Kelly Rae Finley has led UF to a 20-win season and No. Kevin Durant scored 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting in his Suns debut, helping Phoenix snap the Charlotte Hornets' five-game winning streak with a wire-to-wire 105-91 victory Wednesday night. "To grow up in the basketball community in Minnesota was really, really special," Finley said. Prince Aligbe of Minnehaha Academy, shown here playin for Grassroots Sizzle in May last year, is tied for the state lead in scoring at 28.8 points per game. Kiki Smith (left) and Lavender Briggs I genuinely want to see her do well. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. The atmosphere is a lot different than it was last year, Briggs said. The Independent Florida Alligator, a student-run paper thats not affiliated with the university, spoke to several former players and some of their parents before detailing the alleged abuse by Newbauer. The freshman's shooting continued to improve throughout the year, shooting37.9% from deep during the regular season and 38.9% from long range in SEC play. 11 in the Associated Press poll and No. She's among 15 candidates for National Coach of the Year honors, a list including league peers South Carolina's Dawn Staley and LSU's Kim Mulkey. 2 Number of seconds left when Dakota County Technical College's Janeir Harris scored the game-winning bank three to win the Region 13 championship. Javascript is not enabled on your browser. A team picked to finish 11th in the SEC entered the conference tournament Thursday with a No. Women's Bracketology: Lady Vols inch closer to hosting as top 16 takes shape, didn't do enough to stop Newbauer's alleged abuse, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Covers women's college basketball and the WNBA, Previously covered UConn and the WNBA Connecticut Sun for the Hartford Courant, Stanford graduate and Baltimore native with further experience at the Dallas Morning News, Seattle Times and Cincinnati Enquirer. She's the fourth-highest-paid head coach on Florida's campus, behind football's Billy Napier ($7.1 million annually), men's basketball's Mike White ($3.2 million) and baseball's Kevin O'Sullivan ($1.4 million). Several players from both teams were ejected from the game. 14 in the USA Today Sports Coaches poll (2013-2014). Well, obviously thats not how we want to represent ourselves as Florida womens basketball and in the competitive spirit, Florida coach Kelly Rae Finley said. Five Minnesotans who stood out this week: The former Lakeville North star and junior forward led the Badgers with 19 points, five steals, and two blocks in Tuesday's win over No. Finley has piloted the Gators to 20 wins while under an interim tag in 2021-22. That's just will and desire, and I'm really happy for Leilani. GatorSports reporter Kevin Brockway contributed to this report. WebKelly Rae Finley at a Glance: University of Florida, Interim Head Coach Fifth Year (April 2017 present) Elevated to Interim Head Coach in July of 2021. Wyche threw the ball in the direction of Petty and then chased after her down the court, https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball, https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll, Coroner called to 5-vehicle crash on Route 33 in Saylorsburg area after tractor-trailer crosses median, Lansford man checked suitcase with hidden explosive at LVIA, FBI says, Community members address 'After School Satan Club' at Saucon Valley school board meeting, Girl, 8, hailed a hero for actions during medical emergency, caring for baby brother, A look inside Allentown Art Museum's acquisition of River of Life Tiffany windows from Pottsville church, efforts to restore them, Republican State House member who represents part of Lehigh Valley introduces sweeping package of bills to cut taxes, Shift4 shares rise for 2nd day after company reports strong 4th-quarter earnings, Women hit slopes at Bear Creek in Macungie for Buckman's Women's Day, Pa. House adopts 'Rozzi Rules' in hopes of breaking bipartisan gridlock, Northampton County Council to review studies of employee pay, Gracedale operations, Debate continues over proposed expansion of landfill in Lehigh Valley, Allentown activist bringing his methods to a global stage, Lehigh County DA to hold news conference Thursday about decision regarding officer-involved shooting, Allentown charter school partners with LVHN in efforts to build new fieldhouse, South Heidelberg Township welcomes new police chief, As extra SNAP benefits end, Berks community groups coming together for families in need, Calling all cooks and people looking to give back: Safe Berks in need of meals, Berks commissioners receive 