Breanna Stewart is eager to discover the impact that Chris DeMarco will have on the Liberty following the recent coaching shakeup.
On Wednesday, Stewart expressed her feelings about the Liberty's decision to part ways with Sandy Brondello after a disappointing playoff performance last season, admitting that she felt "sad" about the change. These comments marked her first public remarks since the Liberty faced an early exit from the playoffs on September 19 during the third day of Unrivaled media availability. Stewart conveyed her gratitude for having played under Brondello’s guidance and extended well wishes for Brondello’s future endeavors with the Toronto Tempo.
Reflecting on her time with Brondello, Stewart shared, "I truly loved and appreciated the opportunity to play for her, and I am grateful for the years we spent together. Although it’s unfortunate that we won’t continue this journey, winning a championship together will always be the highlight of that experience. I look forward to seeing how she performs in Toronto."
Following the conclusion of the Liberty's 2025 season, which ended with a first-round playoff loss, Stewart was a vocal supporter of retaining Brondello as head coach. The very notion of Brondello being let go—just a year after clinching a championship title—seemed to take Stewart by surprise. A hot mic incident captured her shocked reaction at the podium, where she exclaimed, "What the f—k," with Brondello seated just beside her.
Stewart further emphasized, "She has our backs, and we stand by her."
However, just days later, the Liberty made the decision to dismiss Brondello. They then embarked on an extensive two-month search for her successor, ultimately hiring Chris DeMarco, who had previously served as an assistant coach with the Warriors. Liberty General Manager Jonathan Kolb later highlighted DeMarco’s impressive background, noting his championship experience, tactical expertise, and involvement in the creation of one of basketball’s most remarkable modern dynasties.
Although Stewart missed DeMarco’s introductory press conference last week due to a family vacation at Disneyland Paris, she expressed optimism about collaborating with him in the near future. She has not yet met him face-to-face but has exchanged thoughts with him over the phone. DeMarco is expected to remain with the Warriors until their game in Brooklyn on December 28, but he plans to visit Unrivaled next month.
As Stewart prepares for the upcoming season, she, who is currently an unrestricted free agent but has indicated her desire to return to the Liberty, remarked, "I’m genuinely excited about Chris joining us from the Warriors. I’m curious about what he’ll contribute—his basketball IQ and the unique perspectives from the NBA that can enhance our WNBA play, especially with an analytical approach."
In light of recent events, Stewart reached out to her teammate Sabrina Ionescu on Tuesday evening after learning that Ionescu’s home in Southern California had been burglarized. On Monday night, masked intruders broke into the home she shares with her husband, former NFL offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu, stealing approximately $60,000 worth of handbags while they were away.
Stewart noted, "The primary concern is knowing that they’re safe. That’s what matters most. It’s unsettling to think about someone invading your home and knowing where you live; it compromises your sense of privacy. I’m here for Sab and Hroniss, ready to help them however they need. I know they’ll be alright."
Stewart can likely empathize with the unsettling emotions that Ionescu may be grappling with. During the 2024 WNBA Finals, Stewart’s wife, Marta Xargay, received a threatening anti-gay email, which she subsequently reported to law enforcement.
While Stewart extends her support to Ionescu and her family, she also pointed out that such unfortunate incidents should serve as a crucial reminder for professional athletes to prioritize their safety. "As women's basketball continues to grow and gain visibility, we are subject to the same challenges faced by other professional athletes, making it vital for us all to reassess and ensure we are taking appropriate safety measures in our lives."
Amidst these developments, what do you think about the changes happening within the Liberty? How do you feel about the importance of safety for professional athletes? Let's discuss your thoughts in the comments!
