Savannah's Steel Tryouts Open Door for Local Hoopers

Savannah's new women's pro basketball team, the Steel, hold open tryouts for players from coastal Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:48pm

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a women's basketball game, with players' forms blending into the vibrant brushstrokes.The Savannah Steel's open tryouts represent a chance for local hoopers to turn their dreams of professional basketball into reality.Savannah Today

The Savannah Steel, the city's new women's professional basketball team, are holding open tryouts on April 18 at the Temple of Glory Gymnasium. Head coach Coretta Brown, a Savannah native and former WNBA player, is encouraging young athletes from the local area to come out and showcase their skills. The Steel will play their home games at the Enmarket Arena, with 17 home games scheduled for their inaugural season as part of the new Upshot League.

Why it matters

This is a unique opportunity for local basketball players in the Savannah area to potentially earn a professional contract and play in their hometown. The Upshot League provides an alternative pathway to the WNBA, allowing more players to continue their careers after college. The Steel's mission extends beyond just winning games, as they aim to help players build futures off the court as well.

The details

Coach Coretta Brown, a Savannah native and former WNBA player, is leading the charge for the Savannah Steel. She wants to give as many local athletes as possible a chance to make the team and be 'pioneers' for the new franchise. The Steel will play their home games at the Enmarket Arena, providing a high-profile venue for the team and giving fans in Savannah a chance to support their hometown pro squad.

  • The Steel's local tryouts will be held on Saturday, April 18 at the Temple of Glory Gymnasium.
  • The Steel's home opener weekend is scheduled for May 22 and May 24.

The players

Coretta Brown

The head coach of the Savannah Steel and a Savannah native who played in the WNBA for the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky.

Dawn Baker

A news anchor who welcomed Coach Brown to the program to discuss the Steel's upcoming tryouts and inaugural season.

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What they’re saying

“I want as many locals to have a chance to be pioneers in this.”

— Coretta Brown, Head Coach, Savannah Steel

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

— Coretta Brown, Head Coach, Savannah Steel

What’s next

The Steel will hold their home opener weekend on May 22 and May 24 at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah.

The takeaway

The Savannah Steel's open tryouts represent an exciting opportunity for local basketball players to potentially earn a professional contract and play in their hometown. This new team is part of the Upshot League, which provides an alternative pathway to the WNBA, allowing more players to continue their careers after college.