More than Basketball: Raina Harmon on Coaching and Community at FGCU

In this episode of Your University: The FGCU Podcast, host Katie Cribbs welcomes Raina Harmon to the show. Raina is the head coach for FGCU’s Women’s Basketball team, beginning her association with the school last April. Raina recounts her journey from her Midwest roots in Detroit to her current coaching position. With a strong background in sports from her childhood and gaining experience through various roles, including coaching for players who would go on to great professional success, like Caitlin Clark, Harmon discusses her aspirations for the team and community and the principles guiding her career. Raina drills down on the importance of her relationships with her players, the significance of academic excellence combined with athletic excellence, and the Midwestern work ethic that drives her. Harmon emphasizes how FGCU's unique community engagement and its reputation for athletic excellence, results in amazing support from local fans. Above all it’s clear that Raina Harmon has a commitment to making a positive impact on FGCU players' lives both on and beyond the court. Your University: The FGCU Podcast is produced by University FM. Episode Guide: 00:00 Introduction and Midwest Roots 01:54 Journey to Coaching at FGCU 03:37 Finding Passion in Coaching 05:38 Manifesting Success and Building Relationships 08:32 Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics 15:14 Academic Focus and Student Support 17:21 Building a Winning Culture at FGCU 18:29 FGCU's Championship Pedigree 21:03 Community Engagement and Support 29:08 Memorable Moments and Fan Support Episode Quotes: More than championships 12:06: Oh, you may not leave with, like, rings or championships. I can’t promise you all that. I can’t promise you that. But you’re going to leave with your degree, that's number one, and you’re going to leave having a good time, and I’ll be in your life for the rest of your life. Basketball can be fleeting, education matters 15:46: “Hey, what are you here for?” “Oh, I’m playing basketball.” “But yeah, but what are you here for?” Because basketball’s fleeting. At some point, the ball’s going to stop bouncing. And your degree and your experience here, as you network throughout your major, is going to matter.  FGCU is your hometown team 22:21: So, I’ll just tell anybody that’s down here, we are your hometown team. No matter what sport you want to support, we’re probably pretty good at it. Show Links: Raina Harmon | FGCU Profile FGCU ‘Feels Like Family’ | FGCU360 Article The IX Basketball | Article Raina Harmon Era Begins at FGCU | GulfCoastNewsNow Introduction Conference | WGCU News FGCU | Website FGCU | Your University Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.