Mississippi University for Women Director of Athletics Jason Trufant announced Wednesday the hiring of Brian Merkel as the school’s first men’s basketball coach.
Merkel recently completed his fifth season as the assistant men’s basketball coach at Division III Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. In addition to his basketball responsibilities, Merkel completed his first season as the men’s and women’s cross country programs and his fourth year assisting the men’s golf program.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named head men’s basketball coach at Mississippi University for Women,” Merkel said. “The minute I walked onto campus, I knew MUW was a special place, with special people. I would like to thank the MUW administration, Director of Athletics Jason Trufant, and the rest of the search committee on giving me this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to working with them each and every day to create a team that the university and community of Columbus can be proud of.”
During his tenure with the basketball program, Hendrix helped the Warriors advance to the finals of the Southern Athletic Association Tournament twice. In 2017-18, Hendrix advanced to the finals falling to Barry College. In the 2014-15 tournament, the Warriors defeated the top three seeds to earn their first NCAA tournament bid since 1996.
At Hendrix, Merkel assisted with all facets of the program, including recruiting, scouting, practice, and skill development. While there, he recruited and coached several all-conference selections, including the 2016-17 SAA Player of the Year Hank Aldous.
Prior to his coaching career, Merkel was a three-year starting point guard at Millsaps College in Jackson. He led his team in assists his last three seasons. He served as team captain his last two seasons and was named to the NABC Honors Court in 2011 and 2012.
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Merkel graduated from Millsaps College in 2012 with a degree in business administration and minors in economics and communications. He received his master’s in business administration in 2013 from Southeastern Louisiana.
“Being named the first head men’s basketball coach in university history is a position I will not take lightly,” Merkel said. “It is truly an honor to represent The W moving forward with our men’s basketball program. We will hold our program to the highest of standards on the basketball floor, in the classroom, and in the community. We will attract high quality student-athletes to campus because of The W’s great academic track record along with our very competitive facilities. I can’t wait to get started and I look forward to meeting the great people of Columbus.”
Merkel will begin his tenure at The W on April 16.
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