A lively atmosphere at Mercer University's basketball court during a game.
Mercer University women’s basketball head coach Susie Gardner has resigned after 14 successful seasons. Gardner’s departure marks the end of a notable era in which she achieved over 250 career victories and led the team to nine Southern Conference championships. The university now begins a nationwide search for her successor, as the community reflects on her impressive legacy both on and off the court.
Located in the heart of Macon, Georgia, Mercer University is buzzing with news today as the beloved head coach of the women’s basketball team, Susie Gardner, has announced her resignation after an impressive 14 seasons. Gardner made the heartfelt decision to step down on a Saturday morning, expressing her desire to explore other coaching opportunities. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the team and the university.
During her tenure from 2010 to 2024, Gardner left an indelible mark on Mercer basketball that will undoubtedly linger for years to come. With over 250 career victories to her name, her formal record stands at 247 wins and 189 losses, giving her a winning percentage of .567. That’s quite an achievement!
But it’s not just about the winning record; Gardner led her team to a staggering nine Southern Conference (SoCon) championships and celebrated with them during seven postseason appearances, which included a trio of NCAA Tournament berths. Her hard work and determination have certainly paid off.
Over the years, Gardner garnered a slew of honors, being named the SoCon Coach of the Year four times (2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2021-22). It’s hard to believe she only became the all-time winningest coach of the program back in December 2022, surpassing former men’s coach Bill Bibb. An incredible moment for her and the school!
When it comes to milestones, the 2017-2018 season stands out in everyone’s memory. The team achieved a jaw-dropping 30-3 record and won both the SoCon regular season and tournament titles, backed by an astonishing 27-game win streak. Those are the kinds of numbers that get fans buzzing and school spirit soaring!
Gardner’s influence isn’t limited to the court as her teams also excelled academically. They collectively earned 73 SoCon Academic Honor Roll/All-Academic Team recognitions during her time as coach. This speaks volumes about her commitment to not just developing skilled players but well-rounded individuals.
As the news of her resignation settles in, Athletic Director Jim Cole has emphasized Gardner’s remarkable impact on student-athletes, both on and off the court. Her dedication will certainly leave a lasting legacy. Now, a nationwide search will commence immediately to find her successor. The university community holds its breath in anticipation of who will step into these big shoes.
Susie Gardner’s departure from Mercer University is a bittersweet moment for the entire community. While it’s undoubtedly hard to say goodbye, it is also an opportunity for fresh beginnings and new horizons. Here’s wishing her all the best on her next adventure! As for the Mercer women’s basketball team, fans can look forward to new leadership and, hopefully, more great seasons to come. Stay tuned for updates on the coaching search!
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