Shimmy Gray-Miller is an award-winning leader, dynamic communicator, and influential advocate. With a Master's Degree in Athletic Leadership and a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Law, she has dedicated over 20 years to collegiate women’s basketball, both as a coach and now as an Announcer for the Big 10 Network and the Chicago Sky. Her extensive experience has made her a vocal champion for mental and physical health, justice, and equity.
Inducted into the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame in 2014, Gray-Miller proudly represents the community that raised her. Her career highlights include leading teams to conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances, developing WNBA-drafted players, and achieving recognition as a collegiate and professional player.
Her digital platform, coachshimmy.com, underscores her purpose: to empower women to maximize every step of life’s journey and ensure equitable opportunities exist for them to make the most of their potential.
Gray-Miller’s influence extends beyond the court. From her time as a coach at universities like the University of Washington, University of Arizona, Saint Louis University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Florida, Texas Tech University, Clemson University, and the University of Minnesota, to her current roles in sports broadcasting, she continues to lead with humor, courage, and vulnerability.
She served as the first mental health liaison for the Twin Cities women’s basketball program and is driven by a passion for wellness. Informed by the additional stressors Black and bi-racial women face, Gray-Miller is on a mission to mitigate those adversities while ensuring all women are supported and provided for.
A powerful trainer and sought-after speaker, her approach to team, culture, and community-building is centered around individual growth. By creating space for others to be seen and heard, Gray-Miller leads individuals to own who they are, build strong connections, and create impact together.
Speaking Topics -
Turning our biggest challenges into our most powerful motivations
The importance of mental health
Owning who you are
Empowering women to overcome and achieve
