Kelly Rae Finley: From CSU Rams Forward to Fired Florida Gators Head Coach
Kelly Rae Finley, a two-year letterwinner and 2008 Mountain West Conference Scholar-Athlete as a forward for the Colorado State Rams, transitioned into coaching, leading the Florida Gators to a 93-75 record over five seasons (2022-2026) with four straight postseason berths, including a historic 21-11 NCAA bid in 2021-22 and WBIT semifinals in 2025; she developed WNBA draftees Kiara 'Kiki' Smith and Leilani Correa (2024 SEC Sixth Woman of the Year), but was fired in March 2026 after missing the NCAA Tournament for four years—her player grit, recruiting prowess (2026 class No. 22 nationally), and player development make her a proven builder for programs seeking steady postseason progress.
