University of West Florida women’s basketball head coach Stephanie Yelton discussed her team’s recent performance and the dramatic evolution of college coaching on “(We Don’t) Color On the Dog.”
The team faced a challenging week, falling to the University of Alabama in Huntsville before rebounding with a crucial conference victory over West Alabama. “I was just really proud of our players to step up, accept the challenge and get that first conference win here on our home court,” Yelton said, crediting her team’s improved physicality and toughness.
The Evolution of Coaching
Yelton played under Hall of Fame coach Sylvia Hatchell at North Carolina, an experience that shaped her coaching approach. “I learned from her that being authentic as a coach, being who you are and allowing your players to see you as being human,” she explained. That authenticity—showing players you’re not just a coach but a complete person—has become central to her philosophy.
Coaching has changed. “When you and I played, when the coach told you to go do something, you did it,” Yelton noted. Today’s players are different: “Players want to know why they’re doing certain things. We’ve got to show them the big picture.”
The transfer portal and NIL opportunities have eliminated the social stigma of changing teams. “In my day and age, if you quit a team, man, you were shunned,” Yelton recalled. Now players have legitimate reasons to transfer—playing time, academics, or financial opportunities through NIL deals.
Saturday’s Special Event
UWF hosts rival Valdosta State this Saturday at 2 p.m. with a special twist—Santa Claus will make an appearance to collect toys for the team’s toy drive and pose for free pictures with families. It’s the Lady Argos’ final home game before Christmas break.
- “We hope that people will come out and come support us,” Yelton said, inviting the community to experience UWF basketball while helping a good cause.
