Coaching Staff
Jessie Ivey
Associate Head Coach
Jessie IveyJessie Ivey is entering her third season as associate head coach at The University of Toledo in 2022-23. Ivey works with all aspects of the program, including perimeter-player development, recruiting, academic support and opponent scouting.
2021-22
The Rockets (29-6, 19-1 MAC) turned in one of their best seasons in program history, tying the school record for wins in a season and setting both a team record and MAC record for most conference victories in a season on their way to winning the 10th MAC Regular Season Title in school history.
Toledo was one of 10 schools in Division I to win 29 games and were tied with LSU with the largest win increase from 2020-21 to 2021-22, winning 17 more games than the year before.
Toledo parlayed its excellent season into a long WNIT run, reaching the quarterfinals (Elite Eight) for the first time since the 2011-12 season. UT notched wins against Houston Baptist, Kent State, and Marquette before dropping a thrilling 73-71 overtime decision to Middle Tennessee.
Guards Quinesha Lockett and Sophia Wiard were First-Team and Second-Team All-MAC, respectively, and Khera Goss earned MAC All-Defensive Team honors in 2021-22.
Lockett averaged 17.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 1.8 SPG for the Rockets, ranking seventh in the MAC in both scoring and steals. She turned in one of the most prolific offensive seasons in program history, setting a school record with 544 field goal attempts and scoring 626 points, fifth-most in a season ever by a Rocket. Lockett became the 31st member of the 1,000 point club on Jan. 12 and cracked the 20-point mark 15 times in 2021-22.
Wiard earned her first-career All-MAC honor in 2021-22 after averaging 12.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 4.8 APG and leading the MAC in assist/turnover ratio for a second straight season (2.49, 16th in the country). Wiard ran one of the most efficient offenses in the MAC, helping the Rockets rank second in field goal percentage (44.0%) and third in three-point field goal percentage (37.5%). Goss, one of the best defenders in the MAC, averaged 7.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, and 0.8 SPG while routinely guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player.
Academically, a school-record eight Rockets were named Academic All-MAC and the team set a program record for best semester GPA in the 2022 Spring semester (3.585).
Ivey was named one of the most impactful mid-major assistant coaches by Silver Waves Media in June 2022.
2020-21
Toledo finished the year with a 12-12 overall record and an 8-12 mark in conference play.
Playing a mostly-MAC schedule, the Rockets ended their season on a high note by winning three of their final four contests, including wins over 2021 MAC Tournament Champion Central Michigan and MAC Tournament participant Eastern Michigan.
Individually, sophomore guard Quinesha Lockett was named third-team All-MAC, averaging a team-high 19.6 PPG and leading Toledo in steals (2.0/game) while ranking second in rebounds (5.3/game) and assists (2.8/game). Lockett’s scoring average was the highest by a Rocket since Kim Knuth averaged 25.4 PPG during the 1998-99 campaign.
Toledo also received outstanding play from sophomore guard Sophia Wiard, who averaged 13.7 PPG and led the MAC in assist/turnover ratio (1.9). In a game at Northern Illinois on Dec. 10 Wiard had one of the best games ever by a Rocket, pouring in a school record-tying 42 points.
Freshman guard Khera Goss started 23 of Toledo’s 24 games, averaging 6.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 1.3 SPG. Goss blossomed into a superb defender during her rookie season, earning the team’s Defensive Player of the Year award. She had 10 games with multiple steals, including a season-high five steals in the final game of the season.
PRIOR TO TOLEDO
Ivey came to Toledo after two seasons as head coach at NCAA Division II member Tiffin University.
In 2019-20, Ivey increased the Dragons’ win total, finishing seventh in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) standings and gave TU its first conference tournament berth since 2012. Their post-season berth was clinched via a historical upset, as the Dragons took down No. 17 Kentucky Wesleyan in double overtime to also give them their first-ever win over a nationally ranked team. Similar to Ivey’s first year, Tiffin finished the season very strong, winning six of its final eight regular-season games.
The Dragons set a couple DII-era program records in 2019-20, pulling down 1,112 team rebounds, while Savanah Richards equaled the mark for three-pointers made in a game with seven. In the GMAC rankings, Tiffin finished second in rebounding (40.3 per game), first in offensive rebounding (12.7 per game), and third in blocks (2.90 per game). Tiffin also garnered its first all-conference performer since 2012-13, as Aarion Nichols received second-team honors. One of the best all-around players in the conference, Nichols was the only GMAC player in the Top 12 in scoring (T-10th, 14.6), overall rebounding (6th, 7.4), assists (T-5th, 3.2) and steals (T-12th, 1.6).
