Pursuing Greatness

Dr. McMichael, or Coach Mac as most of her colleagues and athletes know her, is a native of
Nacogdoches. After a distinguished athletic career at Nacogdoches High School where she led the Lady Dragon softball team to the Class 5A State Tournament, and also earned multiple District MVP, and All-
State accolades as a multi-sport athlete, Coach Mac signed to play softball at SEC powerhouse

Mississippi State. While in Starkville, Coach Mac had nothing short of a phenomenal career. She was a 3 time All-American, a 3 time All-Region outfielder, as well as being named the SEC player of the year in

back to back seasons. In 2004, Coach Mac finished in the Top 4 for the Honda Award given to
the nation’s best overall collegiate athlete. That same year, she finished in the Top 3 for the
USA Softball collegiate player of the year. Even more impressive, while excelling on the playing
field, she was also named an Academic All-American. Coach Mac still holds or is in the top 5 in
10 different offensive categories at Mississippi State.
Perhaps her most remarkable honor from Mississippi State was given after she had been away
many years later. Coach Mac was named an All-Time SEC Great by her alma mater. In 2012,
Mississippi State chose her as the school’s lone female representative to the Southeastern
Conference’s all-time greatest women athletes in school history regardless of any sport.
After the tremendous success she had at Mississippi State, Iyhia was selected by the Akron
Racers as the #1 overall pick in the 1st round of the 2004 National Pro Fastpitch Draft. Iyhia
would go on to win the 2005 NPF league MVP award as well as lead her team to the title that
same year.
To top off this wonderful playing career, Iyhia was chosen to represent her country on Team
USA’s Elite Team where she helped the Red, White, and Blue win the Gold Medal in the 2003
Canada Cup with a dramatic last inning walk off home run.
With her playing career over, and having already earned a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi
State, Iyhia would go on to receive a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University,
and a PhD. in Educational Leadership from the University of New England officially becoming
Dr. Iyhia McMichael.