04/30/2007

Merchant to coach MSU?

Ex-TC Central standout could be named today

FROM STAFF REPORTS

TRAVERSE CITY — Michigan State is expected to name its new women's basketball coach today — and it could be Traverse City's Suzy Merchant.

Ron Mason, Michigan State's athletic director, received permission from Eastern Michigan officials to interview Merchant over the weekend.

Merchant, 37, has compiled a 147-90 record at Eastern Michigan. The Eagles had not finished above .500 for 12 consecutive seasons before Merchant became coach.

She is the only woman to win a Mid-American Conference championship at Eastern, and she guided the Eagles to their only NCAA appearance. She also has won two MAC West titles.

Merchant was an all-state player at Traverse City. She was a four-year starter and three-year captain at Central Michigan.