Breaking: Florida Gators Women’s Basketball Coach Kelly Rae Finley Named AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the Third Straight Year
In an extraordinary feat of leadership and consistency, Florida Gators women’s basketball head coach Kelly Rae Finley has once again been named the Associated Press (AP) Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year. This marks the third consecutive year that Finley has earned this prestigious honor, solidifying her place among the elite coaches in the sport and showcasing the remarkable evolution of the Gators program under her guidance.
Finley, who took over as head coach in 2022, has transformed Florida into a national powerhouse in women’s college basketball. What was once a team struggling for identity in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC) is now a perennial top contender, known for its fast-paced offense, relentless defense, and an unshakable team culture built on discipline and mutual respect.
The 2024–25 season has been a particularly special one for Finley and her squad. The Gators finished the regular season with an impressive 31–2 record, clinched the SEC championship for the second year in a row, and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Florida’s success this year was not merely statistical—it was built on grit, poise, and a next-woman-up mentality that shined in high-pressure moments.
What makes Finley’s coaching stand out isn’t just her tactical acumen but her ability to connect with her players and elevate them on and off the court. Under her leadership, players have consistently improved year over year, and the team’s chemistry has become one of its most notable strengths. She has recruited and developed talent that fits her high-octane system while also emphasizing academic achievement and community involvement.
In her acceptance remarks, Finley remained characteristically humble, crediting her players, assistant coaches, and the entire athletic department. “This award is a reflection of the hard work our team puts in every single day. I’m just proud to represent this university and these incredible young women,” she said.
National analysts have praised Finley not only for her wins but for how she’s won. Her ability to adapt, make in-game adjustments, and keep her players engaged through the ups and downs of a long season has drawn comparisons to legendary coaches in both men’s and women’s basketball.
This third consecutive AP Coach of the Year award puts Finley in rare company, joining the ranks of Geno Auriemma and Pat Summitt as the only coaches to win the honor three times in a row. With each passing season, she continues to build a legacy that is rewriting the narrative of Florida women’s basketball.
As the NCAA tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the Gators. But regardless of how far the team goes, Kelly Rae Finley has already made history—again.