In her first year at Tiffin, Ivey guided a youthful squad to an 11-17 overall ledger. The Dragons ended the season by winning their final four games, including road triumphs at Alderson Broaddus and Davis & Elkins. Ivey’s first Tiffin team bettered its overall win total by two games from the previous season, and the Dragons’ 8-14 league mark was a three-game improvement from 2017-18. The 11 victories marked the first time since the 2012-13 season that Tiffin had recorded double-digit win totals.
Under Ivey’s direction, Tiffin’s scoring output also dramatically increased, going from 58.9 points per game the previous season to an average of 70.8 ppg in 2018-19. The Dragons eclipsed seven single-season school records that had been established since transitioning to the NCAA Division II level. Ivey’s up-tempo offensive philosophy generated Tiffin records for points in a game (108), field goals made (731), points per game (70.8), total points (1,983), and 3-pointers made in a game (14). The Dragons also set new marks for total rebounds (1,045) and overall field-goal percentage (41.2 percent) in 2018-19.
Individually, three Tiffin players — Jasmine Watts, Allie Miller, and Ali Schirmer — set individual school records during Ivey’s first year at the helm. Watts shot a school record 66.9 percent from the field and she also led the GMAC in blocked shots with 41 (1.6 bpg). Miller finished as the Dragons’ all-time leader in career field-goal percentage (.417), while Schirmer converted 86.9 percent from the charity stripe during her career to rank No. 1 all time in that category.
A proven recruiter who is committed to producing champions on the court and in the classroom, Ivey’s Tiffin squads placed 19 players on the GMAC All-Academic Team on 24 occasions. In addition, Tiffin sported the nation’s top grade-point average among Division II programs (3.809 GPA) and ranked No. 2 overall for all divisions in 2018-19. The Dragons then backed up with another top-five national finish in 2019-20, finishing tied for fourth in team GPA (3.779) on the DII list.
Prior to working at Tiffin, Ivey spent two seasons as an assistant coach at MAC member Bowling Green. One of her primary responsibilities at BGSU was the development of post players, and the Falcons emerged as one of the nation’s top rebounding teams. The Falcons finished No. 38 in the NCAA in rebounds per game (41.3) in 2016-17, and they ranked No. 49 in total rebounds (1,281). Individually, Abby Siefker grabbed more than 100 offensive rebounds in 2016-17 under Ivey’s tutelage, the first time that had occurred at Bowling Green since 2010.
A native of Jay, Fla., Ivey graduated from the University of West Florida, where she earned four letters on the hardwood from 2005-10. Ivey finished her career with 381 points, 81 three-pointers, 100 assists and 51 steals over 96 games. She started 28 games as a senior for the Argos, averaging 5.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 23.0 minutes. For her career, she shot 30.4 percent from three-point land and 82.5 percent from the free-throw line.
After graduation, Ivey joined the West Florida staff as a graduate assistant, serving in that role for two years before being promoted to assistant coach. The Argos posted a 62-51 record during her four years with the program, winning the 2014 Gulf South Conference championship and making two NCAA Division II Tournament appearances. Ivey helped oversee the development of the UWF program, taking a 6-21 team and molding it into a unit that won 56 games during her final three seasons. The improvement was immediate as UWF posted a 19-11 mark in 2013-14, won the GSC Tournament championship for the first time in program history and advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament.
The Argos finished with a 20-9 record in 2014-15 and advanced to the NCAA regional semifinals. Ivey recruited and developed multiple impact players for UWF, including the GSC Player of the Year, 10 All-GSC selections, two GSC Freshman of the Year recipients, one All-Region honoree, two 1,000-point scorers, as well as UWF’s career rebounding, blocked shots and assists leaders. During her tenure at UWF, the Argos also defeated nine opponents ranked in the NCAA Division II Top 25 poll.
In 2016, Ivey received national recognition by being awarded the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Division II Assistant Coach of the Year. That award is presented to the recipient who has demonstrated commitment to the program, to their student-athletes and head coach, their impact coaching on the court, mentorship and impact on other coaches, as well as their professional manner and attitude.
Ivey was also named to the WBCA’s inaugural Thirty Under 30 honoree list. She participated in the WBCA’s 2015 Center for Coaching Excellence in Atlanta., Ga., and also participated in the Assistant Coaches Leadership Workshop in Quantico, Va.
A graduate of Jay High School in 2005, Ivey ranks third in school history with 1,616 career points. She graduated from UWF in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a minor in sports psychology. Ivey later earned a master’s degree in exercise science from UWF in 2012.
Mark Stephens
Assistant Coach
The Rockets (29-6, 19-1 MAC) turned in one of their best seasons in program history, tying the school record for wins in a season and setting both a team record and MAC record for most conference victories in a season on their way to winning the 10th MAC Regular Season Title in school history.
2020-21
Toledo finished the year with a 12-12 overall record and an 8-12 mark in conference play.
