NEW: URI’s Reiss One of 5 Finalists for Mid-Major Coach of the Year in Women’s Basketball

NEW: URI’s Reiss One of 5 Finalists for Mid-Major Coach of the Year in Women’s Basketball

The University of Rhode Island women’s Basketball Coach, Tammi Reiss, is a finalist for the 2026 Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach of the Year Award.

Reiss, who led the Rams to the A-10 Tournament title this season, said in a social media post on Thursday that she is “blessed and favored with an incredible staff and players that make you look really good," following the announcement.

This month, GoLocal deemed Reiss “Rhode Island’s Most Successful Basketball Coach.” 

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About Award

According to “Her Hop Stats,” which is presenting the award, it is named after the legendary former Harvard head coach. 

Richmond’s Aaron Roussell was named the award’s second winner in 2025.

 

This year’s finalists include coaches from four conferences, and “Her Hoop Stats” provided the following bios:

Carly Thibault-DuDonis, Fairfield
2025-26 Season: 28-4; MAAC Tournament title; Wins over Richmond, Villanova, and South Florida; 24-1 in last 25 games.

Jory Collins, North Dakota St.
2025-26 Season: 28-4; Summit League Tournament runner-up; First Summit League team outside the state of South Dakota to rank inside the top 65 nationally in HHS Rating, ending the regular season at No. 39 in the nation and No. 5 among mid-majors.

Carla Berube, Princeton
2025-26 Season: 24-3; Ivy Madness No. 1 seed; Rank No. 23 in AP Poll with wins over Villanova, Rhode Island, George Mason, Rice and Seton Hall.

Tammi Reiss, Rhode Island
2025-26 Season: 28-4; A-10 Tournament title; Wins over NC State, Richmond and George Mason (twice).

Aaron Johnston, South Dakota St.
2025-26 Season: 27-6; Summit League Tournament title; Wins over Kansas State, North Dakota State (twice), Gonzaga and Ball State.

All stats through March 10.