Savannah’s Shot: Steel tryouts open the door for local hoopers

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Dawn Baker grinned as she welcomed back a familiar face to the program—Coach Coretta Brown, head coach of the Savannah Steel, Savannah’s women’s professional basketball team.

“Thank you for being here,” Dawn said.

“Oh, thanks for having me,” Brown replied.

This time, the conversation carried extra electricity. The Steel aren’t just gearing up for a season—they’re opening the doors for players from right at home in Savannah.

Local talent, professional opportunity

Brown leaned in with the announcement she’s been waiting to share:

Local tryouts are set for Saturday, April 18 at Temple of Glory Gymnasium.

She wants young athletes from coastal Georgia—and nearby South Carolina and Florida—to show up and show out.

“I want as many locals to have a chance to be pioneers in this,” Brown said, noting how personal the moment feels. “Such as myself.”

Not the WNBA—but still pro, still paid

Dawn pointed out that the Steel are also part of something brand new: the Upshot League.

Brown explained it simply: the WNBA is elite—and it’s not the only dream anymore.

“So many times…if they don’t make the WNBA, it’s kind of like, ‘well, what’s next?’” she said. The Upshot League is an opportunity league—a place where players can keep competing professionally, get paid, and do it in the U.S.

“And they can do that right here in Savannah, Georgia,” she added. “Which…is really, really cool.”

Big stage: Enmarket Arena

Then came the detail that turns heads even outside basketball circles:

The Savannah Steel will play at Enmarket Arena.

Brown said she gets asked constantly where the home games will be—now she has the answer.

17 home games

Home opener weekend: May 22 and May 24

Venue: Enmarket Arena

Her pitch was classic Savannah-summer-proof: “If you want to get outside and beat that Southern heat, come inside and watch some good basketball.”

Coach Brown’s full-circle moment

Dawn reminded viewers that Brown isn’t just “a coach”—she’s lived the game.

Brown, a Southeast Bulloch High School graduate from Brooklet, Georgia, went on to play at the University of North Carolina (“go Tar Heels”), then was drafted first round to the Indiana Fever, and also played for the Chicago Sky.

A recent moment at the Final Four hit her hard: she was reminded it’s nearly the 20th anniversary of that early Chicago Sky era.

“I have kind of had my mark in the game,” she said. “And…to be back here leading the charge…right here in my hometown… I’m just so blessed.”

More than basketball

The Steel’s mission goes beyond wins and stats. Brown emphasized the bigger picture—helping players build a future after the ball stops bouncing, whether that’s entrepreneurship or another career path.

Dawn agreed: this is about building strong women, not just strong athletes.

Brown closed with a clear call to action:

Tryouts: Saturday, April 18

Location: Temple of Glory Gymnasium 1105 Stiles Ave, Savannah, GA

Click here for tryout registration.

Home opener weekend: May 22 & May 24

See you at: Enmarket Arena

Dawn sent her off with the sentiment Savannah is already feeling:

“Good luck with everything.”