Barbara Farris joins the University of Miami women’s basketball program as the Assistant Coach in the Fall of 2026, bringing a wealth of experience as a WNBA champion, professional coach, accomplished collegiate assistant, and one of the most decorated players in Louisiana basketball history.
Farris arrives in Coral Gables following successful coaching stints at Texas State, Southern Miss, and Stetson, where she played an integral role in recruiting, player development, and program success. Most recently, she helped Texas State improve in several key statistical categories, while previous stops at Southern Miss and Stetson resulted in multiple 20 win seasons and postseason contention.
Before returning to the collegiate ranks, Farris built one of Louisiana’s premier high school basketball programs during her 10 seasons as head coach at John Curtis Christian School. She compiled a remarkable 291-64 record and guided the Patriots to five Louisiana state championships, including four consecutive titles from 2017-20. Under her leadership, numerous student-athletes advanced to the Division I level, including Louisiana Miss Basketball and Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year JerKaila Jordan.
A 10 year WNBA veteran, Farris enjoyed an outstanding professional playing career and established herself as one of the league’s most respected post players. She competed in 280 career WNBA games, scored 1,094 career points, grabbed 777 rebounds, and added 160 assists, 103 steals, and 32 blocks while competing against and alongside some of the greatest players in women’s basketball history. Her professional career was highlighted by winning a WNBA Championship with the Detroit Shock in 2003.
Following her playing career, Farris transitioned into coaching and spent two separate stints as an assistant coach with the New York Liberty from 2012-14 and 2018-19.
As a player at Tulane, Farris earned multiple All-Conference honors and helped lead the Green Wave to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. She remains Tulane women’s basketball’s all-time leader in career field goal percentage and has been inducted into the New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame, Louisiana High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame.
Known for her ability to develop post players, build winning cultures, and mentor student-athletes on and off the court, Farris brings championship experience, professional insight, and a proven track record of success to the Hurricanes program.
Barbara Farris’ Career Path at a Glance
Texas State (2025–2026) – Assistant Coach
Southern Miss (2023–2025) – Assistant Head Coach
Stetson (2020–2023) – Assistant Coach
New York Liberty (2018–2019) – Assistant Coach
John Curtis Christian School (2010–2020) – Head Coach
New York Liberty (2012–2014) – Assistant Coach
Playing Career
Detroit Shock (2000–2006) – WNBA Champion (2003)
Phoenix Mercury (2007) – WNBA
Tulane University (1994–1998) – Four-Time All-Conference Selection
Highlights at a Glance
• Brings experience as a WNBA champion, professional coach, collegiate assistant coach, and championship-winning high school head coach
• 10-year WNBA veteran who competed in 280 career games at the professional level
• Won a WNBA Championship with the Detroit Shock in 2003
• Finished her professional career with 1,094 points, 777 rebounds, 160 assists, 103 steals, and 32 blocks
• Competed against and alongside some of the most accomplished players in women’s basketball history
• Served as an assistant coach for the New York Liberty during two separate stints from 2012-14 and 2018-19
• Holds extensive experience as both a WNBA champion and professional coach
• Led John Curtis Christian School to a 291-64 record and five Louisiana state championships over 10 seasons
• Guided the Patriots to four consecutive state titles from 2017-20
• Developed numerous Division I student-athletes, including Louisiana Miss Basketball and Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year JerKaila Jordan
• Helped multiple collegiate programs achieve 20-win seasons and postseason success
• Inducted into the New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame, Louisiana High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame
• Tulane women’s basketball’s all-time leader in career field goal percentage
• Recognized for post player development, recruiting success, and building championship cultures
