South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley is clearly hyped up about her former teammate, Tammi Reiss, and the latest opportunity she had in collegiate basketball.
On Monday, March 23, Reiss was named as the head coach for the Florida Gators for the 2026-27 campaign and beyond. Reiss takes over from Kelly Rae Finley, who coached the Gators for the last five years.
With the news breaking out, Staley reposted an upload from the official Gators social media account that announced Reiss as their newest main tactician. Along with the repost, Staley put out a brief but hyped-up message for Reiss on her signing, commending the Florida-based team for its great decision. Staley also welcomed Reiss to her conference.
“Welcome to the @SEC, @CoachReiss32 ! Yall got a great one, @GatorsWBK !!!,” Staley wrote.
The reason why Staley is hyped up with Reiss earning the chance to be at the helm of the Gators’ coaching staff is that she and Reiss have known each other for quite some time now, as they used to play college hoops together. Both Staley and Reiss played for the Virginia Cavaliers, with the former playing for four years, while the latter was her teammate for the last three.
Reiss is coming off her seven-year stint as the Rhode Island Rams’ head coach. This is her second opportunity as the head coach of a college basketball program. She has performed assistant coaching roles in the past, including at the Cavaliers.
For Staley, she is aiming for her third national championship in the last five years, as the Gamecocks last won it all in 2024, and before that, in 2022.
The Florida Gators Were Unable To Make It To This Year’s National Tournament
Despite how excited Dawn Staley is for the opportunity she got, Tammi Reiss will have a lot on her plate in the 2026 offseason, as the Florida Gators were unable to reach the 2026 national tournament.
The 2025-26 Florida roster finished with an overall record of 18-15 (5-11 SEC), and was the No. 12 seed in this year’s SEC standings. The Gators also lost in the second round of their conference tournament.
Also Read: Dawn Staley Reveals How Louis Vuitton Itch Began as Gamecocks Boss’ Fashion Becomes Talking Point
Read More: Will Dawn Staley Win the SEC Coach of the Year? Steffi Sorensen Makes Bold Case for South Carolina HC
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