TOLEDO, Ohio – Mark Stephens has been hired as an assistant coach on the University of Toledo women's basketball coaching staff, head coach Tricia Cullop announced today. 

"I'm thrilled Mark is joining our program," said Cullop, a three-time Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year honoree. "He's an extremely talented coach and an outstanding person. Mark was a very successful high school coach and assisted one of the top club programs in our region prior to his time at Xavier. He also brings great energy and creativity to player development. He has a very established recruiting network and has developed strong, trusting relationships in our region. He's very genuine, hard-working and organized. His unique background and perspective will greatly enhance our recruiting efforts."

Stephens comes to Toledo after three seasons at BIG EAST member Xavier. During his time with the Musketeers, Stephens coached three all-conference performers in A'riana Gray (Honorable Mention in 2018-19), Aaliyah Dunham (All-Freshmen Team in 2017-18) and Raeshaun Gaffney (Honorable Mention in 2016-17). 

In addition, Stephens aided in the daily aspects of the XU players and in the recruiting of players both foreign and domestic. He also oversaw the Musketeers' video coordinator position, as well as helped grow their practice squad from six people to 16 and was responsible for coordinating team camp, which expanded from 21 to 51 teams between 2017-18.

"I couldn't be more excited to be at Toledo," Stephens said. "All the accolades, countless postseasons appearance and wins aside, the opportunity to work for Coach Cullop is a true blessing. Very few universities in the country push women's basketball the way Toledo does and that's evident in the facilities, resources and attendance. My family and I can't wait to get settled in, win games, make friends, and embrace all of Rocket Nation."
  
Prior to working at Xavier, Stephens was the head women's varsity basketball coach at Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School in Indianapolis from 2012-16. His team posted a 38-9 record over the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, capturing back-to-back conference titles. 

Stephens was also the assistant club director for the Adidas Indiana Elite AAU Team from 2002-05 and the Indianapolis-based Nike Lady Gym Rats AAU Team from 2005-16. In total, he coached 62 players who played collegiately – including 41 NCAA Division I student-athletes. 

Stephens also served as the general manager of the Indy Southside Sports Academy in Indianapolis from 2004-09 and 2011-12. In addition, he had stints as an assistant high school basketball coach at Decatur Central High School (2011-12) and Southport High School (2003-11) – both located in Indianapolis. 

Stephens also has experience working as a national high school women's basketball scout for ESPN (Hoopgurlz.com) and as a freelance writer for Indiana Basketball Magazine and PrepHoop Stars. 

The Louisville, Ky., native holds a bachelor's degree in communication from Morehead State in 2002.

During his time at MSU, Stephens was a four-year letterwinner on the football team and led the country in yards per carry, 7.8 ypc, as a senior.

After graduation, Stephens played semi-professional football for the Indiana Tornados in the North American Football League (NAFL) and South Central Broncos Indoor Football League (IFL) and was an eight-time all-star selection between the two leagues. 

What People are Saying about Mark Stephens
"Mark is an impressive young coach. His experience as a high school head coach, AAU coach, and college assistant gives him insight and connections that few college assistants have. He's a tireless, meticulous recruiter and an outstanding floor coach, as well as a calm, steady presence on the sideline. Toledo got a good one!"
- Former Toledo Head Coach & Xavier Assistant Coach Mark Ehlen

"Toledo has hit a home run with the hiring of Mark. He has been a driving force in women's basketball over the past few years. Mark is a workaholic with his preparation. He never takes anything for granted!
Mark's experience, enthusiasm, and passion for women's basketball gives him an advantage when it comes to working towards the teams goals. In his new role with Toledo, Mark's impact on the program will be felt immediately."
- CEO/Program Director Nike LadyGymRats James Banks

"Mark is well respected by his players and peers. He treats everyone around him with great respect. I have leaned on him with important questions when he didn't even know it. Mark's passion for the game and the love for his players is why he is so successful on the recruiting trail. His strong family values also allow him to create family bonds while recruiting. Mark's development of players is awesome because of his hard work and dedication to the game. He is a relationship guy which allows his players to believe in him and trust his process."
- Director of Under Armour Western PA Bruins Robert Cash