VMI Athletics

Ingram announced the hiring of Yaya on February 12. 

Yaya comes to Lexington after playing and coaching for Suny Brockport. As a player, Yaya appeared in 28 games totaling 63.0 tackles, 21.0 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. In his senior season (2022), Yaya earned Empire 8 All-Conference Second Team honors after totaling 9.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and nine quarterback hurries. As a coach, Yaya helped the Golden Eagles to three consecutive postseason appearances and two ECAC Bowl wins.

Earning a kinesiology degree with a minor in coaching, Yaya added a master's in athletic administration in 2025. Yaya is a native of Staten Island, New York.