Raina Harmon, the first-year head coach of FGCU women's basketball, is diving headfirst into her offseason preparations following a challenging debut season. Despite a disappointing end to the season, Harmon is focused on player retention and leveraging the transfer portal to build a competitive team. Unlike traditional recruiting, Harmon describes the transfer portal process as a fast-paced endeavor that demands immediate action and strong communication, which proved vital in keeping most of her returning players. Her honest approach fostered trust among her team, resulting in a high retention rate as they look forward to the upcoming season.

By the Numbers
  • Harmon retained 7 out of 8 eligible players from last year's roster.
  • FGCU women's basketball historically won 264 of 283 ASUN games over the past 17 seasons under former coach Karl Smesko.
State of Play
  • The transfer portal opened shortly after FGCU's last game, prompting immediate recruiting efforts.
  • Honest communication has become a key strategy for Harmon in maintaining player relationships and building a strong team culture.
What's Next

As Harmon embarks on her second year, she plans to capitalize on the offseason lessons learned and further establish her coaching identity. With a committed roster and strategic recruiting, the program aims to return to championship contention.

Bottom Line

Harmon鈥檚 proactive approach to offseason preparation highlights the ongoing evolution in college basketball, emphasizing player retention and transparent communication, setting a promising foundation for future success.