
In a move that has left the college basketball world buzzing, beloved Ole Miss women’s basketball head coach Yolett “Coach Yo” McPhee-McCuin has reportedly signed a jaw-dropping $2 million book deal for her memoir titled “From the Bahamas to the Bench.”
Even more shocking? The book hasn’t even hit shelves yet — and it’s already a bestseller on Amazon’s pre-sale charts.
Sources close to the publishing house claim the memoir is “raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring,” diving into everything from Coach Yo’s humble beginnings in the Bahamas, her rise through the coaching ranks, personal battles with racism and sexism in sports, and behind-the-scenes drama during her rise to national prominence with the Rebels.
But what really has fans and media scrambling? Insiders say the book contains never-before-told locker room stories, controversial recruiting moments, and an unfiltered look into how she turned Ole Miss into a national powerhouse — while battling doubters at every turn.
“This Book Will Rattle the SEC” – Insider
An anonymous SEC assistant coach who previewed the manuscript said, “This book will rattle the SEC. She’s not holding back. This isn’t a fluffy motivational speech — it’s the truth. And it’s powerful.”
The deal was reportedly struck with Penguin Random House, one of the biggest names in publishing, and came after a fierce bidding war. One publishing executive described the deal as “the most anticipated sports memoir by a female coach since Pat Summitt.”
Coach Yo, known for her bold personality and unshakable confidence, confirmed the book’s existence in a teaser post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“They said a Bahamian girl couldn’t make it to the SEC. Now they’ll read how I did. Buckle up. #FromTheBahamasToTheBench #CoachYoStory”
Ole Miss Fans Flood Social Media
Rebel Nation has responded with overwhelming pride and support. Social media has exploded with hashtags like #CoachYoStory and #YoRising, with fans already calling for a movie adaptation. Some even speculate the release of the book could boost Ole Miss recruiting further, positioning the program as a progressive, powerful brand led by a genuine trailblazer.
“Coach Yo isn’t just coaching basketball — she’s making history,” one fan wrote. “She’s our Pat Summitt, and now the world is going to know it.”
Release Date and Special Signing Tour
From the Bahamas to the Bench is set to release this fall, just in time for the new NCAA season. Early buyers will receive access to exclusive Q&A sessions and a virtual coaching masterclass hosted by Coach Yo herself.
With ESPN and major networks already lining up interviews, and sports analysts predicting a “massive cultural moment,” this book could catapult Coach Yo from the sidelines into mainstream stardom — and solidify her status as a true icon of college sport.