“Everything You've Been Through Has Prepared You”: Coach Yo Delivers Powerful Charge to University of The Bahamas North Class of 2026

16^th June 2026

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — In a commencement ceremony filled with emotion and pride, celebrated basketball coach and Grand Bahama native Yolett McPhee-McCuin, affectionately called “Coach Yo” delivered a deeply personal and powerful message to the University of The Bahamas North (UB North) Class of 2026, a graduating class defined by resilience.

Standing before graduates who endured Hurricane Dorian, displacement from their East Grand Bahama campus, the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, personal challenges and the long road back to stability, McPhee-McCuin told the graduates that The Bahamas needs them and the country is waiting on their gifts. She also spoke to the value and impact of what they have earned.

“People will try to tell you, ‘It’s just a piece of paper,’” she said referring to their degrees and diplomas. “But I know better. I know this piece of paper represents sacrifice. It represents discipline. It represents perseverance. It represents every sleepless night, every setback, every obstacle you refused to let stop you. That is why I am inspired by you because anything worth achieving takes work.”

A celebrated academic moment, the ceremony held on 4^th June also marked the Commencement Class’ survival and endurance. Following extraordinary challenges, the graduates completed their academic journeys at the new modern UB North location in Freeport, ground zero for rebirth.

McPhee-McCuin, one of The Bahamas’ most recognized international sports figures, said the graduates inspired her because they understood what it means to fight through adversity. The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) women’s basketball head coach spoke openly about her own struggles, failures and moments of self-doubt, connecting her journey to that of the graduates seated before her.

“Everything you’ve been through has prepared you for what you’re about to become,” she told the newest UB alumni. “There have been many failures. Many tough moments. Many highs and lows that made me ask myself, ‘Am I worthy?’”

Her message repeatedly returned to the importance of honouring the struggle rather than ignoring it, reinforcing the commencement theme, “Honouring the Journey that Shaped Us, Embracing the Future that Calls Us.”

McPhee-McCuin described their perseverance as proof that struggle can become preparation. But her strongest appeal came when she challenged graduates not to let fear keep them from pursuing purpose.

“The future doesn’t ask whether you’re comfortable,” she said. “The future asks whether you’re willing. Many graduates think they need certainty. You don’t need all the answers. You just need enough courage to take the next step. The greatest opportunities of my life did not come with guarantees.”

Among the highlights of the commencement ceremony was the recognition of the graduate at UB North with the highest academic achievement – Ms. Desiree Russell, who earned a BA in Social Work.

UB President Dr. Robert Blaine, III recognized the true grit of the graduates and the supporters who have helped them to persevere.

“The UB community knows resilience. Grand Bahama has faced extraordinary challenges and yet it endures, rebuilds and rises,” he said. “The graduates before us today are a reflection of the indomitable spirit of our Bahamian community. To the family and friends, we know that your sacrifices are woven into every degree conferred today.”

Family, friends and members of the UB community as well as members of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government and representatives of the public and private sector attended the highly celebratory ceremony, cheering in support of graduates as each crossed the stage. The 29 graduates from UB North are among the approximately 600 members of UB’s 2026 Commencement Class.

In their remarks, the Minister for Grand Bahama the Hon. Ginger Moxey stressed that Grand Bahama is relying on the imagination and talents of UB’s newest graduates, while the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technology the Hon. I. Chester Cooper placed their milestone within the context of what the world needs in its human capital.

Chair of the UB Board of Trustees Mrs Allyson Maynard Gibson, KC emphasized to the graduates that their successes have the potential to not only transformation their lives but move the nation into new realms of possibility.

“Today is about hope. You are the living, breathing representation that even after hurricanes, after setbacks, uncertainty, growth – real transformative growth – happens in this community, in our Bahamian community. You are turning the page of a new chapter in your life. Step boldly into that future, embrace lives of service, inspiration, and frontline nation-building,” she said.

In Grand Bahama, commencement activities started with the baccalaureate service and included a combined teachers commissioning and awards ceremony recognizing students success-focused excellence and then culminated with the commencement ceremony held on the grounds of UB North in Freeport.