Mercedes Brooks begins her first season as TSU women's basketball assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

Prior to TSU, Brooks served as an assistant coach at Panola College in Carthage, Texas where she helped the team compile a 21-8 record along with a top 25 national ranking throughout the season. Prior to Panola, Brooks spent the 2019-20 season at The Emery Weiner School in Houston as the school's head coach. She made history at the school by leading the program to its best finish in school history along with its first-ever playoff berth,

A native of Wichita Falls, Texas, Brooks was a three-time all-state performer at Rider High School and was a McDonald's All-American nominee after averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game. She earned a scholarship to Kansas State of the Big 12 and earned the team's Leadership Award. 

Following her freshman year, Brooks transferred to Trinity Valley Community College where she played under Gerald Ewing during the 2017-18 season. Brooks had a standout career at TVCC as she averaged 17 points and eight rebounds per contest while leading the Cardinals to the NJCAA National Championship Tournament where they finished the season as the National runner-up. Brooks 
earned All-Tournament honors at nationals and also received a Leadership Award at the end of the season.

Brooks earned a scholarship to LSU following her career at TVCC and spent two years under head coach Nikki Fargas. She earned the Hard Hat award during the SEC Tournament which was presented to the player which showcased the biggest impact on the floor. Brooks was also a standout performer in the classroom as she earned the 3.0 GPA and above award for two years while also earning a spot in the Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society.

Brooks' most notable characteristic is her energy and knowledge of player development. She has always been known for her energy that she's able to bring every day. 

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to be able to join the Texas Southern women’s basketball staff," said Brooks. "I am also very passionate about my career and I look forward to helping our athletes excel in the 'Tiger Way'. Once a Tiger always a Tiger."