Breaking: Michigan’s Kim Barnes Arico Named AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for Third Straight Season
Ann Arbor, MI – April 10, 2025
In a historic achievement, Michigan Wolverines women’s basketball head coach Kimberly Ann Barnes Arico has been named the Associated Press (AP) Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season, solidifying her place among the sport’s elite coaching legends.
Barnes Arico, who has led Michigan’s program since 2012, continues to redefine success in Ann Arbor. Her 2024–25 squad posted another dominant regular season, finishing with a 29–3 record and earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Known for her player-first philosophy, sharp defensive tactics, and relentless energy on the sideline, Barnes Arico has elevated the Wolverines into a perennial powerhouse.
“Winning this award once is an honor. Winning it three times in a row is truly humbling,” Barnes Arico said in a statement. “This is a reflection of our players’ heart, our staff’s commitment, and the incredible support from the Michigan community.”
Her latest accolade places her in rare company, as only a handful of coaches in AP history have won the award three times, let alone consecutively. Under her leadership, Michigan has not only climbed the national rankings but also developed into a consistent NCAA tournament threat, reaching the Elite Eight last year and setting their sights on a Final Four berth this season.
University of Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel praised Barnes Arico’s continued impact: “Coach Arico has transformed Michigan women’s basketball into one of the nation’s premier programs. Her leadership, drive, and vision make her one of the best in the game.”
As the Wolverines prepare for the upcoming NCAA tournament, expectations are sky-high. But for Barnes Arico and her team, the focus remains on the fundamentals: teamwork, toughness, and trust.
With her third straight AP Coach of the Year award, Kim Barnes Arico isn’t just winning games—she’s building a legacy.
