Ole Miss women's basketball head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin has announced a pair of familiar names joining her coaching staff for the upcoming season, signaling a strategic move to reinforce the program's momentum.
A Familiar Face Returns
Zachary Hopp, who previously spent three seasons at Ole Miss before moving to Arkansas State, is returning to Oxford as an assistant coach. His tenure at Ole Miss coincided with multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, and his experience helped shape the team's competitive edge.
At Arkansas State, Hopp played a pivotal role in guiding the Red Wolves to a 20‑12 overall record and an 11‑7 mark in conference play, a season that featured a berth in the NCAA tournament. The performance underscored his ability to translate strategic vision into on‑court results.
Beyond his recent stint in Arkansas, Hopp's coaching portfolio includes stints at Washburn University and the University of Kansas, as well as collaborations with Athletes in Action and The Basketball Tournament on ESPN. These experiences have broadened his perspective on player development and program building.
Ashton Hopp, his sister, is also back in Oxford, assuming the role of coordinator of operations. She previously served as Director of Basketball Operations at Arkansas State, where she oversaw administrative functions and helped launch the Grow the Game initiative, a non‑profit aimed at supporting college basketball student managers.
Both siblings expressed enthusiasm about returning to a program that has become a launchpad for NCAA tournament appearances. Their combined expertise in coaching and operations is expected to contribute significantly to the Rebels' continued ascent.
Looking Ahead
Coach McPhee-McCuin highlighted the value of continuity and institutional knowledge that the Hopp family brings, noting that their return aligns with the team's long‑term goals. The coaching staff aims to build on recent successes while fostering a culture of growth and excellence.