TCC settles on Corona as new women’s basketball coach
Photo submitted by TCC
Special to the Outlook
Tallahassee Community College seems to finally have its new women’s head basketball coach, following the unexpected resignation of its previous choice.
TCC recently announced that Mercedes Corona has been hired as the new head coach of its women’s program.
Corona becomes the seventh head coach in program history, brining with her a record that includes capturing a NJCAA Division II championship.
Lamar Hamilton and Joe Cohen had previously served as interim coaches.
Corona was a quick hire, following the unexpected resignation of Addie Lees, who took the job in May. Athletic director Chuck Moore wasn’t available for comments on Lees’ reason for leaving, but sources close to the program said he left because of family matters in Texas.
Corona will retain Cohen as an assistant. Jo’Nah Johnson will also join Corona’s staff as an assistant coach.
Corona comes to TCC from Arkansas State University Mid-South, where she was head coach. During her tenure, she turned a struggling program into one that was nationally ranked at the NJCAA Division II level. In her third season at ASU Mid-South, Corona led the Greyhounds to a 25-2 record and an NJCAA Region II Championship. Last season, they compiled a 17-10 record and were named Region II runners-up.
“I am beyond thrilled to have Mercedes Corona join our staff and lead our women’s basketball program,” said Moore. “She brings vast experience and dedication to helping student-athletes develop not only on the court but in the classroom and the community.”
Corona, who is already preparing the Eagles for the upcoming season, is optimistic about building a championship program at TCC.
“I’m eager to compete in the Panhandle Conference and rebuild TCC to the elite program I know it can be,” said Corona. “I am grateful for my time at ASU Mid-South where I was a part of developing them into a nationally-ranked team. I look forward to doing the same in Tallahassee.”
Prior to her position at ASU Mid-South, Corona served as an assistant at Howard Payne University. During her time there, the team won two division championships, she coached numerous All-Conference players, and one NCAA Division III All-American.
Corona played high school basketball at Granger High School in her hometown of Granger, Texas, where she was named All-Region and District Offensive MVP. She played collegiate basketball at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas, as a guard. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2012, and a master’s degree in education in 2014.
“First and foremost, I want our student-athletes to graduate,” said Corona. “I will create an environment and culture in our program that will produce strong, independent, and well-rounded young women ready to take on their next journey once they leave TCC.”
Johnson brings plenty of experience to the staff.
In her junior season at Texas Tech, Johnson started 18 games for the Red Raiders, averaging 6.8 points and 3.9 assists per game. Johnson then joined the Texas State women’s basketball team as a graduate transfer, averaging 6.3 points and 20.8 minutes per game with the Bobcats.
Johnson also has experience playing at a two-year institution. She spent her sophomore season at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, where she averaged 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. She was named to the All-Region II team as well as the Region II All-Tournament Team.
“I am excited to have coach Johnson on staff. I knew from our first interview that she was the one for the job,” said Corona. “She is energetic, hungry, and brings a wealth of experience from her playing career at Texas Tech and Texas State Universities.”
Johnson also seemed ready to begin assisting in turning the Eagles’ program around.
“I can’t begin to express how excited I am to be a part of this program,” said Johnson. “The vision that coach Corona has for the program is hard not to buy into, and having the opportunity to assist in building this program up and help these young women on and off the court is a true blessing.”
