Yawman Named WBCA Thirty Under 30 Honoree
(ATLANTA, Ga.) - Carnegie Mellon University women's basketball assistant coach Megan Yawman has been named to the 2026 Women's Basketball Coaches Association Thirty Under 30 list presented by Morgan Stanley Global Sports and Entertainment. The WBCA made the announcement on Tuesday, March 24.
The WBCA Thirty Under 30 program was created to recognize 30 up-and-coming women's basketball coaches aged 30 and under at all levels of the game. Each honoree has exemplified their involvement in community service, mentorship and impact on others, professional manner, and attitude and professional association involvement.
Yawman just completed her third season on the sideline for the Tartans where she has played an integral role in the growth and success of the program, including a turnaround of three conference wins in her first season to 10 in her second season. As the lead assistant, Yawman oversees recruiting, scouting, and player development while managing the many responsibilities required of Division III coaches.
The 2024-25 Tartans finished second in the University Athletic Association (UAA), matched a school record for wins in a season with 21 and won the program's first NCAA tournament game since the 2015-16 season. This year, the Tartans began the year ranked 17th in the nation by D3hoops.com and faced two nationally ranked non-conference opponents in the first two weeks of the season, defeating seventh-ranked SUNY Cortland in the third game of the season.
Yawman plays a significant role in opponent scouting, game preparation and film breakdown. Her mentorship of young student-athletes is clear, as this year's Tartan squad, which had a sophomore and a freshman in the starting lineup with three other first-year players averaging more than 12 minutes a game, played eight nationally-ranked opponents and finished with a 15-10 overall record with a 7-7 UAA mark. Included in those seven UAA wins is a sweep of nationally-ranked WashU who finished the year in the NCAA Sweet 16.
"Megan's impact on player development has been exceptional," said head coach Kathy McConnell-Miller. "Her tireless work ethic, basketball IQ and innovative teaching methods directly contributed to the emergence of two All-UAA guards in one of the most competitive conferences in Division III, in each of the last two seasons."
In the summer of 2025, Yawman was selected as the head coach for Beyond Tours to assemble a roster of student-athletes from across the country to enhance basketball and leadership skills, while competing internationally. She has also made a meaningful impact within the Carnegie Mellon community by being deeply engaged in department wide and student affairs initiatives. Yawman was selected as the Student-Athlete Advisory Council representative for the athletics department and participates in The Daily Coach leadership peer group with the department's executive team and select coaches at Carnegie Mellon.
Additionally, Yawman is a member of the WBCA and consistently attends the national convention to continue learning and growing in the profession. She also volunteers with Best Buddies International and serves as a mentor and coach at the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh.
"Throughout my career, I have worked with and observed countless coaches at every stage of the profession," said McConnell-Miller. "I can confidently say that Megan is one of the brightest basketball minds I have encountered. She is an exceptional teacher who connects authentically with student-athletes, understands the developmental process, and brings the knowledge and perspective required in today's game. Megan coaches with integrity, passion, and a genuine commitment to providing student-athletes with the same opportunities and life lessons that the game gave her. I'm overjoyed that she is being recognized with this award."