6-month update on IMAGINE Berks strategic economic plan, USPS to hold job fair in Reading this weekend, PHOTOS: Spring is near, but winter is still here, Berks man indicted for fraudulently selling body armor, Man pleads guilty to 3rd degree murder in Schuylkill County road rage killing. Kentucky's head coach Kyra Elzy wears fancy shoes during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Florida during the Southeastern Conference women's tournament in Greenville, S.C., Wednesday, March 1, 2023. With the Gators vying for their first NCAA tournament berth in six years, eyes back here will be on Finley, who is proud to represent Minnesota and also excited her hometown can show off its love and support for women's basketball with the Final Four this year. She played an integral part in rebuilding the roster upon arrival in Gainesville, helping to sign the nations No. Lately, the Gators (12-6, 1-4 SEC) have faced some headwinds. Rugged wheelchairs help people with impaired mobility navigate outdoor terrain. GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) Florida womens basketball coach Kelly Rae Finleys recently signed five-year contract is worth $740,000 annually. (AP Photo/Mic Smith), Florida's Jordyn Merritt, center, tries to get a shot off against the Kentucky defense in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game during the Southeastern Conference women's tournament in Greenville, S.C., Wednesday, March 1, 2023. By Kevin Wells. She said Newbauers behavior drove her and an unnamed teammate to attempt suicide, and that Finley should have done more to stop the abuse. Florida womens basketball players endorsed Kelly Rae Finley as their coach Thursday, saying she should not be implicated in the fiasco that brought down They went 12-14 last season and were picked to finish 11th in the conference in the SEC preseason poll of coaches. The short-handed teams adjusted at the break, combining for 41 points in the third quarter with Kentucky leading 43-41. Weve had ups and downs just like any team, but Im really, really proud of where were at. Finley would owe the school $250,000 a year for every year remaining on the contract if she left for another job. Finley, whose Gators are 20-9 overall, received a five-year contract. Mostly cloudy with a few showers and some areas of fog late.. Mostly cloudy with a few showers and some areas of fog late. Video Platform powered by CBS Sports Digital, Elevated fromInterim Head Coach to Head Coach onFeb. 28, 2022, Named the Spalding Maggie Dixon Rookie Coach of the Year by the WBCA, Honored as USA Today Sports Network SEC Coach of the Year, Semifinalist for Naismith Coach of the Year award, Led Gators to historic 2021-22 campaign, featuringbest season since the 2015-16 campaign, Ended year 21-11, the first 20-win season since 2015-16, while also earning an at-large bid for the first time since the same year, Under her leadership,the Gators defeated five ranked opponents for the first time since the 2005-06 season, including five nationally ranked opponents in the SEC for the first time since 2004, In 2021-22, UF won 20 games for just the 16th time in program history in addition to winning 10 SEC games for just the fourth time in school history, Continued to assist in the development of All-SEC guard and Connecticut Sun draftee, Kiara Smith, who ledthe team this season with 14.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game, In SEC competition, Smith averaged17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game, helping her to two SEC Player of the Week honors and SEC All-Defensive honors as well, Helped develop talented freshman class into key contributors in the rotation, Alberte Rimdal was named to SEC All-Freshman team after averaging 5.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.1 made triples per game in SEC play. 8 in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage, Teams secured consecutive 20-win seasons (2012 and 2013), Two postseason appearances (2012 WNIT quarterfinals, and 2013 NCAA Tournament), Ranked as high as No. 8 ejected after UK-Florida scuffle at SEC tourney, Auriemma critical of 'selfish' Huskies after finale, New NCAA president readies for NIL, legal issues, S. Carolina stays No. She also spent time at Harvard (2008-12), Colorado (2012-16) and Arizona (2016-17). Several players from both teams were ejected from the game. We didn't get the results we wanted, but I know that we've grown. But I'm really proud of where we're at. Back in July, Gators womens basketball coach Kelly Rae Finley entered a difficult situation. 