Johnnie Harris to be inducted into Arkansas-Fort Smith Hall of Fame

The Tigers' head coach was an assistant at UAFS from 2001-03, winning a conference title and bringing in a top-ranked recruiting class.

by Wes Todd
Johnnie Harris to be inducted into Arkansas-Fort Smith Hall of FameJohnnie Harris to be inducted into Arkansas-Fort Smith Hall of Fame

AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn women’s basketball head coach Johnnie Harris will be inducted into the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Hall of Fame next spring, it was announced recently.

Harris served as assistant coach under legendary head coach Louis Whorton – for whom the UAFS Hall of Fame is named - from 2001-2003. While she was on the staff, the Lions won a Bi-State Conference championship in 2003, and the players she signed helped take UAFS to the NJCAA Final Four in 2004. 

“It is such an amazing honor to be inducted into the Louis Whorton Hall of Fame at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith,” Harris said. “Coach Whorton was very influential and made a big impact in my life. I would not be here without his nurturing and guidance. I’m very grateful to AD Curtis Janz, Mrs. Pat Whorton and the entire UAFS family. I truly enjoyed my years at UAFS and being part of the Fort Smith community.”

In two seasons at UAFS, she helped the program to a 34-8 overall record. The 2002-03 team went 26-2 and won the Bi-State Conference championship.

The induction ceremony for the UAFS Hall of Fame is set for April 21, 2025.