Eldred High School legend Tammi Reiss has made a long-awaited jump to big-time basketball coaching.
Reiss, 55, left her head coaching position at Rhode Island to accept the job at the University of Florida of the Southeastern Conference, considered the best NCAA Division I women’s basketball league.
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“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,” Reiss said at her introductory press conference. “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.”
New Womens basketball coach Tammi Reiss, left, poses with University Athletic Director Scott Stricklin for a photo with Florida athletic direct speaks during a press conference after spring practice at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Reiss capped her seven seasons at Rhode Island with a 28-5 mark (a program record for wins), tying with George Mason for the regular-season title in Atlantic 10, and beating GW 53-51 in the conference finals – Reiss was named the A-10 coach of the year for the third time in seven seasons. The Rams reached the NCAA tournament for the first time in 30 years, bowing to Alabama 68-55 on Saturday. Her last six URI teams posted winning records, and twice made the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (2022, 2023) – the Rams had only one winning in the previous 15 seasons to her arrival.
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made in my life for many reasons. Over the past seven years, my family and I have built lifelong friendships and created memories that filled our life with love and joy,” Reiss said. “Rhode Island – and in particular, Thorr Bjorn – believed in me and gave me the chance to be a first-time head coach, and the University supported and believed in our program’s vision. That commitment to our program enabled us to build something special that we can all be proud of.”
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Reiss played four seasons and reached three Final Fours as a player for the University of Virginia. The Cavaliers lost to Tennessee in overtime in her only championship game appearance in 1991, and twice were beaten by Stanford in the semifinals.
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What they’re saying
“Tammi showed what is possible for the women’s basketball program at URI. Her body of work speaks for itself, and to say she is leaving the program in a significantly better place would be an understatement. We all wish her success with the next stage of her career.” – URI athletics director Pat Lyons
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“Tammi Reiss is a proven winner and an outstanding leader whose experience as both a player and coach stood out throughout this process. 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.” – Scott Stricklin, Florida athletic director
“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. 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.” – South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley
Tammi Reiss career highlights
Played for Eldred High School from 1983-88, amassing 2,871 points, ranked No. 9 in New York scholastic history.
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Started four seasons for the University of Virginia (1989-92), posting 1,842 points, ranked No. 49 all-time. She was a three-time All-American. Named to the ACC 50th anniversary team in 2002. She served as an assistant coach for the Cavaliers from 1993-96.
Drafted No. 5 overall in the 1997 WNBA Draft, and played two seasons (1997-98) for the Utah Starzz, averaging 7.2 points per game over 50 career appearances. Later served as assistant coach for the Utah Starzz and San Antonio Silver Stars.
Has served as a collegiate coach since 2011: San Diego State assistant (2011-13); Cal State Fullerton associate head coach (2013-15); Syracuse assistant coach (2015-19, with four NCAA tourney appearances); Rhode Island head coach (2019-26); Florida head coach (2026-present). Her overall head coaching record is 138-73
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Eldred great Tammi Reiss leaves Rhode Island for Florida coaching job
