A New Era for Cougars Basketball
Shayane Poirot has been named the new head coach of the Western Nebraska Community College women's basketball program, stepping into the role after a distinguished stint as both a player and an assistant coach for the Cougars.
During her playing career in 2022 she helped the team reach the NJCAA Final Four, and over the past three years she contributed to the program’s strategy, recruiting, and player development.
In her first days on the job, Poirot expressed excitement and honor, outlining a vision that emphasizes defensive intensity, an up‑tempo style of play, and academic excellence as core pillars of the team’s identity.
She highlighted the importance of recruiting, noting that a talented mix of returning sophomores and a fresh class of players from across the United States and abroad will provide depth and versatility for the upcoming season.
The appointment has been welcomed by former head coach Ryan Davis, who praised Poirot’s readiness to lead, and by her fiancée Jasmine, whose support she publicly thanked, as well as by longtime mentors Chad Gibney and Isaac Lu.
Starting June 1, Poirot has already overseen youth and elite basketball camps, signaling an early commitment to community engagement and to nurturing the next generation of players.