Robin Harmony, who has a track record of success as both a player and coach, was named women’s basketball coach at Lamar University, Director of Athletics Jason Henderson announced today.
“We are very excited to have Coach Harmony join the Cardinals family today,” Henderson said. “She brings a wealth of knowledge both as a player and a coach to the position. We are excited to see what new heights we can reach with her leading our program.”
Harmony comes to Lamar from St. Thomas University in Miami, Fla., where as the first coach in program history, she compiled an overall record of 131-48, for an impressive winning percentage of 73.2 percent over six seasons. Under her guidance, the Bobcats went 66-15 in Sun Conference play. Harmony took the Bobcats to the NAIA National Championships three times in her six seasons.
Harmony stressed defense at St. Thomas, as the Bobcats twice ranked second in the nation in scoring defense and twice were in the top five for steals per game, 3-point field-goal percentage defense and turnover margin.
Prior to St. Thomas, Harmony was the associate head coach at the University of Miami. In her 18 seasons at Miami, the Hurricanes posted five 20-win seasons, won two Big East titles, made seven postseason appearances and advanced to the Sweet 16 on one occasion. As an interim head coach, Harmony posted a 2-0 mark with the Hurricanes.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” Harmony said. “I’m excited about being back in Division I. I think Lamar is a tremendous school. We have great facilities and a tremendous support staff.”
Last season, Harmony led St. Thomas to an overall record of 27-4 and a 14-0 record in the Sun Conference before the Bobcats lost in the first round of the NAIA Tournament. Harmony earned her Sun Conference Coach of the Year honors for the second time.
"I’m here to win championships," Harmony said. I want to build upon what is already a tremendous program."
As a player, Harmony was a standout at the University of Miami, totaling 1,308 points, 750 rebounds, 415 assists and 314 steals in four seasons. She still holds the Miami single-game record for assists with 14 and is 10th on Miami’s all-time scoring chart and fifth in rebounding. She was the first women’s basketball player to be inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame.
After her collegiate playing career, Harmony played professional basketball for one season in England before beginning her coaching career as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Miami.
Harmony earned a bachelor’s degree in education and recreation at Miami and a master’s degree in sports administration from St. Thomas.
Harmony replaces Larry Tidwell, who resigned after six seasons at Lamar. The Lady Cardinals were 22-11 last season, advancing to the second round of the Women’s Basketball Invitational.
