Tammi Reiss Named Florida Women’s Basketball Coach
Florida women’s basketball is entering a new era. The Gators have hired Tammi Reiss as the program’s new head coach, bringing in a proven program builder to lead a team looking to return to the NCAA Tournament.
Reiss becomes the 12th head coach in program history, replacing Kelly Rae Finley, who was dismissed March 9 after five seasons. She arrives in Gainesville following a successful five-year run at Rhode Island, where she transformed the Rams into a conference contender and guided the program to one of the best stretches in its history.
“Tammi Reiss is a proven winner and an outstanding leader whose experience as both a player and coach stood out throughout this process,” said Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin. “She brings tremendous enthusiasm, an unbelievable competitive spirit, and a relentless work ethic that will resonate with our student-athletes and our entire program.
“Tammi has a genuine passion for the game and for developing young women, and it was clear from the beginning how much she wanted the opportunity to lead the Florida Gators. She is also a strong recruiter with a track record of building an international pipeline, and her unique life experiences have helped shape her into a dynamic leader. We are excited to welcome Tammi to Gainesville and look forward to the energy and vision she will bring to our women’s basketball program.”
During her time at Rhode Island, Reiss led the Rams to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 30 years and set multiple program records, including a school-best 26 wins and the Atlantic 10 regular-season title in the 2022–23 season. Her turnaround at Rhode Island established her reputation as a coach capable of rebuilding programs and developing players.
A native of New York, Reiss was a standout player at Virginia from 1989–92. She earned All-America honors three times and helped lead the Cavaliers to three Final Four appearances, playing alongside South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley during one of the most successful runs in program history.
“Tammi and I go back to our days at Virginia, and even then, you could see the passion, the toughness, and the basketball IQ that set her apart,” Staley said. “Over the past seven seasons at Rhode Island, she’s recruited the right players, developed them, and built a culture that reflects who she is disciplined, competitive, and committed.
“Taking Rhode Island to the NCAA Tournament this season is a testament to that work. This is a full-circle moment for both of us. From sharing the court as roommates and teammates to now coaching in the same league, it’s special. And I know she’s going to make a strong impact at Florida.”
Reiss also brings experience at both the college and professional levels. She previously served as an assistant coach at Syracuse, where she helped guide the Orange to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the national championship game in 2016. Her résumé also includes coaching stops at San Diego State and Cal State Fullerton, along with time spent coaching in the WNBA.
As a player, Reiss was selected No. 5 overall in the 1997 WNBA Draft by the Utah Starzz and played two professional seasons. Now she takes over a Florida program that has missed the NCAA Tournament four consecutive years and is looking for a reset under new leadership.
For the current roster, the hire represents both a fresh start and a challenge. Reiss is known for accountability, communication and player development, a style that often comes with tougher practices, clearer roles and higher expectations. Florida officials hope that players who embrace that approach can help accelerate the program’s progress.
After successfully rebuilding Rhode Island, the goal in Gainesville is clear: return to the NCAA Tournament. With a track record of turning programs around, Reiss arrives with the expectation that Florida can become competitive again in the SEC and nationally.
“I first want to thank Dr. Donald Landry, the board of trustees, Athletic Director Scott Stricklin, and the search committee members Jeff Guin, Amy Hass and David Duke Werner for believing in me and trusting in my vision as the next leader of the women’s basketball program at the University of Florida,” Reiss said. “It’s a bit bittersweet to say goodbye to a place that you love so much. Rhode Island gave me a shot when nobody else believed in me. … But I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to coach at the highest level, and it doesn’t get any better than the SEC in terms of women’s basketball.
“Between Florida’s academic reputation, which is very important to me, and the resources available to the program, I believe we have all the pieces necessary to build a championship-caliber team that the university and community will be proud of and excited to support. I can’t wait to get down to Gainesville and get started.”
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