Florida has hired Reiss to coach the women's basketball program after she guided Rhode Island to its first NCAA Tournament berth and a 28-5 record this season.

Reiss and Dawn Staley were Virginia teammates for four years, reaching three Final Fours together and playing in the 1991 national title game against Tennessee.

Her coaching résumé includes stints as an assistant at Syracuse during its 2016 run to the national title game, plus coaching roles at Cal State Fullerton, San Diego State, Virginia, and WNBA assistant experience; she earned All-American honors at Virginia in 1992 and was a three-time Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year at Rhode Island.

This is a developing story and additional updates are expected as Florida makes an official announcement.

Florida’s release includes quotes from athletic director Scott Stricklin and Reiss, highlighting her potential recruiting pipeline and work ethic as assets for the program.

Staley called the hire a full-circle moment and expressed confidence Reiss will impact Florida positively, while welcoming her to the SEC.

The move was announced by the University of Florida with formal statements from the athletic department and university leadership.

In context, Florida’s hire follows a recent season where South Carolina and Florida faced each other, with SEC scheduling rotating opponents annually.

UF Athletic Director Stricklin emphasized the program’s commitment to NCAA Tournament contention and SEC success, noting resources for recruitment and development.

Reiss expressed excitement about coaching in the SEC, valuing Florida’s academic reputation and resources, and outlining a plan to build a championship-caliber program in Gainesville.

She thanked Rhode Island and supporters, underscoring the SEC opportunity and the role of academics and high-level competition in her vision for Florida.

Reiss reiterated gratitude to supporters and her aim to recruit and develop players, retaining key performers and creating a disciplined, competitive culture at Florida.