VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State women's basketball head coach Chandler Merkerson announced the addition of Taja Stephens to the coaching staff as a graduate assistant for the 2026-27 season.
 
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Stephens brings a unique perspective to the Blazers' coaching staff after spending the past several years competing at the collegiate level before transitioning into coaching.
 
Stephens began her collegiate career at Midland College, where she competed during the 2022-23 season before continuing her playing career at Panola College in 2023-24. During her time at Panola, Stephens maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing her academic and athletic responsibilities.
 
Stephens continued her career at Salem University, where she competed at the NCAA Division II level from 2024-26. In 2025-26 season, Stephens served as a student coach working closely with the coaching staff and gaining experience in player development, scouting and game preparation.
 
As a student coach, Stephens assisted with in-game decisions, including substitutions, play calls and defensive matchups. She also completed player scouting reports, assisted with practice and game-day planning, led small-group workouts and supported player development. Her responsibilities also included basketball operations and analytics using Synergy, FastScout and Hudl, as well as managing the team's Instagram page and coordinating pre- and post-game meals.
 
Stephens graduated from Salem University in 2026 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Sports & Recreation Management, following her associate degree in Psychology from Panola College where she graduated summa cum laude.
 
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