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Mark Stephens enters his fourth season as an assistant coach at The University of Toledo in 2022-23. Stephens works with all aspects of the program, including player development, recruiting, academic support and opponent scouting. He also serves as the program’s recruiting coordinator.
2021-22
The Rockets (29-6, 19-1 MAC) turned in one of their best seasons in program history, tying the school record for wins in a season and setting both a team record and MAC record for most conference victories in a season on their way to winning the 10th MAC Regular Season Title in school history.
Toledo was one of 10 schools in Division I to win 29 games and were tied with LSU with the largest win increase from 2020-21 to 2021-22, winning 17 more games than the year before.
Toledo parlayed its excellent season into a long WNIT run, reaching the quarterfinals (Elite Eight) for the first time since the 2011-12 season. UT notched wins against Houston Baptist, Kent State, and Marquette before dropping a thrilling 73-71 overtime decision to Middle Tennessee.
Five players were honored with postseason MAC distinctions: Quinesha Lockett (First-Team All-MAC), Sophia Wiard (Second-Team All-MAC), Hannah Noveroske (Sixth Player of the Year), Khera Goss (MAC All-Defensive Team), and Jessica Cook (MAC All-Freshman Team).
Toledo stifled teams defensively all season long, leading the MAC in scoring defense (61.06), scoring margin (+11.34), field goal percentage defense (37.5%), rebounding margin (+6.83), and defensive rebounds per game (29.57).
Academically, a school-record eight Rockets were named Academic All-MAC and the team set a program record for best semester GPA in the 2022 Spring semester (3.585).
2020-21
Toledo finished the year with a 12-12 overall record and an 8-12 mark in conference play.
Playing a mostly-MAC schedule, the Rockets ended their season on a high note by winning three of their final four contests, including wins over 2021 MAC Tournament Champion Central Michigan and MAC Tournament participant Eastern Michigan.
Individually, sophomore guard Quinesha Lockett was named third-team All-MAC, averaging a team-high 19.6 PPG and leading Toledo in steals (2.0/game) while ranking second in rebounds (5.3/game) and assists (2.8/game). Lockett’s scoring average was the highest by a Rocket since Kim Knuth averaged 25.4 PPG during the 1998-99 campaign.
Toledo also received outstanding play from sophomore guard Sophia Wiard, who averaged 13.7 PPG and led the MAC in assist/turnover ratio (1.9). In a game at Northern Illinois on Dec. 10 Wiard had one of the best games ever by a Rocket, pouring in a school record-tying 42 points.
Academically, Toledo placed for student-athletes on the Academic All-MAC squad: Yaniah Curry, Jaela Johnson, Mali Morgan-Elliott, and Sophia Wiard.
2019-20
Toledo registered a 14-17 overall record and a 7-11 mark in the Mid-American Conference.
The Rockets, who advanced to MAC Tournament Semifinals for the seventh time in the last 12 years, seemed on the verge of a memorable finish at the post-season event after knocking off No. 8 seed Akron and shocking No. 1 seed Central Michigan. However, Toledo’s ‘Cinderella Run’ came to an end when the tourney was canceled due to concerns about the Coronavirus pandemic.
Individually, freshman Quinesha Lockett started 24 of the 31 games, averaging 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals in 26.1 minutes. Lockett ranked second on the team in offensive caroms (54), tied for second in thefts (36), third in overall field-goals made (110), minutes played (806) and games started, fourth in scoring and rejections (7) and fifth in three-point field-goals made (19).
The team’s “Best Defensive Player” award honoree, Lockett paced the squad in steals on a team-high 12 occasions, scoring five times, blocked shots on four occasions and rebounding three times.
In addition, senior Arianne Whitaker and junior Nakiah Black were selected to ‘So You Want To Be A Coach’ program, becoming only the third and fourth players in school history to take part in the program.
Stephens'Coaching Origin
Stephens came 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-Freshman 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.
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 boys basketball varsity assistant coach and football assistant coach at 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.
“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.”
Life as Student-Athlete
Stephens was a two-year letterwinner on the men’s basketball team at Morehead St. (2000-01). He also earned four letters on MSU’s football squad (1998-2002) and led the country in yards per carry, 7.8 ypc, as a senior.
The Louisville, Ky., native holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Morehead St. in 2002.
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.
Stephens and his wife Cambrelle have two sons, Maddux (7) and McKel (1), and a daughter, McKinley (11).
What Others 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
“Mark is an up-and-coming star in the coaching industry. He’s a relentless recruiter and knows how to develop players.”
- Xavier Men’s Basketball Head Coach Travis Steele
