Mercer introduces Michelle Clark-Heard as Head Women’s Basketball Coach

Mercer University introduced Michelle Clark-Heard as the program's 11th head coach Friday during a press conference

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Mercer University introduced Michelle Clark-Heard as the program’s 11th head coach during a press conference at Hawkins Arena Friday afternoon.

Coach Heard takes over for Susie Gardner who stepped down in March after 14 seasons as the Lady Bears head coach.

The former Mississippi state assistant coach and Athletic Director brings with her 26 years of collegiate coaching experience where she amassed a 252-147 record.

The new Lady Bears Head Coach is big on player relationships, as you can see from her social media pictures from her time at Mississippi State.

Coach Heard explained to 41NBC that she is “making sure that I can build those relationships with our players that we have right now. The recruiting part, that’s what I love, I love it” said Coach Heard. ”

She goes on to say “So, the relationship piece… if you don’t have that, you’re not going to be able to have them transfer that on to the floor. For me, and for our staff, that’s what we love to do. So, we’ll continue to keep doing that, and we want to find players that want that. and want to be a part of that and want those relationships, not only with the assistant coaches but the head coach… because at the end of the day the transparency and being that way is something to me that shows them they don’t want to just think that I’m Coach Heard on the court, but I want them to know who Coach Heard is off the court too.