Women's College Basketball
Authenticity is key for Ole Miss’ Coach Yo: ‘I try to show up as my best, flaws and all’
Yolett “Coach Yo” McPhee-McCuin speaks with Andscape about staying true to herself and the challenges of coaching Black players as a Black woman
Ole Miss women’s basketball runs on authenticity, and head coach Yolett “Coach Yo” McPhee-McCuin refuses to shrink. McPhee-McCuin sat down with Andscape and ESPN commentator Arielle Chambers to unpack what it takes to lead “as Yo,” from navigating Southern power dynamics as a Bahamian woman to building a culture where players can be vulnerable.
With recollections from Ole Miss player Cotie McMahon, McPhee-McCuin discusses authentic leadership, the mental health side of coaching, and why coaching Black players as a Black woman poses unique challenges.