Murray State University Athletics
Turner Welcomes Mark Stephens as Associate Head Coach
5/1/2026 10:15:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Stephens comes to MSU with a decade of Division I collegiate coaching experience
Stephens brings a plethora of player development experience and a championship pedigree after coaching at Purdue (2023-26), Toledo (2019-23), and Xavier (2017-19).Â
"Championship cultures are built on character, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence, and Racer women's basketball is taking an enormous step forward with the hiring of Mark Stephens as associate head coach," said Turner. "Mark is universally respected across our sport. He is the definition of a servant leader, and is one of the best relationship builders in the game. Mark is an exceptional recruiter, a skill that speaks to his ability to create authentic and meaningful relationships through the caring and consistent investment he offers to every player who will be a candidate to join our program. His remarkable career in athletics and his many experiences, from being a two-sport student-athlete to being a coach at almost every level of basketball, gives him a unique perspective that makes him relatable to both players and parents. We consider our program to be a basketball family, and we are adding the ultimate family man to our staff. Mark is deeply devoted to his family, and that is as important as any quality he brings to our staff. We are incredibly impressed by Mark as a coach; we are even more impressed by him as a human being. Racer women's basketball just got better today, and we ask Racer Nation to join us in welcoming Coach Stephens to our family!"
Stephens has served as Purdue's recruiting coordinator while also assisting with player development, opponent scouting, and academic support. While with the Boilermakers, he helped land Big Ten Freshman of the Year Mary Ashley Stevenson during his first season. While guiding the post play in West Lafayette, Stephens helped Caitlyn Harper to a All-Big Ten honorable mention campaign in 2023-24.Â
"I chose to come to Murray State because the moment you step on campus, you feel an instantly sense of belonging, and a true sense of family, said Stephens. "It's not something you have to search for, it's just there. At Murray State, you're surrounded by a community that genuinely loves women's basketball, caring for young people and is fully invested in winning. That standard isn't just talked about, it's lived every day. What Coach Turner has built is no longer a secret. Back-to-Back MVC championships & NCAA appearances speak for themselves, and my family and I are extremely excited to be a part of what's next."
Prior to joining Purdue, Stephens spent four seasons at Toledo. The Rockets went 84-40, won two MAC Regular Season Championships and one tournament title and made a pair of postseason appearances during his tenure. In 2021-22 and 2022-23, he helped Toledo to consecutive 29 win campaigns that culminated in a NCAA Tournament win over fifth-seeded Iowa State in 2023.Â
Stephens began his college coaching career at Xavier where he spent three seasons and served in recruiting roles as well as overseeing the video coordinator position along with the Musketeers' team camp.Â
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 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.
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 with 7.8 yards per carry 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 and McKel, and a daughter, McKinley.
While Murray State remains laser focused on competitive excellence during the golden era of Racer Athletics, the department will embark on a bold, comprehensive $100 million fundraising campaign, Leading The Pack, to further position itself for the future by investing in student-athlete success and wellness, revenue share and competitive resources and world-class facilities.
Learn more about how you can support the campaign by clicking HERE.
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