Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2016-17 | Hawk Talk Monthly — May
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Raina Harmon has been named assistant women’s basketball coach at the University of Iowa, head coach Lisa Bluder announced Tuesday.
“We are so excited to welcome Raina to our Hawkeye staff and family,” said Bluder. “She was an integral part of the success that Central Michigan achieved, and I’m excited to have her now impact our program on and off the court. Raina’s positive outlook and passion is evident in all realms, and I am thrilled she is now a Hawkeye.”
Harmon spent the last five seasons (2012-2017) as an assistant coach at Central Michigan where her primary responsibilities included perimeter player development, academics, and scouting. In Harmon’s five years at CMU, the Chippewas registered a combined 99-61 overall record. The Detroit native helped guide CMU to a 2017 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Regular Season Championship, 2013 MAC Championship, three MAC West titles (2014, 2016, 2017), an NCAA Tournament berth (2013), and three WNIT appearances.
“I’m really excited,” said Harmon. “I didn’t know Coach Bluder super well prior to the hire, but during my interview process I could tell that she and her staff were very genuine. The fact that they are all from Iowa made me feel comfortable about moving to Iowa City. I’m excited about joining a staff as storied as Iowa’s.
“Growing up in the Midwest, I’ve always been intrigued by the Big Ten, so the opportunity to coach in the conference is really exciting. The way Coach Bluder runs her program and the mantra of the entire athletic department — Win, Graduate, and Do it Right — is exactly what I stand for. To align their values with mine is really special.”
Prior to her stint at CMU, Harmon served as the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations at Michigan from 2010-12, where she assisted the coaching staff with all administrative aspects of the program. Before Michigan, Harmon spent a season as an assistant varsity girls basketball coach at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School in Detroit.
Harmon played for Central Michigan from 2001-04. In 2003, she received the Dee Pommerenk Sportsmanship Award. Harmon also served as the president of the student-athlete advisory committee in 2003-04.
Harmon earned a bachelor’s degree in sports studies from CMU in 2004. She earned her master’s degree in sports administration from Wayne State in 2009.
“I’m ready to get started with the staff and the program,” Harmon added. “It’s a good team, a good program, and I’m excited to get to work.”
