La'Karis Salter is set to join the University of North Carolina Wilmington as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the 2026‑27 women's basketball season, adding a blend of playing experience and proven leadership to the program.
A distinguished coaching pedigree
Salter's coaching journey includes a standout tenure at Ferris State University, where she guided the Bulldogs to a 26‑6 record and an NCAA Division II semifinal appearance, earning a No. 3 national ranking. She also helped shape the program at the University of Olivet, creating the Comet Club and elite youth camps that raised over $10,000 for team needs, and she coached Rachel Swartz to a single‑season blocks record in 2022.
Her professional path also spans roles at the University of Missouri‑Kansas City and the University of Nebraska Omaha, where she contributed to player development and program growth across multiple seasons.
From Florida courts to college ranks
A native of Tallahassee, Florida, Salter was a three‑time Big Bend Player of the Year and a two‑time 2A Dairy Farmers Player of the Year. She earned McDonald’s All‑American honors and helped Florida A&M University capture back‑to‑back state championships in 2012 and 2013. Nationally, she was ranked No. 89 by ESPN and HoopGurlz, and she later played at Mississippi State, Jacksonville University and Ole Miss before launching her coaching career.
Nicole Woods, UNC Wilmington's head coach, highlighted Salter's dynamic personality and recruiting expertise as key assets that will strengthen the team's competitiveness and community outreach.