Mercer hires Michelle Clark-Heard as new women’s head basketball coach
The Mercer hire came after former head coach Susie Gardner made her departure
MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Mercer University Women’s basketball program has announced the hiring of new Head Coach Michelle Clark-Heard.
Clark-Heard joins the Bears following the departure of the 14-year head coach of Mercer, Susie Gardner, and becomes the 11th head coach in program history.
The former head coach of Kentucky State, Western Kentucky and Cincinnati, over a 13 year span, comes to Mercer from the coaching staff of Mississippi State in 2023-24 where she served as assistant coach and Athletic Director for Women’s basketball.
“Michelle Clark-Heard has already established herself as a coach that can build and maintain championship programs”, said Mercer Director of Athletics Jim Cole. “She has had tremendous success at every stop in her coaching career, and has done so with great vigor and integrity.”
Clark-Heard holds a record of 252-147. She has also led her teams to seven postseason appearances including four NCAA Tournament berths, while winning a pair of regular season conference titles and four conference tournament titles.
“I’d like to thank this time to thank President Bill Underwood and Director of Athletics Jim Cole for allowing me the opportunity to join the Mercer family,” said Clark-Heard. “My family and I can’t wait to get to Macon and get started. I look forward to continuing the winning tradition that has been established for many years in the program already. The passion and pride built around Mercer makes this such an exciting time, and I can’t wait to meet our amazing young ladies and get to work.”
