Kelly Rae Finley spent her first two seasons as an assistant coach on Coach Newbauer's staff
Finley Promoted to Associate Head Coach
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 | Women's Basketball
Kelly Rae Finley is set to begin her third season with the Gators in 2019-20
GAINESVILLE, Fla. –– University of Florida women's basketball head coach Cameron Newbauer has announced the promotion of Kelly Rae Finley to associate head coach.
"We are excited to announce that Kelly Rae Finley has been named our Associate Head Coach. Kelly has played an integral role in laying and building the foundation for our program during these first two years. She has a tremendous ability to cultivate relationships and connections with our players, prospective student-athletes and coaches around the globe," Newbauer said. "Her dedication to mentoring and helping develop the character of our young ladies is unparalleled. Kelly's own character and integrity coupled with her knowledge and passion for the game exemplifies all that Gator Nation stands for. This promotion is a direct reflection of what she means to our program, both on and off the court."
Finley, who joined Newbauer's staff as an assistant coach in 2017 soon after he was named the program's 10th head coach, will begin her third season with the Gators in 2019-20.
A 10-year coaching veteran, Finley spearheads UF's recruiting operation. The Minnesota native's efforts on the recruiting trail helped the Gators secure a four-star class for the upcoming 2019-2020 season. The staff's second recruiting class, ranked No. 26 overall by Prospects Nation, features four 4-star recruits, Brylee Bartram (Tampa, Fla.), Lavender Briggs (Provo, Utah), Faith Dut (Vancouver, B.C.) and Nina Rickards (Queens, NY).
In addition to her responsibilities in recruiting, Finley also specializes in the development of the Gator guards and assists Coach Newbauer with game preparation.
Before making the move to Florida, Finley built an impressive resume serving on the staffs at Arizona (2016-17), Colorado (2012-16) and Harvard (2009-12).
Finley received her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University in 2008 and took additional graduate coursework at Harvard.
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"We are excited to announce that Kelly Rae Finley has been named our Associate Head Coach. Kelly has played an integral role in laying and building the foundation for our program during these first two years. She has a tremendous ability to cultivate relationships and connections with our players, prospective student-athletes and coaches around the globe," Newbauer said. "Her dedication to mentoring and helping develop the character of our young ladies is unparalleled. Kelly's own character and integrity coupled with her knowledge and passion for the game exemplifies all that Gator Nation stands for. This promotion is a direct reflection of what she means to our program, both on and off the court."
Finley, who joined Newbauer's staff as an assistant coach in 2017 soon after he was named the program's 10th head coach, will begin her third season with the Gators in 2019-20.
A 10-year coaching veteran, Finley spearheads UF's recruiting operation. The Minnesota native's efforts on the recruiting trail helped the Gators secure a four-star class for the upcoming 2019-2020 season. The staff's second recruiting class, ranked No. 26 overall by Prospects Nation, features four 4-star recruits, Brylee Bartram (Tampa, Fla.), Lavender Briggs (Provo, Utah), Faith Dut (Vancouver, B.C.) and Nina Rickards (Queens, NY).
In addition to her responsibilities in recruiting, Finley also specializes in the development of the Gator guards and assists Coach Newbauer with game preparation.
Before making the move to Florida, Finley built an impressive resume serving on the staffs at Arizona (2016-17), Colorado (2012-16) and Harvard (2009-12).
Finley received her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University in 2008 and took additional graduate coursework at Harvard.
FOLLOW THE GATORS
SOCIAL: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #GoGators
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