Mercer head coach Stephanie DeFeo has stepped down from her position, the school announced on Thursday.
DeFeo had been the Bears’ solo head coach for five seasons, previously spending a handful of seasons as the co-head coach, and is the winningest coach in program history. She owns an overall record of 217-195 and is the only Bears head coach to cross the 200-win threshold.
In a school statement, DeFeo said, “”I’m appreciative for the eight years I have spent at Mercer University. My goal has always been and will always be to develop strong, empowered young women. I am grateful for all of the relationships I have developed during my time here.”
The Bears posted a 24-23 overall record during the 2021 season, including an 8-9 record in SoCon play. The squad went 1-2 at the SoCon tournament, beating Chattanooga and losing to top seeds UNCG and Western Carolina.
Prior to taking the helm at Mercer, DeFeo spent time on staff at Purdue, Ball State, Buffalo, UTSA, and Southeastern Louisiana. She was also previously the head coach at UNCG and East Tennessee State.