As the winningest coach in Arizona State University’s women’s basketball history, Charli Turner Thorne has nothing to prove. After working as a head coach for 25 years, Turner Thorne retired in 2022 but remains active in the basketball community. Now, as a scout for the Phoenix Mercury and an ASU professor, Turner Thorne has wisdom to shed on how to be an adaptable coach for players and how to win.

Answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

What makes a good coach?

Coaching is a very interesting profession. You don’t go to school for it; there are no qualifications. That’s why, when you talk to people who have played either in high school or sometimes in college, sometimes they’ve had some really bad experiences because we don’t have to get certified. Almost anybody can coach.

Coach

See Full Page