Laurie Byrd enters her first season as an assistant coach with the College of Southern Nevada women’s basketball program, bringing an extensive background as both a player and coach at the highest levels of the game.
A former WNBA player and coach, Byrd’s career spans more than three decades across collegiate, professional, and international basketball. She had a remarkable playing career at Eastern Michigan University, where she scored 1,899 career points and became the first player in program history to have her jersey retired. Following college, she enjoyed a 15-year professional career competing in Europe and the WNBA before transitioning into coaching.
Byrd’s coaching résumé includes roles with several WNBA franchises, including the Detroit Shock, New York Liberty, and Washington Mystics, where she helped mentor and develop elite-level talent.
Her accomplishments have earned her numerous honors, including induction into the Greater Flint African American Sports Hall of Fame (2001), the Eastern Michigan University Hall of Fame, and a 2013 nomination to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. She has also been recognized with the Legends of Basketball Award (2004) and the Think Detroit Honorary Coach of the Year distinction.
Most recently, Byrd served as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at MiraCosta College, continuing her commitment to player development and leadership.
“I am grateful and blessed to join the College of Southern Nevada women’s basketball program and the winning culture that Head Coach Dan Savage has built on and off the court,” Byrd said. “I’ve known Coach Savage for many years—as a player and a dear friend—and have always admired how he cares about people. His coaching brilliance speaks for itself, but what truly stands out is how deeply he invests in relationships, community, and the growth of others. What he brings to the game is truly priceless.”
