Mississippi head women's basketball coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin salutes the fans after an upset win over Vanderbilt on Jan. 30, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama.
Mississippi head women’s basketball coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin salutes the fans after an upset win over Vanderbilt on Jan. 30, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama. Vasha Hunt / Associated Press
1 min read

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

Arielle Chambers Arielle Chambers @ariivory
Andscape Staff
Topics:
Ole Miss Rebels Black Women Women's College Basketball Cotie McMahon Coach Yo

Up Next From Sports

    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.

    Arielle Chambers is a commentator for Andscape & ESPN. She’s a Raleigh-born (& won’t let you forget it) 6 ft tall former pro cheerleader who ironically made women’s basketball her identity.