Raina Harmon

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Former Iowa women’s basketball assistant Raina Harmon has been named the new head coach at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Harmon will be only the third coach ever of the FGCU women’s basketball program, following the 21-year tenure of Karl Smesko and the 1-year promotion of Chelsea Lyles. Smesko was named the new head coach of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, and Lyles joined his staff.

“It’s a great day for FGCU to welcome Raina Harmon to the Nest as the next leader of our women’s basketball program,” said Eagles athletic director Colin Hargis. “Harmon’s energy, passion and commitment to student-athletes combined with her coaching experience will champion the continued growth and success for the FGCU women’s basketball program.”

Harmon served as an assistant coach at Iowa for eight seasons, contributing to a program that had a 208-63 record and five Big Ten Conference titles, as well as eight-straight NCAA Tournament appearances.

Prior to joining the Hawkeyes, Harmon spent two seasons at Michigan as the director of operations before coaching at her alma mater — Central Michigan — as an assisstant.

“I am absolutely honored to be named the next head coach at Florida Gulf Coast University,” Harmon said. “This position is one of the best jobs in the country and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such a prestigious program.

“This program has a standard of excellence and I can’t wait to build upon that legacy as I commit to developing our student-athletes on and off the court. I look forward to connecting with the FGCU community, our fans and most importantly our players as we embark on this journey together. Wings Up and Go Eagles!”

Harmon will officially be introduced by FGCU at a press conference on Tuesday.