Most of WNBAs older coaches OK with Florida virus risk

 Mike Thibault kws that he could be at higher risk for severe illness if he gets coronavirus because of his .

69-year-old Washington Mystics coach didn't hesitate about going down to Florida with his team Monday to prepare for upcoming WNBA season.

“re’s guarantee. Living in D.C. I wear my mask and stay away from people,” said Thibault, who turns 70 in September. "You go to grocery store or have food delivered re is some risk involved in your life,. That’s nature of virus. I'm t at same risk as that grocery store worker or restaurant owner heading to work every day. We're going to a controlled environment.”

Thibault is one of five head coaches in league over 60, including three over 65 — which puts m in higher risk category according to CDC . or major sports league has as high a percent of head coaches over 60.

“It's our job,” said Dallas Wings coach Brian Agler, who is one of five. “I'm t more concerned because it's Florida as virus is hitting everywhere right w.”

Florida is one of current hotbeds for virus in U.S. right w with state having more than 21,000 new cases this weekend., including more than 11,000 on Saturday .

While four of five sexnarian head coaches plan on being in Florida, Seattle’s Dan Hughes anunced last month that he won’t coach after he was determined to be at higher risk for severe illness if he contracted COVID-19. 65-year-old Hughes missed nine games last year after having a cancerous tumor in his appendix.

“I kw that Dan had a difficult decision to forego 2020 WNBA season," said Indiana Fever coach Marianne Stanley, who is 66. “My colleagues and I will certainly miss seeing him on sidelines this summer, however, we all respect his decision to prioritize his health at this time and continue to wish him well.”

Gary Kloppenburg, who is 67, will take Hughes' place leading Storm.

Los Angeles Sparks assistant Fred Williams, who is also in his 60s, will be working from home instead of going to Florida citing precautionary health reasons.

Williams will continue his duties including scouting, practice and game preparation, and film study from home.

“I truly appreciate Sparks organization for ir understanding in this unprecedented situation,” Williams said. “I look forward to continuing to assist Coach (Derek) Fisher and coaching staff remotely as we work towards a WNBA championship.”

All coaches kw that league is taking every precaution y can to ensure safety of everyone heading down to IMG Academy, including testing, mask wearing and social distancing.

“If people do what y are supposed to do, we’ll be safer than rest of country,” Thibault said. “We are going to a facility where we are minimizing risk and we should be in a safe environment.”

Bill Laimbeer has been socially distant since pandemic hit spending time in Michigan and Florida.

He is more concerned about day-to-day operations for his team , Las Vegas Aces, once y get to Florida than worrying about contracting virus.

“y definitely have testing and medical protocols down,” 63-year-old coach said.

Everyone headed down to Florida will have had at least three coronavirus tests before arriving according to 2020 Season Player Guide obtained by Associated Press. players, coaches and staff will be tested daily first few days y are quarantined in IMG Academy. y will n be tested regularly once training camp and season begins.

While testing is clear, Laimbeer said re were a lot of unkwns as far as practice, game schedule and or basketball related items.

“It's as clear as mud,” he deadpanned in a phone interview.