Individually, sophomore guard Quinesha Lockett was named third-team All-MAC, averaging a team-high 19.6 PPG and leading Toledo in steals (2.0/game) while ranking second in rebounds (5.3/game) and assists (2.8/game). Lockett’s scoring average was the highest by a Rocket since Kim Knuth averaged 25.4 PPG during the 1998-99 campaign.
Toledo also received outstanding play from sophomore guard Sophia Wiard, who averaged 13.7 PPG and led the MAC in assist/turnover ratio (1.9). In a game at Northern Illinois on Dec. 10 Wiard had one of the best games ever by a Rocket, pouring in a school record-tying 42 points.
Academically, Toledo placed for student-athletes on the Academic All-MAC squad: Yaniah Curry, Jaela Johnson, Mali Morgan-Elliott, and Sophia Wiard.
2019-20
Toledo registered a 14-17 overall record and a 7-11 mark in the Mid-American Conference.
The Rockets, who advanced to MAC Tournament Semifinals for the seventh time in the last 12 years, seemed on the verge of a memorable finish at the post-season event after knocking off No. 8 seed Akron and shocking No. 1 seed Central Michigan. However, Toledo’s ‘Cinderella Run’ came to an end when the tourney was canceled due to concerns about the Coronavirus pandemic.
Individually, freshman Quinesha Lockett started 24 of the 31 games, averaging 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals in 26.1 minutes. Lockett ranked second on the team in offensive caroms (54), tied for second in thefts (36), third in overall field-goals made (110), minutes played (806) and games started, fourth in scoring and rejections (7) and fifth in three-point field-goals made (19).
The team’s “Best Defensive Player” award honoree, Lockett paced the squad in steals on a team-high 12 occasions, scoring five times, blocked shots on four occasions and rebounding three times.
In addition, senior Arianne Whitaker and junior Nakiah Black were selected to ‘So You Want To Be A Coach’ program, becoming only the third and fourth players in school history to take part in the program.
Stephens'Coaching Origin
Stephens came to Toledo after three seasons at BIG EAST member Xavier. During his time with the Musketeers, Stephens coached three all-conference performers in A’riana Gray (Honorable Mention in 2018-19), Aaliyah Dunham (All-Freshman Team in 2017-18) and Raeshaun Gaffney (Honorable Mention in 2016-17).
In addition, Stephens aided in the daily aspects of the XU players and in the recruiting of players both foreign and domestic. He also oversaw the Musketeers’ video coordinator position, as well as helped grow their practice squad from six people to 16 and was responsible for coordinating team camp, which expanded from 21 to 51 teams between 2017-18.
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 served as the general manager of the Indy Southside Sports Academy in Indianapolis from 2004-09 and 2011-12. In addition, he had stints as an assistant high school basketball coach at Decatur Central High School (2011-12) and boys basketball varsity assistant coach and football assistant coach at Southport High School (2003-11) – both located in Indianapolis.
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.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be at Toledo,” Stephens said. “All the accolades, countless postseasons appearance and wins aside, the opportunity to work for Coach Cullop is a true blessing. Very few universities in the country push women’s basketball the way Toledo does and that’s evident in the facilities, resources and attendance. My family and I can’t wait to get settled in, win games, make friends, and embrace all of Rocket Nation.”
Life as Student-Athlete
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 in yards per carry, 7.8 ypc, 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 (7) and McKel (1), and a daughter, McKinley (11).
What Others are Saying about Mark Stephens
“Mark is an impressive young coach. His experience as a high school head coach, AAU coach, and college assistant gives him insight and connections that few college assistants have. He’s a tireless, meticulous recruiter and an outstanding floor coach, as well as a calm, steady presence on the sideline. Toledo got a good one!”
- Former Toledo Head Coach & Xavier Assistant Coach Mark Ehlen
“Toledo has hit a home run with the hiring of Mark. He has been a driving force in women’s basketball over the past few years. Mark is a workaholic with his preparation. He never takes anything for granted!
- CEO/Program Director Nike LadyGymRats James Banks
“Mark is well respected by his players and peers. He treats everyone around him with great respect. I have leaned on him with important questions when he didn’t even know it. Mark’s passion for the game and the love for his players is why he is so successful on the recruiting trail. His strong family values also allow him to create family bonds while recruiting. Mark’s development of players is awesome because of his hard work and dedication to the game. He is a relationship guy which allows his players to believe in him and trust his process.”
- Director of Under Armour Western PA Bruins Robert Cash
“Mark is an up-and-coming star in the coaching industry. He’s a relentless recruiter and knows how to develop players.”
- Xavier Men’s Basketball Head Coach Travis Steele
Danielle Page
Assistant Coach
Danielle PageThe Rockets (29-6, 19-1 MAC) turned in one of their best seasons in program history, tying the school record for wins in a season and setting both a team record and MAC record for most conference victories in a season on their way to winning the 10th MAC Regular Season Title in school history.