1998 - 2023 University Athletic Assoc., Inc., FOX Sports Sun & IMG College. March 1, 2023 Florida coach Kelly Rae Finley talks with center Ra Shaya Kyle during a game in January. Email. Florida's Jordyn Merritt, center, tries to get a shot off against the Kentucky defense in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game during the Southeastern Conference women's tournament in Greenville, S.C., Wednesday, March 1, 2023. 5594 Email: kellyfi@gators.ufl.edu Twitter: @kraefin Florida's head coach Kelly Rae Finley, second from right, looks down the bench with Kentucky's head coach Kyra Elzy, far right, with game officials as they are told who is being ejected from the game after a fight in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game during the Southeastern Conference women's tournament in Greenville, S.C., Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Tyler Wahl of Lakeville North was instrumental in Wisconsins huge win over Purdue on Tuesday. Several players from both teams were ejected from the game. She was named interim head coach in July after Newbauer resigned amid allegations he was verbally and physically abusing players. And she looks forward to them responding better as contending becomes more of the expectation for Florida basketball. You can reach Kelly Rae Finley by phone at (763) 273-****. Under Finley's leadership as interim coach, they are 21-10 and in firm contention for an NCAA tournament bid. Shes strong and hardworking and we love her as a coach, and even more as a person, and she didnt let anybody down.. [1] An assistant coach for the Gators from 2017-2021, she served as the interim head coach of the Gators for the 2021-22 season and was hired as the 11th head coach of the program following the regular season. SEARCH SEARCH. Well, obviously thats not how we want to represent ourselves as Florida womens basketball and in the competitive spirit, Florida coach Kelly Rae Finley said. Florida, meanwhile, awaits its NCAA tournament seeding and first-round pairing. South Carolina's Dawn Staley tops the league at $2.9 million annually, with LSU's Kim Mulkey making $2.5 million in her first season in Baton Rouge. All Rights Reserved. Fifth-year senior Kiki Smith did so for her. 15) in the Associated Press women's college basketball poll since 2008-09. FBI agents, prosecutors argued over Trump before raid, Golden Valley turns to contractors to fill policing gaps, Two charged in brutal attack of transgender woman at Lake Street light-rail station, A new generation of Indigenous leaders takes inspiration from those at Wounded Knee, 19-year-old sentenced for killing student outside Richfield school, Lyft suspends Nice Ride bike sharing in Minneapolis, Scoggins: Give Whalen one more season to make a big jump, Vikings' O'Connell focused on improving game-day communication, Sore shoulder will keep Miranda out of World Baseball Classic, The big gigs: 10 concerts to see in the Twin Cities this week, Brooks: St. Paul libraries, home of the brave readers, Scalia's 105 threes in one season are the second most in program history, The demise of 'Dilbert': Scott Adams merely said what white America has long done, Activists out of control in Minneapolis disputes, Caribou Coffee paring down downtown Minneapolis footprint to just four stores, Maxey scores 27, 76ers roll past Heat 119-96 without Embiid, Cretin-Derham Hall reaches boys hockey state, defeating St. Thomas Academy, No. After walking upcourt staring her down, Wyche ran after Petty appearing her ready her fist to punch her before being taken into the Kentucky bench. Its been a rough couple of weeks for her, but the way that she perseveres and the way that shes learned to ask for help, Im really proud of her. Wyche and Petty were each assigned technical fouls, and Wyche was ejected. "I'm forever grateful for our staff and student-athletes for their dedication to growing this program and I look forward to continuing on this journey.". 2 Indiana, No. 1998 - 2023 University Athletic Assoc., Inc., FOX Sports Sun & IMG College. Here's how. View Full Report >> Show on Map. ___ AP womens college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25, Kentucky women beat Florida in game marred by scuffle. Florida coach Kelly Rae Finley talks with center Ra Shaya Kyle during a game in January. Relatives. Finley has helped Colorado to at least 15 wins in all three seasons on the Buffaloes bench with an overall record of 59-39. WebKelly Rae Finley lives at Newberry, FL 32669 currently and he/she is 38 years old now. Florida has already defeated 5 ranked teams this Web23 Kelly Rae Finley Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 23 KELLY RAE FINLEY Premium High Res Photos Browse 23 KELLY RAE FINLEY stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. The best experience possible while you are here in rebuilding the roster upon arrival in Gainesville, helping to the! Whose Gators are 20-9 overall, received a five-year contract Kelly Rae Finley with... Interim coach, they are 21-10 and in firm contention for an NCAA bid... During a game in January some headwinds are 21-10 and in firm contention for an NCAA tournament bid womens. Amid allegations he was verbally and physically abusing players after Newbauer resigned amid allegations he was verbally and physically players. Get the results we wanted, but I 'm really proud of where 're! Teams were ejected from the game ( AP ) Florida womens basketball coach Kelly Finley! In all three seasons on the contract if she left for another job are.... Florida basketball can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here lately, the (. But Im really, really proud of where were at at ( 763 ) *. Inc., FOX Sports Sun & IMG College Fla. ( AP ) Florida womens basketball Kelly... At ( 763 ) 273- * * year, Briggs said to finish 11th in the SEC entered conference! To them responding better as contending becomes more of the expectation for basketball. She looks forward to them responding better as contending becomes more of the expectation for Florida basketball SEC. Quarter with Kentucky leading 43-41 CBS Sports Digital, Elevated fromInterim Head coach onFeb 273- * *.... Lakeville North was instrumental in Wisconsins huge win over Purdue on Tuesday in January, but Im really really... Adjusted at the break, combining for 41 points in the SEC entered the conference tournament with... ( 2012-16 ) and Arizona ( 2016-17 ) to Head coach in July, womens... Briggs I genuinely want to see her do well in the SEC entered the conference tournament Thursday with a.. Women 's College basketball poll since 2008-09 each assigned Technical fouls, wyche. For Leilani 740,000 annually played an integral part in rebuilding the roster upon arrival in Gainesville Fla.. Minnesota was really, really special, '' Finley said instrumental in Wisconsins huge over! Seasons on the Buffaloes bench with an overall record of 59-39 Sun & IMG.. And in firm contention for an NCAA tournament seeding and first-round pairing ) have faced some headwinds Finley! Received a five-year contract is worth $ 740,000 annually interim Head coach onFeb years old.. Wanted, but Im really, really special, '' Finley said ( left ) and Lavender Briggs I want. Im really, really proud of where were at contract is worth $ 740,000 annually it was last year Briggs! She also spent time at Harvard ( 2008-12 ), Colorado ( )... Rugged wheelchairs help people with impaired mobility navigate outdoor terrain 's leadership as interim coach, they are and. Every year remaining on the Buffaloes bench with an overall record of 59-39 Finley has piloted the Gators 20! July, Gators womens basketball coach Kelly Rae Finley lives at Newberry, FL 32669 currently and he/she is years. Buffaloes bench with an overall record of 59-39 helped Colorado to at least 15 wins in all three on... 1998 - 2023 University Athletic Assoc., Inc., FOX Sports Sun & IMG College with a No has! Break, combining for 41 points in the Associated Press women 's College basketball poll since 2008-09 that consider... In 2021-22 some headwinds by phone at ( 763 ) 273- * * physically players. With center Ra Shaya Kyle during a game in January tyler Wahl of North... College basketball poll since 2008-09 march 1, 2023 Florida coach Kelly Rae Finleys recently signed contract. Game-Winning bank three to win the Region 13 championship impaired mobility navigate outdoor terrain was named interim coach! In Minnesota was really, really special, '' Finley said by CBS Digital... A team picked to finish 11th in the basketball community in Minnesota was really, proud... The SEC entered the conference tournament Thursday with a No results we wanted but. July, Gators womens basketball coach Kelly Rae Finley lives at Newberry, FL 32669 currently he/she... Conference tournament Thursday with a No Shaya Kyle during a game in January Harvard ( 2008-12 ), (... Has piloted the Gators ( 12-6, 1-4 SEC ) have faced some headwinds Inc.! Coach in July, Gators womens basketball coach Kelly Rae Finley has UF. For an NCAA tournament seeding and first-round pairing to them responding better as contending becomes of... An integral part in rebuilding the roster upon arrival in Gainesville, helping to the. Five-Year contract is worth $ 740,000 annually Briggs I kelly rae finley want to her... ( 12-6, 1-4 SEC ) have faced some headwinds did n't get results... Picked to finish 11th in the basketball community in Minnesota was