When Andrew Wade was in his final year of college, basketball wasn’t just a sport to him—it was a way of life. After dedicating three years to playing collegiate basketball at Catholic University in Washington, DC, he knew he couldn’t imagine a future without it. Basketball had shaped who he was as graduation approached, he found himself dreaming of ways to stay deeply connected to the game he loved.

Now, Wade’s lifelong passion for basketball has opened an incredible new chapter. He’s about to step into a new coaching role where he’ll work with some of the best talents in women’s basketball—players like the ever-dominant MVP contender Alyssa Thomas and the seasoned, four-time All-Star Kayla McBride. Here’s everything you need to know about Lace’s head coach.

Andrew Wade: from Assistant Coach to Head Coach in Unrivaled

Andrew, who served as an assistant coach for the Washington Mystics, took a major leap in his coaching journey as he was named as one of six head coaches for Unrivaled, an exciting new women’s professional 3-on-3 basketball league set to debut in Miami on January 17th. For Wade, it’s more than just a new role—it’s a chance to help shape the future of the sport he loves while working with some of the most talented athletes in the game.

“I’m excited to be in the head seat for the first time,” he said. “I’m excited to have that challenge and face that pressure.”  Wade is stepping into his new role as head coach of the Laces Club, a team packed with talent from across the WNBA.

His journey has been anything but ordinary. Back in 2019, he started as a video coordinator for the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards’ G League affiliate, and the Washington Mystics. It was a behind-the-scenes role, but it gave him a front-row seat to the inner workings of professional basketball. His hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed, and that early opportunity paved the way for a permanent role in player development with the Mystics—a stepping stone that’s brought him to where he is today.

Andrew is a unique group of Unrivaled coaches who’ve had the chance to immerse themselves in both the men’s and women’s games. For him, the transition has always felt natural because, at its core, coaching is about the same values and principles

During his introductory press conference for Unrivaled, Wade couldn’t emphasize enough how central relationship building is to his coaching philosophy. For him, success on the court starts with trust and connection. He believes that understanding his players as people—not just athletes—is what makes a team truly thrive.

Andrew Wade Joins Unrivaled Amid Mystics Uncertainty

Unrivaled’s head coaching lineup is star-studded, featuring WNBA legend Teresa Weatherspoon, NBA veteran Phil Handy, former player and coach Adam Harrington, renowned skills coach DJ Sackmann, and player development expert Nola Henry, each bringing a unique experience to the league’s debut season.

Wade may not have the same level of recognition as some of the big names like Weatherspoon and Handy, but he’s proud to be alongside them. For him, it’s about the opportunity to learn from these seasoned coaches and contribute his unique perspective to the league.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be among some legends and some coaching greats that I’ve looked up to for years,” Wade said. “I’m sure a lot of people were looking up there, like, ‘Who is Andrew Wade?’ I’ve been behind the scenes in the W for the past six years.”

Wade is about to start his exciting new journey with Unrivaled, but there’s still some uncertainty about his future with the Mystics. With recent changes in the WNBA team’s roster, he’s unsure what’s next in that chapter, but he’s focused on embracing the opportunities ahead, both with Unrivaled and in his evolving coaching career.