An Award-Winning Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Florida, Kelly Rae Finley is a dynamic player development expert renowned for elevating players and on off the court. With extensive Division I experience across the Big10, Mountain West, Ivy League, and Pac12 conferences, Finley’s philosophy centers on celebrating identity and authenticity, fostering a culture where athletes thrive as their true selves.

Since being promoted to Head Coach at the University of Florida, Finley has significantly elevated the Gators’ performance, earning prestigious accolades such as the Rookie Coach of the Year and SEC Coach of the Year, and being a Semifinalist for the Naismith Coach of the Year award. Under her leadership, the team achieved its best record in nearly a decade and secured an at-large NCAA tournament bid for the first time in years. Through unique opportunities like the team’s docuseries “Unlaced” and guiding players to all-conference honors and record-breaking seasons, Finley is continually building upon the team’s individual and collective narratives.

With a decade of experience as a Division I Assistant Coach, Kelly Rae Finley has been instrumental in guiding student-athletes in self-investment and personal growth. Her leadership contributed to top 20 national rankings and post-season appearances at the University of Colorado. And after leading the signing of the top recruiting class in the country at the University of Arizona and one of the top classes at Colorado, her players went on to earn all-conference honors under her mentorship.

She began her coaching career at Harvard University, where she contributed to three postseason appearances while completing graduate coursework. She earned a Bachelor of Sciences from Colorado State University, where she played women’s basketball, won a Conference Scholar-Athlete Award, and graduated cum laude.

A member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, Finley has led round tables, presented at conferences, and conducted workshops for her peers. As a Basketball Camp Director and Special Needs Caregiver, she has shown a commitment to mentorship and community leadership through sports and education.

Finley’s drive is deeply personal and mission-driven. A proud Minneapolis native, she credits her siblings for shaping her character and approach, especially her autistic sister, who has instilled in her a deep sense of purpose and intentionality. This personal connection fuels her unwavering commitment to not just coaching but also genuinely enriching the lives of her players and those around her.