Women’s Basketball Announces Barbara Farris as New Assistant Coach
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Head coach Tricia Cullop has named Barbara Farris as the new assistant coach for women’s basketball ahead of the 2026-27 season.
A ten-year WNBA veteran, Farris built an impressive professional career as both a player and coach. She brought extensive experience and knowledge to the game during her playing career before transitioning into coaching at the professional level, serving as an assistant coach for the WNBA’s New York Liberty from 2012–14 and again from 2018–19.
During her playing career, Farris captured a WNBA championship in 2003 with the Detroit Shock. Across 280 professional games, Farris totaled 1,094 points, 777 rebounds, 160 assists, 103 steals, and 32 blocks.
“Barbara is widely respected for the success she has achieved at every level of basketball, as a championship-winning WNBA player, a record-setting collegiate student-athlete, and a proven winner as a coach at the highest level,” said Miami head coach Tricia Cullop.
Farris is set to arrive at Miami after collegiate coaching stints for Stetson University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Texas State University.
“I am honored, humbled and beyond blessed to be given this opportunity by Coach Cullop to become a part of the storied Miami Hurricane women’s basketball program,” said Farris.
At her most recent stint at Texas State, Farris helped the Bobcats improve across several key metrics including points per game, total rebounds, and blocks. Prior to that, Farris played a key role in leading both Southern Miss and Stetson to 20-win seasons.
“What stands out most about Barbara is not only her experience, but the way she impacts people. She brings a winning mindset, a tireless work ethic, and a genuine ability to build meaningful, authentic relationships with those around her. She has a special gift for developing talent, strengthening culture, and helping people become the best version of themselves,” said Miami head coach Tricia Cullop.
Farris is also one of the most decorated players in Louisiana basketball history with inductions into the New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame, Louisiana High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame.
At Tulane, Farris averaged 14.7 points and 8 rebounds per game while leading the Green Waves to multiple NCAA Championship appearances. Farris also holds the highest career field goal percentage in Tulane women’s basketball history and earned multiple all-conference first team selections in her collegiate career.
“Every step in my own personal basketball journey as a player and coach has led me here to Coral Gables,” says Farris. “I cannot adequately express how overwhelmed I am by the privilege of wearing the iconic U logo.”
“Her competitive spirit, energy, and passion for the game will inspire our players every day, elevate our recruiting, and help drive the standard of excellence we expect at Miami,” said Coach Cullop.
