Stetson formally introduces Melissa DeVore as women's basketball coach

DELAND — The Melissa DeVore era for Stetson’s women’s basketball team officially began last week when the former Coker University head coach moved to DeLand from Hartsville, South Carolina.

On April 14, DeVore was formally introduced as the Hatters’ new head coach in front of a crowd of boosters, players and staff at the Edmunds Center, her new home court.

“Honestly, I’ve been here for four days. I have never been in one place where people are so nice, so friendly, so welcoming, just really encouraging and has made my transition easier,” DeVore said to the crowd. “It wasn’t easy to leave where I was at, but you guys have really made it special, so thank you for that.”

Stetson AD Ricky Ray and new women's basketball coach Melissa DeVore pose for a pictures at DeVore's introductory press conference on April 14, 2026.

DeVore was named as the Hatters’ successor to Lynn Bria, the 18-year honcho and winningest coach in program history, on April 2 after spending six seasons at Division II Coker, leading the Cobras to a 96-72 record.

But now she’s made the move to the Division I ranks, and the seeds of the program DeVore is trying to build at DeLand’s flagship university have been planted.

“We talked a little bit in the locker room the other day about the system,” DeVore said to the seven returning Hatters next season. “I don’t want you to be afraid of playing fast and defending. I think you’re going to enjoy this, and I know that you guys are going to enjoy the system, the process. The way that we play is fun. It’s fan friendly, and I can’t wait to get going.”

Despite Stetson’s change of the guard, which saw Bria step down before accepting a position as an assistant on Gabe Lazo’s staff at UCF, the players that had eligibility left stayed with the program. The Hatters are also bringing in three freshmen and a new staff, according to DeVore.

Stetson had its first workout under DeVore on April 13. The Hatters will have workouts throughout the week before taking part in individual meetings on April 17.

None of DeVore’s players from Coker are making the jump to Stetson. There were a couple candidates DeVore said, but they were too close to graduating for the transfer to make sense.

Stetson women's basketball coach Melissa DeVore addresses a crowd of boosters, fans, media and staff at her introductory press conference on April 14, 2026.

“I think we have four or five players yet to get, and I have to hire a staff, but really our plan is to put together a program you guys are all going to be proud of that represents not only women’s basketball, but the university as well,” DeVore said. “... I’m really excited, some nervous energy, but just overall excited for this opportunity.”

Outside of Stetson’s women’s basketball program, DeVore vowed to help support the Hatters’ other athletic programs and the DeLand community as a whole.

And perhaps most importantly, she’s looking for new places to eat, as her relocation and adjustment to the area has only allowed her time to try the local Chipotle.

“I haven’t gone anywhere to eat in the area besides Chipotle, but everywhere has Chipotle,” DeVore said. “But it’s just been trying to learn Stetson, learn the people, figure out who I need to talk to and try to get everything done so I can get to that.”

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Stetson Hatters introduce Melissa DeVore as new women's baseball coach