SIDEBAR: Ole Miss Finds Rising Star in McPhee-McCuin

Yolett McPhee-McCuin's name consistently trickled into the conversations that Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Ross Bjork had in his pursuit of a new face for his basketball program.

Eventually, she became the frontrunner in Bjork's mind, and on Friday afternoon McCuin spoke with a sense of eagerness and excitement as she was introduced as the Rebels' next hoops coach inside The Pavilion.

"She is a proven winner," Bjork said. "She is a recruiting machine. She develops players. The interpersonal relationships she develops with our players is a must in college athletics."

McCuin, or "Coach Yo" as she as she is affectionately known by many, comes to Oxford via Jacksonville University, where she won an Atlantic Sun championship and took the program to three consecutive postseason births. She owns the most 20-win seasons in the history of the school and the conference title was also the first in program history

"People kept saying 'Have you hear about Coach Yo? Have you spoke with Coach Yo? Yo, have you met with Coach Yo?'" Bjork recalled. "When you do you will be blown away, and that is exactly what happened in the process. This is her calling. She was made to teach and lead."

McCuin has worked in the Big East and the ACC, as well as across the globe overseas.

Her teams are known for their physicality and toughness by her colleagues. She says the product she puts on the floor is a reflection of herself.

"It will be a fun style," McCuin said. "People want to have fun. It will be hard work. It will be gritty and blue collar-like. But we are going to have a lot of fun on the floor."

She has a vision of what she wants to build and says the first step in the process is to assess the roster and then bring in staff to help recruit and pad depth.

McCuin called Ole Miss "prime real estate" between the facilities and the league it competes in. She's long wanted an opportunity in the SEC and now finally has her shot.

"I was blown away," McCuin said. "When Ole Miss opened up I was so excited. This is the SEC. This is the best conference in the country. I do my research, too. Ross is a phenomenal leader, and his vision is infectious. We can do the unthinkable and unimaginable here."

She boasts a 94-63 record as a head coach and knows it will take a lot to build the program back up to a high standard, but she is prepared for it.

"I am a fierce competitor," McCuin said. "If you come to the games you are going to enjoy the product on the floor."

The daughter of a basketball coach and a teacher, Bjork said this is what McCuin was meant to do, and she seemed eager to get to work in her new home.

"I am going to give you everything I have," McCuin said. "There will be no coach in the country that is going to outwork me. I believe there is opportunity here to be successful, but it takes work. Hopefully you can join us for the ride."

The University of Mississippi Athletics

Related Videos