EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is part of a series of profiles created by UMass’ Journalism 332 Sports Writing class.
After two decades in coaching, UMass women’s basketball coach Mike Leflar believes “good assistant coaches are extensions of the head coach.”
He now has a clear understanding of what a winning locker room looks like and the cohesion needed between a head coach, the assistant coaches and players to develop a winning culture. For Leflar, that means building an inclusive staff that values different perspectives while working toward a shared goal.
“I want to hire people that have a lot of different experiences so they can bring that to our team to make our staff better and we can make each other better,” Leflar said.
Leflar has a group of seasoned assistant coaches with a wide variety of strengths. Amongst that group is assistant coach Yolanda Cole, whose steady presence and people-first approach have made her an invaluable part of the staff.
“I can be emotional, very competitive, while I think Yolanda brings a calm demeanor, but a consistent demeanor, and it’s a good balance,” Leflar said.
Cole has built a successful coaching career over the past 16 years, coaching at Sacred Heart, Hofstra, Delaware State and Florida Atlantic, where she played a key role in developing players and fostering growth beyond basketball.
Cole brings a perspective and coaching style that differs from Leflar’s. While Leflar brings explosive energy to games, often kneeling on the sideline, slapping the floor and celebrating big plays, Cole provides a calm, even-keeled presence aimed at ensuring players never get too high or too low.
“I don’t believe in just having a relationship just to get something. I believe in genuine relationships,” Cole said. “I care about these girls, and it’s been like that since I started coaching.”
Cole’s harmonious presence helps cultivate “a safe space and environment” allowing players like team captain Megan Olbrys to connect with her.
“If she notices something in the game or in practice she will mention it on the side or she will come up to you and say little reminders, which is helpful,” Olbrys said.
The realness and tenderness of “YoCo,” as they call her, seeps through the squad, and her words carry weight. Her style helps her spot when players are being challenged mentally rather than just messing up the Xs and Os.
“She would see visibly how my emotions were, so she would be the first one to say ‘get out of your head, keep shooting,” guard Allie Palmieri said.
The guards, in particular, have shined this season. Yahmani McKayle and Palmieri are both averaging 15 and 11 points per game respectively, and Ayanna Franks has emerged as a defensive standout. As the positional coach for guards and wings, Cole has played a major role in their confidence and cohesion.
Her relationship with Palmieri is a testament to her impact. Cole’s office serves as a refuge from the challenges of basketball, academics and life.
“If I have a problem with my personal life, I go to her. If I have questions about the sport, I go to her,” Palmieri said.
When Palmieri arrived at UMass in 2023, she was sidelined for her first year in Amherst with an ankle injury.
Cole remained a steady presence during her rehabilitation, pouring confidence and reassurance into the reality that Palmieri would recover and become a major contributor.
“She was very on it, trying to help me stay mentally sharp,” Palmieri said. “She just kept saying, ‘you have to trust yourself, give it time and keep going to rehab.’”
With Cole’s guidance, Palmieri flourished and has started every game since her Minutewomen debut, averaging 12.2 points per game last season and just over 12 again so far this year.
As Palmieri put it, Cole is there “whether that’s in a relationship, in the workforce, or in class,” always ready to lend a helping hand and push her players toward something better.
She teaches them to trust themselves, to grow, and above all, to hold their standards high.