A week after leading the College of Charleston women’s basketball team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance, head coach Robin Harmony resigned to accept a similar position at Pittsburgh, both schools announced on March 23.
A native of Hershey, Pa., Harmony is the winningest coach in the College of Charleston’s Division I era with 122 victories and led the Cougars to a program-record 27 this past season.
The 2025-26 campaign also marked her second consecutive 25-win season and the third straight 20-win season for the Cougars. Harmony has 369 career victories across 19 seasons as a head coach.
Harmony replaces Tory Verdi, who compiled a 29-66 mark in three seasons, including an 8-23 record during the 2025-26 campaign.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robin Harmony to Pitt,” Pittsburgh athletic director Allen Greene said in a statement. “Throughout this process, it was important for us to find someone who understands the value of connection with our student-athletes, with our alumni, and with the broader Pitt community. Coach Harmony has built a reputation on forming meaningful relationships with student-athletes and leading with an athlete-centered philosophy that prioritizes their growth both on and off the court.
“Coach Harmony has consistently built winning programs throughout her career. We are excited about the future of Pitt women’s basketball under her leadership.”
Harmony led the Cougars to their first-ever Coastal Athletic Association Tournament championship and the program’s first March Madness appearance, taking on Duke in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
The third-seeded Blue Devils defeated the Cougars 81-64 on March 20 at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
“I am honored by the trust (Pitt athletic director) Allen Greene has placed in me by selecting me to lead the Pittsburgh’s women’s basketball program,” Harmony said in a statement. “I look forward to recruiting exceptional student-athletes to one of the nation’s leading academic institutions with a proud athletic tradition; young women who will succeed in the classroom and compete at the highest level in the ACC. My promise to Pitt fans is to build a team that reflects the spirit of the University and the City of Pittsburgh with grit, determination and teamwork.
“Coaching and teaching in the Petersen Events Center is a dream come true and I’m excited to get started.”
Harmony, who joins the Panthers after successful tenures as the head coach at Charleston (2019-26) and Lamar (2013-19). She also served as the first head coach of St. Thomas (Fla.), an NAIA member, from 2007-2013.
“We are grateful for the vision and success Robin brought to the College of Charleston,” said College of Charleston athletic director Matt Roberts. “Since her hiring in 2019, the goal was to bring a championship to Charleston and earn our first NCAA Tournament appearance. The 2025-26 season was the culmination of those efforts. We are grateful for all Robin gave to the Charleston community and wish her nothing but success in Pittsburgh.”
Besides trying to find a replacement for Harmony, the Cougars will await the fate of Taryn and Taylor Barbot, who still have a year of eligibility remaining. Both could enter the NCAA’s transfer portal, which will open April 7, and follow Harmony to Pittsburgh.
Taryn Barbot won back-to-back CAA Player of the Year awards and became the Cougars’ all-time leading scorer in Division I with 1,715 points in three years. Harmony also mentored Grace Ezebilo to single-season records in rebounds (397) and offensive rebounds (158). Ezebilo garnered CAA Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Roberts said the Cougars will launch a national search for Harmony’s replacement but would not use a search firm.