jones had played for the Los Angeles Sparks, winning WNBA titles in 2001 and ’02.

“I wanted them to have an experience where we could … intertwine the Sparks organization with ODU women’s basketball,” said Milton-Jones, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who now also coaches with USA Basketball. “It happened in a beautiful way. We practiced in their facility for two practices, which was amazing.”

The ODU players, coaches, and staff attended two Sparks games, against the Seattle Storm and the New York Liberty, and were invited onto the court to toss T-shirts to the fans. “After the first session, we had a roundtable with several Sparks players,” Milton-Jones said. “It was a tremendous conversation for everyone to be a part of to get that insight. My players did a great job of asking thoughtful questions and they got thoughtful responses. It helped them understand that they’re not that far removed from that opportunity.”

Although not a lot of WNBA draft picks come from mid-major schools, there are growing opportunities with the league in expansion mode — two more teams debut in 2026. Milton-Jones said the LA experience and knowledge of expansion let players know not to give up on their dreams.

“We also had the opportunity from this trip to spend a lot of quality time together,” said Milton-Jones. “We could really hash out some things … We had two- to three-hour conversations [where] we just put everything out on the table … [The players] empowered each other to use their voices to where you speak on what you feel and then we can figure out solutions.”

The ODU players also saw a tribute video for Milton-Jones played on the jumbotron, a reminder of what a fierce and vital player she was. “I think the players had a better understanding and grasp of why I am the way that I am,” she said. “It changed how they saw me. They understand my expectations and standards more clearly.”

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