Toledo parlayed its excellent season into a long WNIT run, reaching the quarterfinals (Elite Eight) for the first time since the 2011-12 season. UT notched wins against Houston Baptist, Kent State, and Marquette before dropping a thrilling 73-71 overtime decision to Middle Tennessee.
Page was named an assistant coach for the U20 Serbian National Team in June 2022 and helped coach the team in the U20 European Championships in July.
2020-21
Toledo finished the year with a 12-12 overall record and an 8-12 mark in conference play.
Playing a mostly-MAC schedule, the Rockets ended their season on a high note by winning three of their final four contests, including wins over 2021 MAC Tournament Champion Central Michigan and MAC Tournament participant Eastern Michigan.
Freshman Sammi Mikonowicz had an outstanding debut season for the Rockets, leading the team in rebounding (6.0 RPG) and averaging 9.2 PPG, third-highest scoring average on the team. The Rossford, Ohio native had three double-doubles, most on the team.
2019-20
Toledo registered a 14-17 overall record and a 7-11 mark in the Mid-American Conference.
The Rockets, who advanced to MAC Tournament Semifinals for the seventh time in the last 12 years, seemed on the verge of a memorable finish at the post-season event after knocking off No. 8 seed Akron and shocking No. 1 seed Central Michigan. However, Toledo’s ‘Cinderella Run’ came to an end when the tourney was canceled due to concerns about the Coronavirus pandemic.
Individually, junior Tanaya Beacham converted a squad-best 58.3 percent (144-of-247) from the field, the 10th-highest mark in program history in a season. A 2019-20 team captain, Beacham was as dominant as any player in the MAC down the stretch, contributing a team-high 15.6 ppg over the final nine games.
In addition, senior Arianne Whitaker and junior Nakiah Black were selected to ‘So You Want To Be A Coach’ program, becoming only the third and fourth players in school history to take part in the program.
2018-19
Toledo compiled a 21-12 overall record and an 11-7 ledger in the league.
The Rockets, who finished second in the MAC West Division standings, also made their 12th overall appearance in Postseason WNIT and seventh under Coach Cullop.
Toledo defeated BIG EAST member Seton Hall, 71-65, in the first round at home advanced to the second round for a seventh-straight time in the event. Their postseason run came to an end following a 54-47 setback against eventual tourney finalist Northwestern.
Individually, senior Kaayla McIntyre secured second-team All-MAC honors, while classmate Mikaela Boyd earned honorable mention accolades. McIntrye collected all-conference recognition for a second-consecutive year, while Boyd received post-season laurels for a third-straight season.
In addition, McIntyre was named to MAC All-Defensive Team, becoming second Rocket to garner defensive accolades.
In MAC games, Toledo paced the league in all four categories - scoring defense (60.9 ppg), overall field-goal percentage defense (.384, 404-of-1,053), three-point field-goal percentage defense (.281, 90-of-320) and three-point field-goals allowed (5.0).
Page Had Extensive Playing Career
Page entered collegiate coaching following an extensive 10-year professional career. She spent time overseas with teams in Turkey, France, Israel, Poland, Bulgaria and Hungary. Highlights from her professional career include being a member of Bourges’ 2016 EuroCup Championship squad, along with earning eurobasket.com first-team All-France recognition on two occasions. She was also selected the 2014 Foreign Player of the Year in France and garnered first-team All-EuroCup accolades that same season.
Most recently, Page played a key role in helping UNIQA Sopron of the First League of Hungary to a runner-up finish in the EuroLeague Championship.
In March 2015, Page received her Serbian citizenship in order to represent the Serbian National Team in international competition. She represented Serbia at the EuroBasket 2015 in Budapest where they won the gold medal, and qualified for the 2016 Olympics, a first in the history of the national team. The squad won the bronze medal in Rio de Janeiro.
Page's Coaching Origin
Page received her start in coaching with the Colorado Premier Basketball Club in her home state. Under the direction of former NBA player Keith Van Horn, Page served as the head coach of the U-14 Colorado Premier National Girls Team in Summer 2014 and worked as an assistant coach for the U-13 squad in 2013 and the U-15 team in 2015. Most recently, she assisted with the coordination and communication portion of the recruiting process for U-17 team members in 2017.
Life as Student-Athlete
A four-year letterwinner at the University of Nebraska (2004-08), Page averaged 7.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 1.6 blocks and 0.7 steals in 129 career games played in Lincoln. A two-time team captain, she helped lead the Cornhuskers to the NCAA Championships in 2007 and 2008, tallying 946 points and 636 boards. The two-time Nebraska Defensive Player of the Year is also one of only three players in program history with 200 blocked shots, finishing with 207 in her NU career.