From the streets of Pembroke Pines, Florida, to the sidelines as head coach of Valdosta State women’s basketball, Chandler Merkerson’s story is a powerful example of passion, perseverance, and purpose. A former standout at the University of North Florida, Merkerson has quickly risen through the coaching ranks, and now she’s shaping a winning culture at one of the South’s most respected programs.

In this episode of SportsLifeTalk’s You Got Next, Coach Merkerson shares her journey — from her early days as a neighborhood hooper, to her time as an assistant at her alma mater, to returning to Valdosta State and ultimately taking over the program as head coach.

Inside, we cover:

• How her playing career at UNF prepared her to lead with empathy and fire

• The lessons she’s learned in her first seasons as a head coach

• Why building strong relationships is the cornerstone of her program

• Recruiting talent from across the country and establishing Valdosta State as a national contender

• Her bold vision for a championship legacy and what it means to “expect to win every year”

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Merkerson’s leadership is about inspiration. Whether it’s her energy on the sidelines, her ability to connect with players on a personal level, or her relentless drive to succeed, she’s building more than a team — she’s building a culture.

🎙 Tap in now to hear how Coach Chandler Merkerson is leading Valdosta State to new heights, what she’s learned on her coaching journey, and why she believes a national championship is within reach.