EMAIL THIS PAGE

Melissa McFerrin Position: Head Coach Alma Mater : Missouri '83 Experience: First Season

Melissa McFerrin is in her first season as the head coach of the American University women's basketball team.

McFerrin comes to American from the University of Minnesota, where she was an associate head coach for the previous two seasons and was responsible for coordinating the Golden Gophers’ offense and recruiting efforts. During her two-year tenure, McFerrin helped the UM teams to a combined 50-15 record and a trip to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2003 and the Final Four in 2004. Both of McFerrin’s recruiting classes were ranked top-20 nationally. Furthermore, McFerrin mentored Lindsay Whalen and Janel McCarville, both of whom earned All Big Ten honors and were named Kodak All-Americans.

McFerrin spent five seasons in the WNBA ranks prior to her time at Minnesota, beginning as an assistant coach with the New York Liberty. In her inaugural season in New York, McFerrin helped guide the Liberty to a runner-up showing.

Washington, D.C., is not unfamiliar territory for McFerrin. She spent three seasons with the Washington Mystics, including her final two seasons as general manager. In McFerrin’s first season as GM, the Mystics made the 2000 WNBA playoffs.

McFerrin has experienced success at every coaching stop. She spent seven years as an assistant at Ohio State University, during which time her 1993 squad won the Big Ten and finished as national runner up. McFerrin’s 1992 recruiting class was ranked the top incoming freshmen class in the nation, and her six other recruiting classes were tabbed in the top-20 nationally.

In six seasons as an assistant at Central Michigan University, McFerrin helped guide the Chippewas to 95 wins and the 1985 Mid-American Conference championship. During her time at CMU, she earned a master’s degree in physical education.

A native of Cassville, Mo., McFerrin was a four-year letterwinner and a starting point guard for the University of Missouri between 1979 and 1983. She led the Tigers to a 88-37 record in her four years and a Big Eight Tournament championship and subsequent NCAA Tournament appearance in her senior season. In 1982, her Tiger squad made it to the NCAA Sweet 16. McFerrin graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science in secondary education.

An accomplished public speaker, McFerrin has addressed governmental organizations, athletic administrators and business executives, as well as making numerous public appearances to raise funds and promote ticket sales. McFerrin is also an 18-year member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and has served on the USA Basketball National Team Selection Committee.