Yeakel started his position at Rice in 2000. Prior to joining the Rice staff, Yeakel was an athletics assistant at Butler University for three years. Yeakel attended Purdue University, graduating in 1993 with a B.A. in political science. While at Purdue, he played under hall of fame head coach Gene Keady on the "Gold Squad" practice team for men's basketball. He then earned an M.A. in recreation at Indiana University, where he interned with the IU Athletic Department in both the academic and ticket offices. A native of Indiana, Mike and his wife, Nikki, enjoy the outdoors with their children Logan and Kylie.

Works with men's basketball, football defense, women's track and field