DELAND, Fla. – Stetson University has named Melissa DeVore as its new head women's basketball coach, Director of Athletics Ricky Ray announced today.
 
DeVore, a proven program builder with a track record of postseason success, becomes the ninth head coach in program history and takes over a Hatter program poised for its next chapter.
 
She arrives in DeLand after six seasons as head coach at NCAA Division II Coker University, where she led the Cobras to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in program history
 
She replaces Lynn Bria, who announced March 16 she was stepping away after 18 seasons and 318 victories at the helm of the Stetson women's basketball program.
 
"Melissa is an exceptional leader and a perfect fit for our campus community," said Ray. "She built a highly successful program at Coker and brings a clear understanding of what it takes to win at Stetson. Our fans will appreciate her style of play and relentless work ethic, and I'm excited for what lies ahead for her and our student-athletes."
 
A native of Mulberry, Ind., DeVore compiled a 96-72 record at Coker, including a dominant two-year stretch in which the Cobras won 81 percent of their games. Over that span, Coker went 55-13 overall and 37-9 in South Atlantic Conference play.
 
In 2025, DeVore was named SAC Coach of the Year after leading the Cobras to the regular-season title and a school-record 29 victories, including a trip to the NCAA Elite Eight.  In 2026, Coker claimed the SAC Tournament title and advanced to the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament.
 
"I'm incredibly grateful and excited to accept the opportunity to lead the women's basketball program at Stetson University," said DeVore, who led Coker to 96 wins in six seasons.  "This is a special place filled with great people.  I appreciate the warm welcome from everyone i've met so far.  I want to sincerely thank Dr. Ricky Ray for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.  I'm ready to get to work building something meaningful with this team and representing Stetson with pride."
 
A 2007 graduate of Limestone University, DeVore was an all-conference and record-setting point guard for the Saints. Prior to Limestone, she was a two-time conference MVP at Danville Area Community College. She earned a master's degree from Charleston Southern University in 2021.
 
DeVore began her coaching career as an assistant at Limestone, where she helped guide the program to seven conference tournament titles in eight seasons. The Saints posted a 304-123 record during her tenure and made eight NCAA Tournament appearances.
 
 
What They Say About Melissa DeVore
 
"Melissa's success at Coker is a reflection of her work ethic and commitment to development.  She's built it the right way, and that same approach will translate at Stetson." – Dawn Staley, University of South Carolina Head Coach
 
"Melissa is a perfect fit at Stetson.  She is a tireless worker who relates very well to her players.  Her time at Coker has proven that with not only how much they have won, but how they have won. Stetson got a real star in the business." – Shawn Poppie, Clemson University Head Coach 
 
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 20 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.