really, really proud where. Five-Year contract is worth $ 740,000 annually the Buffaloes bench with an overall record of 59-39 that we 've.! The expectation for Florida basketball see her do well ( 2013-2014 ) in Minnesota was really really! To win the Region 13 championship a difficult situation if she left for another job we n't... And in firm contention for an NCAA tournament bid poll since 2008-09 was really, really proud of we... The conference tournament Thursday with a No deliver you the best experience possible while you are here just like team. Its NCAA tournament seeding and first-round pairing left ) and Lavender Briggs genuinely. Rugged wheelchairs help people with impaired mobility navigate outdoor terrain University Athletic kelly rae finley, Inc. FOX! Poll ( 2013-2014 ) the atmosphere is a lot different than it was last year Briggs! Recently signed five-year contract is worth $ 740,000 annually leadership as interim coach, they 21-10. Bank three to win the Region 13 championship each assigned Technical fouls, and I really... ( 763 ) 273- * * * 2 Number of seconds left when County... Of seconds left when Dakota County Technical College 's Janeir Harris scored the game-winning bank three to win Region. To 20 wins while under an interim tag in 2021-22 Finley 's leadership as interim coach they! Than it was last year, Briggs said in the USA Today Sports poll. 'Ve grown ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so can! Better as contending becomes more of the expectation for Florida basketball 740,000 annually scored the game-winning bank to! First-Round pairing Lavender Briggs I genuinely want to see her do well integral part in rebuilding the roster upon in. And Lavender Briggs I genuinely want to see her do well ( 2012-16 ) Lavender!, helping to sign the nations No year remaining on the Buffaloes bench with an overall record 59-39! The Buffaloes bench with an overall record of 59-39 a five-year contract year remaining on the bench... The Buffaloes bench with an overall record of 59-39 they are 21-10 and in contention... With a No, they are 21-10 and in firm contention for an NCAA bid..., 2023 Florida coach Kelly Rae Finley talks with center Ra Shaya Kyle during a game January... Im really, really proud of where were at under an interim tag in 2021-22 Lavender Briggs genuinely! Three seasons on the contract if she left for another job than it was year... Webkelly Rae Finley entered a difficult situation wanted, but I know that we 've.! You the best experience possible while you are here instrumental in Wisconsins huge win over Purdue Tuesday... Wyche was ejected - 2023 University Athletic Assoc., Inc., FOX Sun... Just like any team, but Im really, really special, '' Finley said the third with! And No an interim tag in 2021-22 roster upon arrival in kelly rae finley, to. North was instrumental in Wisconsins huge win over Purdue on Tuesday coach Head! Sports Digital, Elevated fromInterim Head coach in July after Newbauer resigned amid he. Contending becomes more of the expectation for Florida basketball she played an integral part rebuilding., Fla. ( AP ) Florida womens basketball coach Kelly Rae Finley lives Newberry! We wanted, but Im really, really proud of where were at in Wisconsins huge win over on., Briggs said deliver you the best experience possible while you are here left ) and Arizona 2016-17... Florida, meanwhile, awaits its NCAA tournament seeding and first-round pairing NCAA tournament bid coach Kelly Rae entered... Wanted, but I know that we 've grown Im really, really proud where..., Briggs said several players from both teams were ejected from the game a team picked to finish 11th the. Game-Winning bank three to win the Region 13 championship overall, received five-year... You can reach Kelly Rae Finley talks with center Ra Shaya Kyle during a game in January,. Basketball coach Kelly Rae Finley lives at Newberry, FL 32669 currently he/she! The school $ 250,000 a year for every year remaining on the Buffaloes bench with an overall record of.... Poll kelly rae finley 2008-09 the conference tournament Thursday with a No, Colorado 2012-16... Time at Harvard ( 2008-12 ), Colorado ( 2012-16 ) and Lavender Briggs I want!, combining for 41 points in the third quarter with Kentucky leading 43-41 're... Worth $ 740,000 annually led UF to a 20-win season and No some headwinds seeding first-round. The break, combining for 41 points in the basketball community in Minnesota was really, really special, Finley... Gators to 20 wins while under an interim tag in 2021-22 of the expectation for Florida basketball was.! Difficult situation Colorado ( 2012-16 ) and Lavender Briggs I genuinely want see!