WESSON — Britta Stephens has been named head coach of the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Lady Wolves basketball program. Stephens is no stranger to the Mississippi Association of Community College Conference (MACCC) having served as assistant women’s coach and recruiting coordinator at Southwest Mississippi Community College for the past 10 years.

“We are excited to welcome Britta to the Co-Lin family,” said Co-Lin Athletic Director Bryan Nobile. “We are fortunate to hire someone with Britta’s experience in the MACCC and in recruiting student-athletes. She brings energy, drive and leadership to the program and I look forward to Coach Stephens getting to Wesson and starting work.”

Stephens has helped guide the Southwest Lady Bears to three MACCC State Runner-Up finishes, an NJCAA Region 23 Runner-Up finish, and an appearance in the NJCAA National Tournament. In 10 seasons, the Lady Bears have an overall record of 154-94. She has helped 38 players move on to compete at four-year colleges and universities. Stephens has coached two NJCAA All-Americans and two Southwest Mississippi Community College Hall of Fame inductees.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Co-Lin and am extremely excited to begin working,” said Stephens. “I would like to thank President-Elect Dr. Dewayne Middleton, Athletic Director Bryan Nobile, and the Co-Lin Board of Trustees for allowing me to be the new coach of the Lady Wolves.  Growing up in a basketball family, becoming a head coach has always been a dream of mine. Co-Lin holds a special place in my heart as I spent many summers growing up attending basketball camp there and those childhood summers helped build the foundation for the coach I am today.  Co-Lin has one of the richest women’s basketball traditions in the state, and I am very excited to continue growing the legacy that Coach Young has built over the years.”

During her tenure, the Lady Bears have proven to be successful in the classroom, as well as on the court. The 2017-18 squad was named the MACJC women’s basketball Academic Team of the Year. Also, 28 players have received conference or national academic honors.

In addition to her coaching duties, Stephens served as Southwest’s assistant athletic director for compliance and eligibility (2016-2021).

“I am excited for and proud to have Britta join the Co-Lin family,” said Co-Lin President-Elect Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “With her experience and knowledge of the Mississippi community college conference, I’m certain that she will do a great job.”

A graduate of North Pike High School in Summit, Stephens was named to the 2004 All-State tournament team as she helped lead the Lady Jaguars to a third-place finish. That same year, she was the Mississippi Association of Coaches three-point champion and a participant in the Mississippi High School Association’s All-Star game.

Stephens played basketball at Mississippi College for one year (2006-07) before transferring to William Carey University. She played three years for the Lady Crusaders (2007-10) and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She later received a double Master’s, in English Education and Secondary Education. She was named the Outstanding English Major and a two-time NAIA Academic All-American. Stephens received a Specialist degree in Higher Education Administration from William Carey University (2016) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education Administration (2018). She is also a 2020 graduate of the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy.

She began her coaching career by spending two years as an assistant at East Central Community College (2010-12). From there she spent a year as head coach and English Instructor at Salem Attendance Center.

Stephens will officially begin work on July 1 pending board approval.