Yvette Harris has over 26 years of coaching experience and is in her second season on head coach Tasha McDowell’s staff. Harris works with the Bronco post players and serves as the recruiting coordinator. Harris made her return to Western Michigan in 2008 after working as an assistant coach on Jim Hess’ staff from 1987-90.
Harris previously was the head coach at Central Connecticut State from 2002-07, where she led the Blue Devils to two consecutive Northeast Conference Tournament appearances, including the school’s first in six years. She recruited and coached the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder and four-time all-conference honoree in Gabriella Guegbelet, as well as four NEC All-Rookie Team players.
Prior to CCSU, Harris served a five-year stint as the recruiting coordinator for the University of Michigan from 1996-2001. While at Michigan, the Wolverines made two appearances in the NCAA Tournament and had their first ever top-25 national ranking. The success in the Big Ten was nothing new to Harris, who had also spent three years at The Ohio State University under head coach Nancy Darsch from 1990-93. While at Ohio State, the Buckeyes won the Big Ten Conference Championship in 1993 and took a trip to the NCAA Final Four. She shared recruiting responsibilities at OSU.
Harris began her coaching career at Northern Illinois, where she served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for five years (1982-1987).
Harris graduated with a degree in business administration and finance in 1982 from Detroit Mercy, where she played three seasons of basketball for the Titans, after beginning her career at Michigan. She earned a master of arts in administration from Western Michigan in 1990.
Quoting head coach Tasha McDowell on Harris:
“Coach Harris has been in the profession for a long time. She has coached at every level and touched the lives of many players. She is a fantastic recruiter and will serve as the program’s recruiting coordinator. She has a wonderful repertoire with kids and has a great personality. She will also serve as our co-position coach of the post players.”
THE YVETTE HARRIS FILE
COACHING CAREER
Western Michigan University: Assistant Coach, 2008-present
Romulus High School: Varsity Girls’ Head Coach, 2007-08
Central Conn. State University: Head Coach, 2002-07
University of Michigan: Recruiting Coordinator, 1996-2001
Fresno State: Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator, 1995-96
Ohio State University: Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator, 1990-93
Western Michigan University: Assistant Coach, 1987-1990
Northern Illinois University: Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator, 1982-1987
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in business administration - Detroit Mercy, 1982
Master of arts in administration - Western Michigan, 1990
PLAYING CAREER
Detroit Mercy (1979-1982)
University of Michigan (1978-1979)
