Iowa WBB assistant Raina Harmon named head coach at Florida Gulf Coast
For the second consecutive season, the Iowa Women’s Basketball coaching staff will go through a major shakeup. On Friday morning it was announced that assistant coach Raina Harmon will leave Iowa and take over as the new head coach at Florida Gulf Coast University.
The Eagles, a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference, is one of the premier mid-major programs in the country. Joining the DI ranks back in 2007, FGCU has gone 640-113, including 11 NCAA Tournament appearances. Harmon takes over the program, after Chelsea Lyles announced retirement after guiding FGCU to the NCAA Tournament in her one year as head coach.
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During her eight years at Iowa as an assistant coach, Raina helped lead the Hawkeyes to a 208-63 record, including a pair of Final Four appearances. She was recently named to the 2025 ABIS (Advancement of Blacks in Sports) Women’s Basketball Coach Watchlist.
Prior to her time at the University of Iowa, Harmon spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Central Michigan (2012-17), helping the Chippewas to a 99-61 record, including a trip to the 2013 NCAA Tournament. She also spent two seasons at Michigan (2010-12) as the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations.
FGCU shared a statement from Raina Harmon in their press release announcing the hire…
“I am absolutely honored to be named the next head coach at Florida Gulf Coast University. This position is one of the best jobs in the country and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such a prestigious program. Thank you to President Timur, Colin Hargis, Nicole Neal and Lauren Leister for believing in my vision for the next era of FGCU women’s basketball. This program has a standard of excellence, and I can’t wait to build upon that legacy as I commit to developing our student-athletes on and off the court. I look forward to connecting with the FGCU community, our fans and most importantly, our players as we embark on this journey together. Wings Up and Go Eagles!”
FGCU also shared a statement from Athletic Director Colin Hargis…
“It’s a great day for FGCU to welcome Raina Harmon to the Nest as the next leader of our women’s basketball program. Harmon’s energy, passion and commitment to student-athletes combined with her coaching experience will champion the continued growth and success for the FGCU women’s basketball program.”
